For U.S. Students, Mideast Conflict Hits Home

By Michelle R. Davis

Wyncote, Pa.

Almost two weeks into the latest and most intense round of military action between Israelis and Palestinians in years, and just a day after yet another suicide bomber killed eight Israelis, four Cheltenham High School students are talking about the Middle East.

Two are Jewish; two come from Muslim families. All four are articulate, intelligent students well-informed on the seemingly intractable conflict. They talk about how difficult it is to discuss the subject with their peers.

"I don't get into it a lot with people unless they share my views. Otherwise, it's a mess," says Saudi Arabian-born...