A WOMAN from Weymouth is campaigning for peace in Israel.

Barbara Cohen, of Rodwell, said: "We read all the time in newspapers about the bad news of Jews and Palestinians killing each other, but when I go there I find so many ordinary Jews and Arabs are working together for peace.

"Politicians may profit from keeping conflict going but ordinary people just want peace. It's very hopeful."

Ms Cohen, 59, has visited relatives in the country three times in the past five years and each time she interviews people involved in peace initiatives and compiles information for talks back in Weymouth.

She said: "It's great to go out there, and anyone who does like I have will feel very inspired."

On this visit she met up with Eliyahu McLean of the Jerusalem Peacemakers which organises initiatives such as The Big Hug - where people from all backgrounds hold hands around the old city of Jerusalem.

As a Jewish Buddhist, Ms Cohen said she feels strongly that there should be a state of Israel and also a state of Palestine - both deserve to exist. She travels to Israel as a signatory of the British Shalom Salaam Trust - a charity which supports grass-roots peace initiatives in Israel and Palestine, and passes on information to those who could benefit from it.

Ms Cohen is also against the hard attitude of the Israeli government towards Palestinians.

She said: "There's an awful lot of suffering particularly due to the separation wall and because Palestinians are being treated very badly."

On her second visit to a refugee camp in Bethlehem on the West Bank Ms Cohen said the conditions were still hard but she found a cultural theatre group for young people had moved to bigger premises.

She also went to The Hope Flowers School in Bethlehem and a village set up by a Catholic priest 70 years ago called Neve Shalom - Wahat al-Salam - meaning the Oasis of Peace.

Her visit also coincided with the Holocaust Remembrance Day and the 60th anniversary celebrations of the Independence of the Foundation of the State of Israel, which also marks the anniversary of Al Naqba, 'the tragedy' for Palestinians whose country was taken away from them.

Anyone wishing to organise a group talk by Ms Cohen can call 01305 786821.