Arab, Israeli villagers forge haven of coexistence

NEVE SHALOM/WAHAT AL-SALAM, Israel - A broad grin crossed Lior Shalem's boyish face as he drove up the long, winding road leading into this picturesque village and made a turn toward the plot of land where his house will be built.

Here, he and his wife will have Jewish and Arab neighbors. They will hear Arabic on the street as much as Hebrew. And his 14-month-old daughter will go to school with Jewish and Arab children.