As the war between Israel and Hamas continues and threatens spillover to other areas in the region, hear from bereaved Israelis and Palestinians who remain committed to peace, reconciliation, and a path forward based on empathy and honoring the humanity of all. Robi Damelin and Mohamed Abu Jafar, bereaved members of The Parents Circle–Families Forum (PCFF), share the devastating common bond of having lost a close family member to the long-standing conflict. In a conversation moderated by Rabbi Nora Feinstein, they’ll share their own stories that transcend history and politics to shed light on the human cost of violence.

Robi Damelin is the Israeli spokesperson of PCFF. 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 and selected by the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice as one of four Women PeaceMakers.

Mohamed Abu Jafar lives in Jenin, in the West Bank, Palestine. In 2002, his 16-year-old brother was shot and killed by Israeli soldiers, injuring 10 others and preventing others from aiding Mohamed’s brother. This tragedy led Mohamed to study nursing. Today, he works as a Quality Manager at the Palestinian Ministry of Health. He has taken part in the Parents Circle’s Young Ambassadors for Peace Program, and is a facilitator and manager for the organization’s Youth Summer Camp.