The Israel-Palestine conflict: United through grief, together for peace

Nobel Peace Center

The ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has resulted in catastrophic suffering for the civilian population. In a devastating situation where hope seems distant, it is important to remember that war is not the solution. Palestinian Bassam Aramin and Israeli Rami Elhanan have both lost a daughter in the conflict. But instead of succumbing to bitterness and hatred, they have joined forces to work for peace. How did they manage to overcome hatred? Bassam Aramin is a former Palestinian freedom fighter born and raised in Hebron. He was imprisoned at the age of 17 and spent seven years in an Israeli prison. Rami Elhanan is an Israeli Jew from Jerusalem and was a combatant soldier in the Yom Kippur War in 1973. Bassam lost his 10-year-old daughter Abir in 1997, she was killed by Israeli border police right in front of her school. Rami lost his 14-year-old daughter Smadar in 1983 in a Hamas-led suicide attack in Jerusalem. Despite the circumstances, the two have become close friends, and have dedicated their lives to working together for peace between Palestinians and Israelis through the organization The Parents Circle - a group for Israeli and Palestinian parents who have lost children in the conflict. Their friendship is a living testament to the transformative power of empathy and compassion, challenging us to imagine a world where peace and reconciliation are not just a dream but an achievable reality - if the parties dare to do so. We invite you to a conversation with Bassam and Elhanan where the two share their story and reflections on the ongoing war, and what is required for reconciliation and a future of peace.