OTISFIELD (AP) – The Seeds of Peace camp opened its 15th season Wednesday during a time of continuing turmoil in the Middle East.

The first three-week session brings together Israelis and Palestinians from the West Bank, as well as teens from Jordan, Egypt, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and the U.S. Several Palestinians from Gaza who were scheduled to attend were unable to make it because of military strife in their homeland, said camp spokeswoman Mandy Terc.

Each delegation sang its national anthem during the opening ceremony, which concluded with the Seeds of Peace anthem and the raising of the Seeds of Peace flag.

Since its founding in 1993, more than 3,500 teenagers have attended the 67-acre lakeside camp in the Maine woods. The camp has focused on bringing together Israeli and Arab teens in a summer camp setting in hopes of moving beyond deep-rooted hatreds, and has expanded its reach over the years to bring together teenagers from other trouble spots.

The first session with 150 teenagers runs through July 17. The second session runs from July 23-Aug. 14 and will have only Arab and Israeli campers.

This is the first camp season since the retirement of Tim Wilson, who the director from 1993 through last year. Wilson, who gave the opening address at Wednesday’s ceremony, remains with the camp as a special adviser.

The new director, Leslie Lewin, was an assistant director under Wilson.

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On the Net:

Seeds of Peace: www.seedsofpeace.org