‘It looks dire but I’m hopeful’: Jewish and Arab coexistence activists respond to the violence in Israel’s streets May 13, 2021 2:20 pm Three women walk in a demonstration for coexistence in northern Israel on May 11, 2021. The sign in the middle says "Love your neighbor as yourself." (Jalaa Marey/AFP) Advertisement (JTA) — This has not been an easy week for Lama Abuarqoub, a Palestinian from the West Bank who has worked for years to build understanding between Israelis and Palestinians. A teacher and mother of five, Abuarqoub speaks regularly with Jews through Encounter, a group that brings Jewish Americans on tours of the West Bank to meet Palestinians. She also been active in efforts to bring Jewish and Palestinian women together to push for peaceful coexistence.