Parents’ Circle – Families Forum of Israeli and Palestinian bereaved families was founded in 1995. The Families’ Forum members have all lost a close relative due to the ongoing violence in the Middle East. Since its founding, the Families Forum has promoted reconciliation as an alternative to hatred and revenge which have been the prevailing responses of Palestinians and Israelis to the ongoing violence in the region.

The Rex Foundation Bill Graham Award is supporting the Parents’ Circle programs that specifically involve young people:

The Hello Shalom, Hello Salaam project has succeeded in establishing routes of personal, direct contact between Israelis and Palestinians through telephone calls. By increasing the communication between Israeli and Palestinians both sides will become aware of the rival side’s suffering, enhancing empathy and reducing the level of hatred.

The High School Lecture series has proven to be a highly effective tool introducing youth to notions of tolerance and compromise as a means to solving the conflict. Through personal stories of the Families Forum’s members, who have all lost a close relative due to the ongoing violence in the Middle East, the lectures demonstrate the possible of choosing reconciliation over revenge.

Contact:
Gon Kafri
Director of Development
Parents’ Circle
212-509-2407