US Servas | Key Person Workshop Report

UN Reports |

Spring 2003 II

US Servas Arab-American Peace Initiative: Come to Morocco!

By Sharon L. Wallenberg, Main US Servas UN Rep

The wake of the September 11, 2001 tragedy has produced another tragedy – anti-Arab feelings among many Americans. Although the fear and anger are understandable, we cannot blame all Arabs or all Muslims for the actions of a few. “We all share the same planet”, said Mohamed Bellattrir, a native of Morocco, at the eighth annual Servas New Years Day party hosted by Martha and Marvin Usdin at their Park Slope, Brooklyn home.

The best way to build a Culture of Peace is through tourism. This is a predominant United Nations theme and one that Mohamed believes and advocates. Morocco is a peaceful, safe, friendly Arab country anxious to welcome American visitors. Mohamed is convinced that a visit to Morocco will enlighten you to the true nature of Arabs, charming, hospitable, friendly and caring.

Mohamed has offered to personally update the Morocco host list, which will be made available through the New York Servas office. He assures us that there are lots of English speaking families who look forward to hosting Americans. If you have any questions about Morocco, or would like personal assistance in choosing a host, or planning your itinerary, Mohamed has offered to help. He invites you to contact him directly at Peace4allWorld@hotmail.com.

We all know the “Kasbah” from the Humphrey Bogart movie “Casablanca”. Did you also know there are many other interesting places to see and things to do in Morocco? The palms, the vaulted azure sky, the sandy kasbahs, and snow-white peaks, all add to Morocco’s charm. You can sip mint tea in palm-dappled shade in tiled courtyards, bargain for carpets and slippers in cacophonous souks, discover mud castle Kasbahs, see untouched mountain villages, blue and white towns, marvelous beaches, and pristine ancient ruins. You can experience a sand storm in an oasis, watch the sun rise over a perfect dune, take a twisting, turning drive along a precipitous road from the heights of the High Atlas.

FEZ, the spiritual capital of Morocco, is a bewitching collection of age-old bazaars and souks. Around every sharp turn another souk appears: the brass souk, the slipper souk, the embroidery souk, the leather souk, the carpet souk. MARRAKESH is where Africa meets Arabia in a vibrant, intoxicating, red-earth oasis city. People fall instantly in love with Marrakesh! The movie, “Harem” staring Ben Kingsley was filmed in the Palais el Bahiaothe, the loveliest of Marrakesh’ palaces. TANGIER has beaches on the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts and the Straights of Gilbraltar. In its 1920’s heyday it was the favored hideaway of wealthy expatriots, and favorite muse of writers, painters, and dreamers. Artists still sit in smoke filled cafes watching the exotic commotion. The potpourri of charms – cloudless sky, sea air, splendid light and color, – give the city of dreams its eternal allure.

According to another guest at the New Years Day party, a middle-aged Israeli woman visited an Arab family in London and it changed her life forever. Don’t miss this opportunity for both a fabulous adventure and a heart changing experience. Make your plans today!

For more information about US Servas' UN activities or to get involved, contact the main US Servas UN Rep, Sharon Wallenberg at sharonw77@hotmail.com.


UN Reports \| Spring 2003 II US Servas Arab-American Peace Initiative: Come to Morocco! By Sharon L. Wallenberg, Main US Servas UN Rep The wake of the September 11, 2001 tragedy has produced another tragedy – anti-Arab feelings among many Americans. Although the fear and anger are understandable, we cannot blame all Arabs or all Muslims for the actions of a few. “We all share the same planet”, said Mohamed Bellattrir, a native of Morocco, at the eighth annual Servas New Years Day party hosted by Martha and Marvin Usdin at their Park Slope, Brooklyn home. The best way to build a Culture of Peace is through tourism. This is a predominant United Nations theme and one that Mohamed believes and advocates. Morocco is a peaceful, safe, friendly Arab country anxious to welcome American visitors. Mohamed is convinced that a visit to Morocco will enlighten you to the true nature of Arabs, charming, hospitable, friendly and caring. Mohamed has offered to personally update the Morocco host list, which will be made available through the New York Servas office. He assures us that there are lots of English speaking families who look forward to hosting Americans. If you have any questions about Morocco, or would like personal assistance in choosing a host, or planning your itinerary, Mohamed has offered to help. He invites you to contact him directly at Peace4allWorld@hotmail.com. We all know the “Kasbah” from the Humphrey Bogart movie “Casablanca”. Did you also know there are many other interesting places to see and things to do in Morocco? The palms, the vaulted azure sky, the sandy kasbahs, and snow-white peaks, all add to Morocco’s charm. You can sip mint tea in palm-dappled shade in tiled courtyards, bargain for carpets and slippers in cacophonous souks, discover mud castle Kasbahs, see untouched mountain villages, blue and white towns, marvelous beaches, and pristine ancient ruins. You can experience a sand storm in an oasis, watch the sun rise over a perfect dune, take a twisting, turning drive along a precipitous road from the heights of the High Atlas. FEZ, the spiritual capital of Morocco, is a bewitching collection of age-old bazaars and souks. Around every sharp turn another souk appears: the brass souk, the slipper souk, the embroidery souk, the leather souk, the carpet souk. MARRAKESH is where Africa meets Arabia in a vibrant, intoxicating, red-earth oasis city. People fall instantly in love with Marrakesh! The movie, “Harem” staring Ben Kingsley was filmed in the Palais el Bahiaothe, the loveliest of Marrakesh’ palaces. TANGIER has beaches on the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts and the Straights of Gilbraltar. In its 1920’s heyday it was the favored hideaway of wealthy expatriots, and favorite muse of writers, painters, and dreamers. Artists still sit in smoke filled cafes watching the exotic commotion. The potpourri of charms – cloudless sky, sea air, splendid light and color, – give the city of dreams its eternal allure. According to another guest at the New Years Day party, a middle-aged Israeli woman visited an Arab family in London and it changed her life forever. Don’t miss this opportunity for both a fabulous adventure and a heart changing experience. Make your plans today! For more information about US Servas' UN activities or to get involved, contact the main US Servas UN Rep, Sharon Wallenberg at sharonw77@hotmail.com.
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