As we celebrate Hanukkah, I want to share with you a story of darkness and light.
The darkness is the alarming reality taking shape in Israel. And I’m not taking only about the next government and the erosion of democracy. The darkness is emboldened, radical parents and students who shouted “death to terrorists” in front of Hof Hasharon public school, in Israel’s center, and rallied against our Dialogue Meeting last week. The darkness is the brutal and intense harassment aimed mostly at the school and its administrators.
The light comes in the form of the bereaved Palestinian and Israeli members who snuck into the school through a back door. They did not give up despite threats of violence and hateful slurs.
The light comes in the form of Israeli member Anat Marnin, who lost two brothers in the Yom Kippur War. She facilitated one of the meetings at the school.
“Today we arrived again, a delegation of four Palestinians and four Israelis from the Parents Circle. My colleague Ibrahim and I met students who wanted to listen to us, and we held a constructive dialogue with them, gave them space to express criticism and empathy. They posed intelligent questions to us and their classmates, all with mutual respect. I want to take this opportunity to thank the school’s teaching staff for what they have done.”
Anat Marnin, bereaved Israeli sister
The light especially comes in the shape of Mohammed Albaw, a Palestinian member who lost his brother:
“Despite the difficulties around this meeting, with demonstrators outside the doors of the school, we met students who wanted to talk with us and expressed appreciation for what we do in the Parents Circle. This all increases our hope and strengthens us to continue to hold Dialogue Meetings, to create a space oriented towards dialogue, knowing each other, and increasing communication between the two sides, Israeli and Palestinian.”
Mohammad Albaw, bereaved Palestinian brother
Support Dialogue Meetings in Israeli high schools today. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of Palestinians and Israelis in the darkness of the harsh reality.
In peace,
Shiri Ourian
Executive Director
American Friends of the Parents Circle – Families Forum
Support Peace Education Programs for Youth
To donate by check, please mail to:
American Friends of the Parents Circle
4 E 95th St 5C
New York, NY 10128
To donate by check, please mail to:
American Friends of the Parents Circle
4 E 95th St 5C
New York, NY 10128