American Friends of the Parents Circle invite you to a Dialogue Meeting with bereaved Israeli mother, Robi Damelin, and bereaved Palestinian mother, Laila Alsheikh.
Join us to hear their stories of loss, of reconciliation, and of hope. You will also have the opportunity to learn more about the Parents Circle’s transformative peace and reconciliation activities.
Co-sponsored with Interfaith America, Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago, Mishkan Chicago, Chicago Sinai Congregation, and Muslim Community Center Chicago.
Laila 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. Laila 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.
Robi Damelin, spokesperson and director of International Relations for the Parents Circle – Families Forum joined the organization after her son was killed by a Palestinian Sniper. All her work on the ground both in Palestine and Israel and internationally is geared towards non-violence and reconciliation as a means to end the occupation. Robi was named as a 2015 Woman of Impact by Women in the World. She regularly contributes to media outlets in Israel and abroad. Robi was invited to brief the Security Council at the United Nations in May, 2022.