What’s New

Within the Eye of the Storm Film Discussion


Within the Eye of the Storm: Film Discussion with Rami Elhanan, Bassam Aramin, and Shelley Hermon Monday, July 13, 2020 View film here: English subtitles ترجمة عربية / כתוביות בעברית Discussion participants Shelley Hermon Director Bassam Aramin Bereaved Palestinian father Parents Circle member Film subject Rami Elhanan Bereaved Israeli father Parents Circle member Film subject … Continue reading Within the Eye of the Storm Film Discussion

The most powerful weapon against hate


Two murders this week. Different cultures and different worlds. And yet the pain generated by both unites us all. The murders of African-American, George Floyd and Palestinian, Iyad el-Hallak, while thousands of miles away from each other, are the result of the same societal sickness: dehumanization. The bereaved members of the Parents Circle know this sickness … Continue reading The most powerful weapon against hate

Our Tears Are the Same: Webinar with Layla Alsheikh and Robi Damelin


Layla is Palestinian. Robi is Israeli. They are both mothers. Both have lost a child to the conflict in Israel and Palestine, but both have made the unique choice to seek peace and reconciliation, rather than revenge and hatred. Speakers: Layla Alsheikh Bereaved Palestinian mother Parents Circle – Families Forum Layla lives in Bethlehem in … Continue reading Our Tears Are the Same: Webinar with Layla Alsheikh and Robi Damelin

The Forward: Israelis and Palestinians mourn our losses together on Yom Hazikaron


by Shiri Ourian Executive DirectorAmerican Friends of the Parents Circle Fighting dangerous pathogens that rip through societies is not new to joint Israeli-Palestinian organizations like the Parents Circle-Families Forum and Combatants for Peace. Fear, hatred, and dehumanization, like viruses, are invisible. They are often asymptomatic in many and lead to senseless fatalities in others. COVID-19 and fear, … Continue reading The Forward: Israelis and Palestinians mourn our losses together on Yom Hazikaron

200,000 people stood for peace yesterday


Last night, the Combatants for Peace and the Parents Circle held the largest joint Israeli and Palestinian peace event in history. Over 200,000 people joined from all over the world to show that war is not inevitable and that the pain is the same on both sides.

Breaking Barriers Online


My name is Mohammad Albaw. My brother, Firas, was killed in 2002 by an Israeli soldier at a checkpoint. Today, despite the pain of losing my dear brother and friend, I am a member of the Parents Circle – Families Forum. Last week we held our first Dialogue Meeting by Zoom. I facilitated the meeting … Continue reading Breaking Barriers Online

Apeirogon Webinar Part 2: Discussion with Rami Elhanan and Bassam Aramin


Friday, April 17th at 12:30 PM EST A discussion with Rami Elhanan and Bassam Aramin, bereaved Israeli and Palestinian fathers, Parents Circle Co-Directors, and the heroes of Colum McCann’s latest novel, Apeirogon. Colum joined us for Q&A. This is part two of our 2-part webinar series on Apeirogon. View the recording for the first part, … Continue reading Apeirogon Webinar Part 2: Discussion with Rami Elhanan and Bassam Aramin

Thoughts on COVID-19 and peacebuilding


by Robi Damelin Bereaved Israeli mother Parents Circle – Families Forum  Dear friends, Sitting here after three weeks of lockdown,  I have had a chance to ruminate and feel so grateful for your support and friendship.  Without you, the struggle we have at the Parents Circle – Families Forum towards reconciliation and non-violence would not have been possible. … Continue reading Thoughts on COVID-19 and peacebuilding