Jan 14
The Parents Circle: Voices of Israel and Palestine
A series of presentations and facilitated dialogues will take place in January and February in partnership with the Parents Circle – Families Forum (PCFF), a joint Israeli-Palestinian organization formed in 1995 of over 600 families, all of whom have lost an immediate family member to the ongoing conflict. The group advocates for a process of reconciliation between nations as a prerequisite to achieving a sustainable peace.
During this opening presentation, the speakers will share why they joined the PCFF and its impact on their lives, and will engage in a Q&A with attendees to share and listen to multiple perspectives on the Israel-Palestine conflict. This event is held in person, with the speakers joining via Zoom.
Register here.
SPEAKERS (Updated)
Laila AlSheikh lives in Bethlehem in the West Bank. She studied Accounting and Business Administration. 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.
Robi Damelin, spokesperson and director of international relations for the PCFF, 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 toward non-violence and reconciliation as a means to end the occupation. Robi was named 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 United Nations Security Council in May 2022.