Shared Grief, Shared Hope: Voices from Israel and Palestine

The Parents Circle – Families Forum (PCFF) is a joint Israeli-Palestinian organization of over 600 families, all of whom have lost an immediate family member to the ongoing conflict. Join Robi Damelin and Layla Alsheikh, PCFF’s bereaved members, as they share their stories of loss in connection with their unique choice of reconciliation. Witness and participate in a discussion on the human side of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. Explore how and why relationship building, mutual understanding across difference and a reconciliation framework are their approach to a sustainable peace agreement.

Due to current travel restrictions, Layla Alsheikh, a resident of Bethlehem, is currently unable to access the Tel Aviv airport and is therefore not able to join us in person. We will welcome Robi Damelin in person at the JCCSF and arrange for Layla to use video-conferencing technology.

Robi Damelin is the Israeli spokesperson of the Parents Circle. Her son, David, was killed by a Palestinian sniper in 2002 while guarding a checkpoint during his army reserve service. Robi was named a 2015 Woman of Impact by Women in the World. Robi was selected by the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice as one of four Women PeaceMakers. She is the protagonist featured in the documentary, One Day after Peace. Robi was invited to brief the Security Council at the United Nations in May 2022.

Layla Alsheikh lives in Bethlehem in the West Bank. In 2002, her 6-month-old son, Qussay, became ill. 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.

Special Thanks to our Event Partners

American Friends of the Parents Circle – Families Forum

New Israel Fund