Israeli & Palestinian Women Resolving Conflict

Last Friday (11th November 2011) MCEC hosted a women’s event jointly with Islamic Society of Britain, One Voice and The Bereaved families forum (UK FBFF) the latter two being peace groups based in Palestine and Israel working with real people on ground who have been severely affected by the conflict on both sides.
Our guest speakers came over from the Holy Lands to share their experiences with us and to give us a glimpse of the type of work they are engaged in. They explained how they intended to reach out to one another, and how it’s gone beyond just taking sides. They are tired. They want to work with each other to find a solution with or without the politicians. Two generations stood in solidarity, delivering a powerful message of hope. Shir an Israeli youth worker and Thuraya a Palestinian engineering graduate, both in their 20’s and both  from One Voice, spoke about how they had each experienced the horrors of the conflict and were determined to find a solution through working with the youth. The first step, they explained, is to get each side to understand the plight of the other and to then create youth leaders who will be active in promoting a peaceful two state solution.
Getting people to understanding the plight of the other was the work of Seham and Robbi who had lost a close member of their family. Seham, her younger brother Yusef and Robbi, her son David. On paper, both are from opposing worlds but in the room there wasn’t a woman who did not pick up on their camaraderie. Their friendship was very real and touching. They work tirelessly together to bring the message of peace and reconciliation to their people and the entire world. Progress is slowly being made, with 600 members from both sides and 1000’s of school visits a year in Palestine and Israel. However, more work still needs to be done; fortunately all four women show no signs of giving up anytime soon. They were truly inspirational, empowering and gave everyone that evening a belief that things can change regardless of the hardships a human being can face.Their motivation was powered through their loss and a realisation that the vicious circle of blood shed must end for the sakes of both Israelis and Palestinians. A quote from Robbi Damelin, “Their pain is the same as mine and their tears are the same colour.” Refering to the Palestinian mothers who had lost their sons like she had.
UKFBFF also screened a short film from their campaign “Blood Relations”  a campaign led by Saatchi and Saatchi. The idea is that each side donates their blood to one another. The slogan, “Could you hurt someone who has your blood running through their veins?”
The short film was very moving and they are urging everyone to get involved in the campaign and donate blood.

Show your support:
http://www.bloodrelations.org/
http://www.bloodrelations.org/#Blood_Donation
Lastly we ended with great food, a must for all interfaith/peace events!