the schwelle Foundation has been working with partners in Israel and Palestine for many years: in 2003, it awarded the Israeli-Palestinian parents' organisation Parents Circle the first International Peace Award of the schwelle Foundation. Together with our current partners, the Combatants for Peace, they are committed to non-violence and recognition of the right of the "other side" to live in freedom and security.
schwelle members took part in the Joint Memorial Ceremony of both organisations in Tel Aviv a few months ago: here the victims of both sides of the conflict and the wars were remembered and calls were made to put an end to the bloodshed and to return to peace negotiations.
We are very worried! We are worried that once again weapons and war will replace civil conflict resolution and negotiations. The organisation Parents Circle writes in its open letter on this:
"We must also acknowledge the vital role of international cooperation and humanitarian efforts in alleviating the suffering of those affected by the conflict. The international community must stand together, united in its resolve to support the region's path towards peace and stability."
The schwelle Foundation will continue to do all it can to support its partners who are walking the path of non-violence in Israel and Palestine.
Statement by the Combatants for Peace
schwelle project partner Combatants for Peace
Statement by the Peace Award winners of schwelle Foundation 2003 Parents Circle - Families Forum
Parents Circle – Families Forum is a joint Israeli-Palestinian organization of over 600 families, all of whom have lost an immediate family member to the ongoing conflict. They are convinced that the process of reconciliation between nations is a prerequisite to achieving a sustainable peace. The organization thus utilizes all resources available in education, public meetings and the media, to spread these ideas.
Statement from Parents Circle:
We express our deepest and heartfelt condemnation of the violence in the region. The relentless cycle of conflict has inflicted immeasurable pain and suffering on innocent lives. It is a time of great sorrow, knowing that countless families now bear the burden of emptiness in their hearts and the heavy weight of grief due to the tragic loss of their loved ones.
The toll of violence is not just counted in numbers; it is measured in the shattered dreams, the untapped potential, and the irreplaceable bonds severed by these horrifying actions. The victims, both seen and unseen, deserve our unwavering support and empathy as they grapple with the profound trauma inflicted upon them.
It is an undeniable truth that the time has come to change the situation. This region has endured too much pain, too much bloodshed, and too many tears.
It is a moment for all parties involved to reflect on the senselessness of this continued conflict and to recognize the shared humanity that binds us all.
Let us remember that violence begets violence, and the only way forward is through peaceful dialogue, diplomacy, and a commitment to finding common ground. It is a call to action for leaders, communities, and individuals alike to seek solutions that prioritize reconciliation, justice, and lasting peace.
We must also acknowledge the vital role of international cooperation and humanitarian efforts in alleviating the suffering of those affected by the conflict. The international community must stand together, united in its resolve to support the region's path towards peace and stability.
While words alone cannot mend the wounds or bring back the lives lost, they can serve as a reminder of our collective responsibility to end this cycle of violence. It is incumbent upon us to work tirelessly towards a future where the people of this region can live without fear, where children can grow up in safety, and where the seeds of hope can flourish.
In closing, let us reaffirm our commitment to peace, empathy, and the belief that a better, more peaceful, future is possible. It is our fervent hope that this statement serves as a testament to our shared determination to bring an end to this ugly occupation, the violence and suffering that have plagued this region for far too long.
