HOLDING ON TO HUMANITY – BEREAVED ISRAELIS & PALESTINIANS FOR PEACE

In a region torn by conflict, the Parents Circle – Families Forum (PCFF) dares to imagine a shared future built on understanding and compassion. This joint Israeli-Palestinian group of more than 800 bereaved families has endured unimaginable loss; their common bond is that they have lost a close family member to the conflict. Yet they refuse to assign blame or seek revenge, choosing instead a path of reconciliation, coexistence and dialogue. Through their educational activities, these bereaved members have joined tens of thousands of Palestinians and Israelis on journeys of reconciliation. It is often raw and always emotional. But out of these interactions comes change. Not the kind of change that makes headlines, but a more personal and profound shift in perspective.

Hear their stories of loss, of reconciliation, and of hope, and to learn more about the Parents Circle’s transformative peace activities.  

MOR YNON is based in Tel Aviv. On October 7, 2023, her parents, Belha and Yaakov, were killed in their home in Moshav Netiv Ha’Asara by Hamas. The pain of losing them was a wake-up call and a reminder to pursue peace with a commitment to equality, justice, and security for everyone. Mor worked in global high-tech for 25 years, developing strategies and performance measures. Today she serves as the Israeli co-Chair of the Parents Circle Board. 

LAYLA ALSHEIKH lives in Bethlehem in the West Bank. In 2002, her 6 months old son, Qussay, became ill and Israeli soldiers prevented Layla from taking him to the hospital for more than five hours. Qussay soon died from the lack of timely treatment. Layla joined the Parents Circle in 2016. Following her son’s death, she never thought of revenge, but rather has devoted her time and energy to ensuring a better, more peaceful future for her children.

Our community partners for this program are: American Friends of the Parents Circle Families Forum, The Kitchen, New Israel Fund, Sha’ar Zahav, Congregation Sherith Israel, Congregation Beth Sholom, the Interfaith Center at the Presidio, Congregation Emanu-El, J Street, and Friends of Standing Together.

All seating is first come, first served.

Questions? Email [email protected]