Josh Hough is headed to the Middle East to work as a peacemaker in the ongoing conflict between Palestinians and Israelis.

Hough is a 1994 graduate of Crescent Valley High School in Corvallis. He attended Oregon State University and graduated from the University of Oregon in 2000. He worked for five years in Albany with the Linn-Benton-Lincoln Educational Service District doing Web site development and technology training.

He's given up his 9-to-5 job for a chance to be part of a peace-making team in the Middle East, working in the area of Hebron.

Last fall, Hough went to the West Bank to see for himself the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, and decided he wanted to get involved full time in promoting peace in the region.

Earlier this year, Hough studied Arabic in Syria, returning to the U.S. in time for training with Christian Peacemaker Teams. The organization was founded in 1984 and focuses on reducing violence and protecting human rights in regions with conflict.

On Sept. 12, Hough will leave for three months to work in Hebron.

"We're trying to help make people's lives easier," he said of the work he'll be doing.

Hough will live among Palestinians in a house with about four or five other CPT volunteers. They will sleep on the floor and use a gas stove for cooking.

During the day, Hough said he and the other CPT volunteers will act as watchdogs, looking over Palestinian children going to school and farmers trying to get to their fields without being attacked by Israelis.

Hough said some of the children are so scared of the Israelis that they won't go to school, and the CPT volunteers who meet them on the road provide a sense of security for them.

The volunteers will work with Israelis who are involved in a growing peace movement.

The CPT volunteers, all identified by a red hat, will get involved in conversations and try to help people resolve issues peacefully.

Asked why he's gotten involved in what's happening in the Middle East, Hough said he doesn't know except that "it's pulled me inexplicably and mysteriously."

He also said he has become involved because he doesn't believe that the U.S. is on the right side.

"If you're going to work for peace, you have to be on a side," he said. "Peacemakers have to be biased."

They should be for the underdog and the one with less power, he said.

Hough does acknowledge that Palestinians have done things such as suicide bombings and rocket attacks in the conflict, but says the Israeli military is far greater.

Hough is working with CPT on a volunteer basis. Anyone who wants to help him with finances can call him at 760-8047. Checks can also be written to Christian Peacemaker Teams, P.O. Box 6508, Chicago IL 60680-6508. Write Josh Hough on the memo line.

To see some of Hough's photos and read about his travels, go to www.flickr.com/photos/joshhough.

FUND-RAISER

What: Fund-raiser for Josh Hough, a Corvallis native, who will travel to the Middle East with Christian Peacemaker Teams.

When: 6:30 p.m. today.

Where: Friends Meeting House, 3311 N.W. Polk Ave., Corvallis.

Features: Middle Eastern food and Arabic coffee. Hough will present a slide show and speak.

Information: 766-8229.