This
campaign supports the training of bereaved Israeli and Palestinian women to
share their stories of loss and hope so that they will be leaders in peace
building in their communities and all over the world.
We
are 600 Palestinian and Israeli bereaved families who have all lost loved ones
to a conflict that should have ended years ago.
We understand that the pain from the loss is the same for both sides and
that by using a unique voice for reconciliation, and understanding the needs of
the other, we can set an example for others to follow.
The Women's Narrative Coaching Workshop
Until now, most of the facilitators in the Parents Circle - Families Forum (PCFF) have been men. This is especially true of the Palestinians. In fact, only 30% of our facilitators are women. We think that it is time for women to be given a chance to tell their stories to a public that badly needs to hear them on both sides. We have found that the women in our group, when allowed to tell their stories have a profound impact and create an emotional breakthrough in others and a healing effect for themselves.
The Women’s Narrative Coaching Workshop will expand our capacity to bring our narratives as powerful tools in the path towards reconciliation. The trainings will teach the skills needed to cope with the difficulties and challenges of peacemakers facing hostile media, and a public steeped in stereotypes and fear.
Women, who pay the highest price of the conflict, are seldom consulted in the decision to go to war, to have a cease fire, or to sign any peace agreements. It is imperative that women’s stories be told and their voice be heard. This training will be the first step towards a greater influence.
How We'll Use the Money
Our goal is to raise $15,000 in order to professionally train 15 women over 6 months and will include:
· One-on-One narrative and storytelling coaching
· Hands-On Practicum in small, safe groups
·
Facilitation Training Techniques for maximum impact and dialogue
Impact
It has been shown that women are more competent in generating reconciliation, dialogue and empathy. Women’s voices have more influence on the community and on future generations. When women are included as meaningful participants in the peace building process, their influence leads to a lasting and just peace.
Women, on both sides of the conflict, face significant obstacles in playing a role in reconciliation. They are marginalized from issues relating to the conflict as defense, militarism and political leadership are thought of as “masculine” roles and issues. Palestinian women are slowly moving beyond traditional roles that exclude them from the public sphere and today opportunities for engaging in public discourse or matters of external relations are more open to them than in the past.
We have seen that when met with our members and programs, we see the following results:
- 77% shift their attitudes towards a more peace supportive attitude;
- 84% state they will be more active in activities supporting peace;
- 77% feel the notion of reconciliation is more viable ;
- 70% feel the experience improves their level of trust and empathy of the other side.
The Perks
To thank you for your support for this project, we are offering some exclusive perks to donors:
Pocket blessings are a powerful message in the palm of your hand - a reminder to "seek peace and pursue it.
5 Note Cards Featuring the PCFF Women's Group (4.5" x 5" ) with envelopes - send a note to a friend or loved one on cards featuring photos of members of the Women's Group in action.
Jam Session is a collection of jam and pickle recipes that emerged from the work of the 50 members of the PCFF women's group with the culinary advice of Gil Hovav and Hussam Abbas. Alongside with the recipes you will find Reli Avrahami's portraits of the women and short biographies of the participents. This is much more than a cook book.
Framed canvas print of PCFF's Peace Square Mural, inspired by the anti-war, anti-violence Peace Square. Bereaved Palestinian women began painting the mural in Beit Jala in the West Bank, and bereaved Israelis completed the mural at the Peace Square in Tel Aviv. All this took place during the 2014 Gaza war.
Cooking Session with PCFF Women's Group in Israel - Join (with up to 8 friends) bereaved Israeli and Palestinian Women of the PCFF for a 2 hour dialogue meeting and cooking workshop inspired by the PCFF's cookbook, Jam Session, during your visit to the holy land. Must make arrangements in advance - contact us at americanfriendspc@gmail.com for more details.
Other Ways You Can Help
1. Like and share our campaign link on Facebook or Twitter, and tell people about it - word of mouth works!
2. Send an email to your friends, family, or colleagues to tell them about this important project
3. Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on the work of the PCFF - email americanfriendspc@gmail.com with the subject "Sign me up!"
About Us
The Parents Circle Families Forum (PCFF) is a joint Israeli-Palestinian organization made up of more than 600 bereaved families. Our common bond is that we have lost a close family member to the conflict. But instead of choosing revenge, we have chosen a path of reconciliation. Established in 1994, we operate education, public awareness and advocacy programs to create change.
PCFF operates from two offices - one in Israel and one in the West Bank - with 16 staff employees. The organization is operated and supported by a large body of volunteers from bereaved families as trained and experienced lecturers,facilitators and activists as well as institutional and private donors all over the world.
Our work has been highlighted in documentaries, books, the media and academic papers all over the world. We have been recognized and awarded the International Gandhi Peace Prize, Common Ground for Peace Building in the Middle East, Eisenhower Medallion, and the Unsung Heroes of Compassion Prize by his Holiness the Dalai Lama.
The American Friends of the Parents Circle-Families Forum
(AF-PCFF) is a registered 501(c)3 organization that shares the human side
of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with the American public in order to foster
a peace and reconciliation process.
