Thursday, May 07, 2009

The courage to talk to the other side

Last year, I met the amazing Robi Damelin. Robi is in London on Friday and appearing at Regent's Park Mosque. If you can make this, I strongly urge you to go along, it's free and all are welcome .

The City Circle is pleased to support the following event this week.
Women Without Borders and SAVE (Sisters Against Violent Extremism) invite you to:
THE COURAGE TO TALK TO THE OTHER SIDE
Speakers: Robi Damelin (Israel), Ali Abu Awwad (Palestine) plus film showing: Encounter Point
Venue: Regent's Park Mosque, 146 Park Road, London NW8 7RG (nearest tube: Baker St.)
Time/Date: 6-8pm, Friday 8th May 2009 insha'Allah (God-willing)
Robi Damelin and Ali Abu Awwad from the Parents' Circle - Families Forum, Bereaved Palestinian and Israeli families for Reconciliation and Peace represent the voices of civil society, who seek to strengthen the sense of belonging instead of seeking revenge in the face of a climate of fear and paranoia.

In this highly-charged and heavily-armed climate, they challenge the legitimacy of violence on both sides. They are determined to confront the enemies with constructive dialogue: to listen, negotiate, understand the often-deadly anger and despair.

Together, and with many others, Robi and Ali advocate peace and reconciliation and stand for hope in this long-lasting conflict of their two peoples.

Robi Damelin's son was killed by a Palestinian sniper while serving as a military reservist in Palestinian territories.

Ali Abu Awwad's brother was shot and killed by an Israeli soldier at a checkpoint at the entrance to their village.

There will also be the showing of "Encounter Point," a documentary film that tells the story of an Israeli settler, a convicted Palestinian fighter, a bereaved Israeli mother and a wounded Palestinian ex-prisoner who sacrificed their safety, public standing, communities and homes in order to press for a grassroots movement for peace between their two peoples.

This event is organised by Women Without Borders and SAVE (Sisters Against Violent Extremism), and supported by the City Circle, the Israeli-Palestinian Bereaved Families Forum, and Radical Middle Way.

FREE ENTRANCE - ALL WELCOME.

For information and registration, please contact office@women-without-borders.org

Labels: , , ,

0 Comments:

Post a Comment

<< Home