Wondering who is in the photo above? They are Combatants for Peace activists. Individuals from Israel and Palestine that chose to meet despite the violence, to come together despite the forces pulling us apart, and listened to each other despite the shouting that surrounds us. It is indeed a sad day that for their own protection we have chosen to obscure their faces, but they hugged in real life, and shared their grief, hopes and needs to pull themselves through this testing time with humanity and courage. They are the inspiration that keeps us going.

We all live in dark days, and it is overshadowing us all. The scale of death, mourning and fear is beyond what many of us can cope with, and we just don't know what the future will hold. For us, we are holding on together, planning our projects for 2024, and adapting to this new reality that none of us saw coming. Our team is working through the most difficult circumstances, and proving that Palestinian - Israeli joint working is not only possible, but has the potential to inspire others, and innovate where others fall short.

As the Jewish festival of Hannukah begins this week, we invite everyone to join us on Thursday at sunset, in lighting a candle for all of those lost through this conflict, those that won't be with their families this weekend, and for those that are still seeking safety and shelter.

We know that hope alone won't change our destinies, and for real change to happen we must insist on changing political systems that have ravaged both peoples and lead us to where we are today. We will keep up our pressure, both at home and internationally, and call on everyone to join us and demand an immediate end to the bloodshed, and an internationally supported solution that provides long term stability, peace and liberty to all that live on this land.

Courage In The Unknown

Friday December 8th

8pm Jerusalem 6pm London 1pm New York

(A recording will be available)