Rami, Palestine

« I want to begin this reflection from the very start—the moment I first learned about MED25. I discovered the program through my workplace, Bethlehem University, where I was chosen as one of the candidates to apply. At first, I felt happy and excited, but as I started thinking more deeply, many questions and doubts surfaced in my mind:

• What does it truly mean to sleep for eight days on a boat with strangers?
• Can we genuinely build peace across the Mediterranean?
• How will this experience affect me?

These questions swirled in my mind, making me question if I was truly ready. Everything changed, however, after we met Father Alexis. His explanation of MED25’s purpose, its vision, and the dream of building peace in the Mediterranean left me feeling incredibly happy, inspired, and full of curiosity. From that moment, I knew I wanted to be part of this journey.

Allow me to introduce myself: I’m Rami Lama, 24 years old, from the City of Peace—yet also the wounded city of Bethlehem, Palestine. For many years, true peace has eluded us there; war after war has shaped our daily lives. This is precisely why programs like MED25 are so profoundly important to me. They offer a much-needed beacon of hope, reminding us that peace is still possible.

I specifically chose the third session—Women in the Mediterranean—because I believe women’s voices are essential in building a more just and peaceful world. It was a topic I felt deeply drawn to, and I wanted to listen, learn, and understand more deeply the experiences and challenges faced by women across our region.

The Journey Begins in Malta

On April 24th, exhausted from a long day of travel, I arrived in Malta and headed to Ain Tuffaha beach. Most of the group was already there, and the moment I saw them, my fatigue vanished, replaced by a surge of energy and excitement. It was my first time meeting so many international people from across the Mediterranean in one place. That immediate feeling of connection, openness, and shared purpose was unforgettable. From that moment, I knew my personal journey of building peace had truly begun.

We spent three full days in Malta with a packed program, from early morning to late night. We visited beautiful sites, learning about Malta’s rich history, architecture, and its people. Three things touched me deeply during this time:

• Our meeting with refugee women: One particular story, that of a woman from Libya who came to Malta with her family, remains vividly in my mind. She navigated immense challenges—from religion and language barriers to financial struggles and raising her children—yet, step by step, she overcame them all, becoming a true success story. Her resilience made me ponder: if we were truly one large community around the Mediterranean, could the migration crisis cease? Would people stop perishing at sea?
• The women’s conference: This event truly opened my eyes to the many diverse issues women face across the Mediterranean. The discussions were honest, powerful, and incredibly informative.
• Interfaith dialogue: We visited both churches and mosques, engaging in open conversations about religion. We explored the deep connections between different faiths and shared values.

Throughout our time in Malta, a strong bond grew among us—20 people from all around the Mediterranean. It wasn’t about culture, religion, or nationality. What united us was something much deeper: our shared humanity and the enduring presence of the Mediterranean Sea.

Life Aboard the ‘Bel Espoir’

After our time in Malta, we embarked on an unforgettable eight-day journey aboard the sailing boat « Bel Espoir, » navigating the waters from Malta to Crete. We relied solely on the wind, sometimes waiting patiently for it to guide us. Aboard were 20 young participants, 10 crewmembers, and two dedicated leaders, creating a dynamic community of 32 people living in close quarters. There is so much to say about this experience, but I’ll summarize it by highlighting four key points.

A New Family at Sea

First, the connections forged among us quickly transformed into a deep sense of family. Despite the initial challenges—I experienced seasickness, for example—I felt completely at home. Everyone constantly checked on me, asking if I was okay, and their genuine care touched me deeply.

The Power of Team Time

Second, our daily « team time » was a highlight. We broke into smaller groups to discuss diverse topics, sharing our experiences and cultures. Even with my seasickness, I always eagerly anticipated these sessions. I believe the entire group felt the same, as we often extended our discussions beyond the assigned topics, delving into new and fascinating conversations.

Sharing, Culture, and Collaboration

Third, the spirit of sharing food, culture, and working together became a central part of our daily life on the boat. We were divided into groups, each assigned daily tasks like preparing meals. I was particularly excited to cook Maqluba, a traditional Palestinian dish (often called « upside down rice »), for the entire group, and it brought me immense joy when everyone loved it. Cooking and inviting people to share a meal is a deeply meaningful part of my personality. Other tasks, like serving, cleaning, and washing dishes, also became surprisingly fun. We often found ourselves singing and dancing, simply enjoying the moments together.

Beyond the chores, everyone eagerly shared their traditional foods. We danced together, even wearing traditional clothes, and learned each other’s folk dances. We had an incredible amount of fun. There were so many unforgettable moments, especially our lively games of « Mafia, » where I somehow always ended up being « the voice of truth. »

A Glimpse of Peace Beyond the Boat

Fourth, we had a small adventure during our brief stop in Crete. Some of us decided to explore, leaving the boat to climb a mountain and visit a beautiful Blue Lagoon beach. It was a truly lovely moment, where we looked out for each other and shared the beauty of the island.

But something else, even more profound, touched me deeply during this short trip. I met a family from Denmark and began telling them about MED25 and our shared dream of building peace in the Mediterranean. The man was visibly surprised, and his words still echo in my mind: « I hope all people think like you so we can live in peace. » This encounter was a powerful reminder that the desire for peace transcends borders and that our efforts, however small they may seem, can inspire hope in others.

Three Days in Chania: Sharing Our Seed of Peace

After eight transformative days on the « Bel Espoir, » we arrived in Chania, Crete. We didn’t just enter this city; we entered with a profound shift in perspective, a seed of peace planted deeply in our hearts, and eyes newly opened to the world around us. We also carried a tremendous amount of love, ready to share with the people we met.

Our time in Chania was filled with a powerful sense of unity—a strength I believe no one could stop. It was the power of an international family. In the middle of Chania, we organized an event where everyone contributed. For my part, I sang a Palestinian song, marking my first time singing solo, which was a memorable experience. Others performed dances, and finally, we all danced together. It was an unforgettable moment; we truly were the party that evening!

The End of the Beginning

In the end, saying goodbye was incredibly difficult. It was the hardest, most emotional moment, with eyes filled with tears as this newfound family separated. But I am sure that one day, we will reunite and embark on new experiences together. Because this wasn’t the end; it was only the end of the beginning.

My Days After MED25: Sowing New Seeds of Peace

Now, I’m back in Bethlehem, eager to share my experiences and the profound impact of MED25 with everyone I meet. What’s next? I already have plans in motion. I’m waiting for my colleagues from Bethlehem University, who will be participating in the upcoming session. Together, we intend to begin building peace by planting new seeds of hope and understanding among Bethlehem University students. »

Rami