In the wake of the ongoing war on Gaza, our movement has been facing unprecedented challenges. Despite the impossible circumstances in the region, we are still united and steadfast in our vision to hold the Joint Israeli-Palestinian Memorial Day ceremony. Now in its 19th year, the Joint Memorial Ceremony is growing year on year. Right now, this event could not be more needed but we know it is even more challenging.
This year, we decided to focus the ceremony on the experiences of children. As we have witnessed, children are the most tragic victims in this war. I have heard heartbreaking stories and shed tears over the loss of people I didn’t even know. The pain and grief of their families must be unimaginable.
The Joint Memorial ceremony is an opportunity
to collectively face these tragedies together.
It has always been a very emotional event and this year will be harder than ever, but we felt we had to continue this year since it is an event that is so meaningful to us and the thousands of our supporters. The ceremony allows us not only to remember those who died during this long conflict, but also to honour their memory by standing up against oppression, occupation, and violence, which we continue to resist every day.
Many Palestinians and Israelis might not have space in their hearts for empathy right now as many of us feel anger, fear, and hopelessness. But we believe that every human is capable of empathy. My time as the co-director of the movement for the last four years has allowed me to witness how our activists continue to genuinely care for each other - amidst uncertainty, horror, grief and violence, how the bonds with each other have even strengthened.
I feel so honoured and proud to be part of this incredible community.
They inspire me everyday and give me hope because they are the living proof that something else is possible and it will be realized one day. With our Joint Memorial ceremony, we aim to show the world that despite the present horrors, there is another way. There is still unity, hope and a common sense of humanity and we embody it. We encourage you to join us as we come together at this year’s Memorial Day to oppose the ongoing war and commit to co-creating a future where we can all be safe and free.
Palestinian Co-Director
Beit Jala Office - Combatants for Peace
