Israeli-Palestinian Bereaved Families Forum
Monday 18th June, 5-7pm
Seham Abu Awwad and Robi Damelin
Venue: Dining Room, Wesley House
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On Monday 18th June the Woolf Institute hosted a speaker event by The Israeli-Palestinian Bereaved Families Forum. Palestinian Seham Abu Awwad and Israeli Robi Damelin told their stories about the loss of their loved ones in the Middle East conflict and will explained why, despite challenging political circumstances, they believe that it is more important than ever to work together for peace and reconciliation.
Robi Damelin is a South African born Israeli; Seham Abu Awwad, a Palestinian Arab, born on the West Bank - two women from worlds apart, but both of whom have lost a loved one as a result of the conflict in the Middle East. Robi's son, David, was shot by a sniper and Seham's brother, Yusef was shot by an IDF soldier during the second intifada. David's killer was found, captured and imprisoned. Yusef's killer has never been found. Among the 1,000 prisoners released in exchange for Gilad Shalit, one was David's killer.
Both Robi and Seham are members of The Israeli-Palestinian Bereaved Families Forum: a grassroots organization of six hundred Israeli and Palestinian families who have lost loved ones and are calling for an end to violence. That is why both women have undertaken a grueling programme of speaker events in Israel and Palestine, the United States and Britain.
For more information on The Israeli-Palestinian Bereaved Families Forum please see here.
