Whirling Dervish: The mystical dance of the Sufis: Ora and Ihab Balha at TEDxJaffa

Ora Balha was always attracted to mysticism, and the ability of the body to be used as an instrument for spiritual communion. Trained as a dancer, Ora found her way to the Sufi path and has been whirling since 2007, in addition to teaching the art to others. Along with her husband, she also operates a coexistence center which brings together Palestinians, Israelis and Internationals, organizes conferences on nonviolence, runs an Arabic/Hebrew bilingual kindergarten in the Rudolph Steiner method, and manages an organic coop.

Ihab Balha is a Palestinian Arab who has been investigating Islam, and Sufism in particular, for many years. Trained in the Mevlevi order since 2007, he has been whirling ever since. With his wife, he is involved in many community projects, including Sulha Peace Project, as well as other efforts dedicated to reconciliation between Arabs and Jews. His main interest is to use Islam as a bridge between hearts.