What started as a mysterious attraction has developed into clear ideas about cooperation, mutual understanding, tolerance, getting to know each other, and overcoming stereotypes. Like a meeting of eyes that could create a new impression, like a vigorous handshake hoping to form a long lasting friendship, and like small talk that leads to an intelligent, deep conversation, the EuroArab project has formed its team. Taking on 20 team members they have taken the first important step towards cooperation: uniting both Arabs and Europeans as leaders for each task. As they meet, exchange handshakes and conversation, we have invited two of the team members for a cup of coffee, to sit back comfortably in their chairs and to talk about their perceptions of the grand AEGEE initiative called EuroArab project. This is an interview (in two parts) with Diana Lesko, the Project Manager, and Taha Sharif, the Content Manager for the EuroArab project.
Please, introduce yourselves!
Diana Lesko (DL): I am Diana Lesko from Hungary; I am the Project Manager of EuroArab Project.
Taha Sharif (TS): My name is Taha Sharif, Sudanese, and I am working as a Content Manager for the EuroArab Project.
What made you a part of EuroArab project?
DL: In 2010 AEGEE organized a EuroArab Case Study Trip. I read the open call for participants and without hesitation I said I had to be there. I was always interested in Arab culture and people. It was some kind of mysterious attraction. Therefore, that open call in itself – uniting Arabs and Europeans in one case study trip – was attractive. At the event, I experienced the best intercultural experience I have ever had in my life with young Palestinians, Egyptians and Europeans. A few months later, I read another open call that was recruiting new team members for the EuroArab project, and again I thought, I have got to be there. And here I am.
TS: I joined this great project for two reasons. Firstly, the rise of Far right/right wing in the political arena in Europe which could soon eliminate any political tolerance, and secondly, the rise of Islamists in Arab countries which could lead to the same result. Also, as a young Arab, living during this difficult time, I believe that I am obliged to take a positive role, to shape my future according to my generation’s needs and wishes. This should happen without any influence from older generations, as I see them contributing to the misunderstandings and the misconceptions in our world today. I know that this will not be an easy process, but I firmly believe that if we, young Arabs and Europeans, are to progress and have the future we all dream of, we need to lead by example and start working together to achieve small successes which will lead to a great success.
What made you take up the roles you have in the project? Could you describe what it means for you on a daily basis life?
DL: I was very motivated to run the whole project, to get involved in every single detail of the project and make something big out of it. Currently, I spend a lot of time with the project on daily basis after work and on weekends. Moreover, I try to spend more time learning the Arabic language, and learning about Arabic culture and politics. I learn a lot from the stories of my team. We have our EuroArab Family Facebook group where we talk about everything, not only the project but also our daily life experiences, like food, updates about our countries, and videos of our cultures. That way we also care about what’s going on with ourselves.
TS: Having this position will further develop my media skills. I believe the media has always had the loudest voice in 
helping to widen the gap between youth in both regions. It is an important responsibility that needs to be used wisely and with a great determination. Furthermore, this position has definitely sharpened my sense of the content of the media: the stated and unstated message(s) and of course its ramifications.
What are your aspirations regarding the project?
DL: My basic aspirations are reducing stereotypes and xenophobia in Europe and the Arab world, eliminating mental and physical borders between the Arab and European youth, informing them about each others’ social reality, culture and mentality in order to work together effectively and live together peacefully, and strengthen youth partnership between young Arabs and Europeans.
TS: My aspirations are to reach as many young people as possible in both regions and to make them realize how important it is to have a future built on mutual understanding and respect, tolerance, cooperation and peace.
Why is it important for Europeans and Arabs to be friends?
DL: Why wouldn’t we be friends? I think it is very important that young Europeans and Arabs get to know each other better and become friends. How is it good for us to know nothing about each other and remain ignorant? How is it good for us to remain unfriendly towards each other? We were born in the same world, and a lot of us live together in the same country. We need to be friends and allies so that we can develop great projects together and make the society a better place to live. What has prevented this so far is lack of opportunities to meet each other and learn about each other, a lack of awareness, a lack of initiatives such as our EuroArab project. In Europe, there are a lot of Arabs and they are ignored, as if they don’t exist. And even if Europeans realize they are here, they are often given a bad image.
TS: Pursuing friendship is a noble endeavor. This is how our future will flourish. However, our growing mutual interests should be taken into consideration too.
This was the first part of the interview with Diana Lesko and Taha Sharif. The second part will come soon.
Written by Agnija Kazuša, AEGEE-Ogre
Proofread by Kate Jenkins, AEGEE-Durham