While watching the bereaved African-American mothers on the stage at the Democratic Convention, I thought just how much we mothers, who have lost children, have in common, regardless of color, creed or national identity. I thought that all bereaved mothers in the world should rise up together and say, “Enough! Stop the killing. Let our … Continue reading Reconciliation Defeats Revenge

Meet Ziva Rakhamim and Khalid Juma, two participants in the Parents Circle’s Narrative Project who came to see the power in dialogue with the other side. My name is Ziva Rakhamim and I am from Or Yehuda. A flyer for the Narrative Project caught my attention and I decided to sign up even though I have … Continue reading Meet Ziva and Khalid

It has been a busy first half of the year for the Parents Circle. Here are some of our highlights: PCFF Members Retreat  Over 250 members were present at our retreat. The constant threat of the current socio-political environment in Israel and Palestine has again made it clear to us the unprecedented strength of our community. … Continue reading Parents Circle Activities

Meet Alon Simon and Raja Samana, Israeli and Palestinian members of the Parents Circle, both participants in The Narrative Project. My name is Alon Simon. I’m 34 years old, originally from Kibbutz Nitzanim, and now live in Tel Aviv. Last year I participated in the Narrative Project – a series of meetings in Beit Jala … Continue reading Meet Alon and Raja

Our social business, Taking Steps, created by our Women’s Group is a powerful way you can support our work and share our message of reconciliation. The ‘Bird of Peace’ has become our iconic symbol of reconciliation. Our Women’s Group first embroidered the symbol onto sports shoes. Women, both locally and internationally, including celebrities like Helen Mirren, … Continue reading Taking Steps on the Path of Peace

Help the Parents Circle-Families Forum spread its message of peace, reconciliation, and hope for bereaved Israelis and Palestinians! Vote for “Taking Steps” for TechSoup’s Storymakers 2016 challenge, share it on social media, and help us win $5000! Watch the video and vote here. “If I who lost a loved one to the conflict can walk … Continue reading Storymakers 2016

On May 10th, the Parents Circle-Families Forum and our friends at Combatants For Peace held the 11th Annual Israeli-Palestinian Memorial Day Ceremony. The ceremony comes to remind us that war is not an act of fate but one of human choice. On this particularly difficult day we called upon both sides to acknowledge the pain and the aspirations of those … Continue reading 2016 Israeli-Palestinian Memorial Day Ceremony

The Parents Circle approaches fostering reconciliation in many ways. We want to share with you a look at a few of our recent achievements: Second Annual Parallel Narrative Experience Alumni Conference On Friday, March 4th, 130 Palestinians and Israelis gathered at Everest Hotel in Beit Jala for the second annual Parallel Narrative Experience (PNE) Alumni Conference, … Continue reading Reconciliation News and Noteworthy

On this evening we all gather – Israelis and Palestinians – to remember the victims of violence on both sides, and to remind everyone that war is not an act of fate. The recent period in our region is a period of violence, tension and suffering for both people, and many additional families have already … Continue reading Israeli-Palestinian Memorial Day Ceremony, 10 May 2016