Dear Friends, 

This year more than ever, we feel it is crucial to bring our community together for our annual Joint Israeli-Palestinian Memorial Day Ceremony. It was not an easy decision. There are many Israeli-Palestinian peacebuilding organisations that are facing increased challenges at this time. Both Israelis and Palestinians feel afraid, there is mistrust and more division than ever in both our societies. Despite the emotional and physical obstacles, we know the only way forward is together- striving for equality and human rights through non-violent creative resistance. And the Joint Memorial Ceremony is the perfect way to do this on a large scale. 

The ceremony this year will no doubt be a historic event. Many of the speakers will be among those who have lost a loved one since October 7th. It is hard to fully appreciate the bravery it takes to not only share your personal story when it is so painful and raw, but also offer hope for peace during a time of such crisis.

The theme for the ceremony this year is “Sharing our Humanity, Honoring our Children. Stop the War”. Since the start of the war over 14,000 children have been killed in Gaza and at least 17,000 children have lost one or both of their parents. Israeli children on the Gaza border were murdered and taken hostage. And on both sides, so many more that have been displaced, had their homes destroyed and are left traumatized by these experiences. We will honour their memory and show the world that despite the present horrors, there is another way. There is still unity, humanity, hope and we embody it.

We know that this event will not solve these problems but it acts as a path forward during these dark times. It is an event that gives us the strength to continue in the work of pursuing peace and justice. We invite you to support us in making it a reality. 

In Peace and Solidarity, 

Carly Rosenthal 

Social Media and Development Officer 

Tel Aviv Office