As the war between Israel and Hamas continues, hear from bereaved Israelis and Palestinians who remain committed to peace, reconciliation, and a path forward based on empathy and honoring the humanity of all. Robi Damelin and Mohamed Abu Jafar, bereaved members of The Parents Circle–Families Forum (PCFF), share the devastating common bond of having lost a close family member to the long-standing conflict and choosing a path of reconciliation. They will share their own stories that transcend history and politics to shed light on the human cost of violence. They will talk about how we heal and recover from the violence. 

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About the speakers

Robi Damelin is the Israeli spokesperson of PCFF. Her son, David, was killed by a Palestinian sniper in 2002 while guarding a checkpoint during his army reserve service. Robi was named a 2015 Woman of Impact by Women in the World and selected by the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice as one of four Women PeaceMakers.

Mohamed Abu Jafar lives in Jenin, in the West Bank, Palestine. In 2002, his 16-year-old brother was shot and killed by Israeli soldiers, injuring 10 others and preventing others from aiding Mohamed’s brother. This tragedy led Mohamed to study nursing. Today, he works as a Quality Manager at the Palestinian Ministry of Health. He has taken part in the Parents Circle’s Young Ambassadors for Peace Program, and is a facilitator and manager for the organization’s Youth Summer Camp.

About The Parents Circle – Families Forum

The Parents Circle – Families Forum is a joint Israeli-Palestinian organization made up of more than 700 bereaved families. Their common bond is that they have lost a close family member to the conflict. But instead of choosing revenge, they have chosen a path of reconciliation. As a joint Israeli-Palestinian peace organization, the PCFF models constructive dialogue around shared values, a commitment to peace and a way forward that centers around empathy and humanization.