Talk by: Yuval Rahamim & Wajih Tmaiza Fawzeya, Parents Circle - Families Forum
Moderation: Vered Berman
The Parents Circle - Families Forum (PCFF) is a unique organization made up of more than 750 Israeli and Palestinian bereaved families. Since its establishment, the members - all of whom have lost a family member to the conflict - have undertaken a joint effort, during ongoing violence, to transform their incredible loss and pain into a catalyst for reconciliation and peace. They choose to convert anger and revenge, helplessness, and despair, into actions of hope. PCFF is a fully joint Israeli-Palestinian organization at all levels. With more than 25 years of experience in implementing reconciliation and peace education programs in Israel and the West Bank, the organization's bereaved members speak publicly at over 300 reconciliation, dialogue and public events each year, and operate educational, public awareness, and advocacy projects that foster humanization and empathy towards the "other", both Israelis and Palestinians.
Yuval Rahamim was 8 years old when he lost his father, on the second day of the Six Day War. For years he believed that when he’d grow up, he’d avenge his father’s death, but it never came to pass. In time Yuval recognized that revenge won’t soothe his soul, rather reconciliation and the end of the conflict and the bloodshed . Yuval joined the Forum in 2010 and throughout the years took part and hosted many of the dialogue programs and meetings between Israeli and Palestinians. He also served as the Israeli chairman of the Board of Directors and was co-CEO from 2019 until 2024.
Wajih Tomeezi is from Idna in the Hebron district of Palestine. He is a businessman and owns the company "Wajeeh Tomeeze for poultry systems Co". He has 5 children, is a social activist and human rights defender. Wajeeh lost his brother, Hazem, in 1990 when he was only 13 years old. He also lost 3 of his cousins in 2001, following which he joined PCFF, including serving on the Board of Directors.
The lecture series "Civil Society Engagement In Israel/Palestine: Voices Against Hopelessness" focuses on Palestinians and Israelis who are actively committed to deescalating the violence in the region. It offers a platform for voices that remain in the shadows of the conflict and addresses solidarity, memory work and dialogue in times of violence and hopelessness. The speakers will also be available to students and colleagues for exchange in seminars and workshops. The lectures will be held in English. Questions and contributions from participants can be translated into German if required.