Combatants for Peace

Let’s continue to hope and discuss 2025 from a #healing perspective. Healing is deeply connected to how we communicate with one another. This is why our grantee organization, Combatants for Peace(CFP), integrates Nonviolent Communication (NVC) into their programs. NVC is a powerful tool providing a pathway to bridge the gap between opposing perspectives and, in a nutshell, consists of - Observing without judgment, creating a foundation for honest conversations. - Sharing feelings without blame, cultivating mutual understanding. - Focusing on universal needs, paving the way for meaningful solutions. Nonviolent Communication is about connection instead of polarization. It is about healing instead of harming. To quote CFP : “By creating a safe space to express feelings, understand needs, and make requests, we provide the opportunity for activists to build trust, foster empathy, and build strong relationships for joint co-resistance.” It is exactly what is needed during these dark times.

Thank you for hosting our activists Mai Shahin and Iris Gur, and screening the new documentary "There is Another Way". What an honour to share our joint message and vision of peace, justice and equality in this forum.

"If they can do it, we should do it too!" During her closing remarks, our Senior Advisor Veronique Dudouet highlighted the potential of ex-combatants to be role models for peace at yesterday's International Peace Institute (IPI) event in New York.

🎥 An Evening of Reflection, Hope, and Peacebuilding at IPI    "Former fighters and analysts can unite to become the most effective peacebuilders," said Thomas Kontogeorgos, Chief of the DDR Section of the UN Department of Peace Operations, during his opening remarks at the impactful screening event of “There Is Another Way,” directed by Stephen Apkon.    Last night, we had the honor of showcasing this powerful documentary, which was followed by a thought-provoking discussion featuring members of Combatants for Peace. The film captured the transformative journeys of former combatants in Israel and Palestine, who shifted their personal experiences of conflict into a shared mission for peace. It underscored that while reconciliation may be fraught with challenges, it remains possible and essential.    "If they can do it, we should do it too!" said Veronique Dudouet, Senior Advisor at the Berghof Foundation, emphasizing the significance of empathy and understanding. Her call to action resonated deeply with attendees, who agreed on the need to widen the scope of compassion.    Key Takeaways:    1️⃣ Joint nonviolent action is vital for dismantling entrenched divisions and fostering lasting coexistence.  2️⃣ Personal transformation and dialogue serve as powerful catalysts for peace and reconciliation.    The evening wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the UN Department of Peace Operations’ DDR Section and the United Nations Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions. Following the screening and panel discussion, participants continued the conversation during a reception, sharing reflections and ideas.    A special thanks to our Vice President Adam Lupel for moderating the conversation and to our speakers: Mai Shahin, Palestinian Activist, Combatants for Peace; Iris Gur, Israeli Activist, Combatants for Peace; Stephen Apkon, Director/Producer, There Is Another Way; Chen Alon, Co-Founder, Combatants for Peace; and Sulaiman Khatib, Co-Founder, Combatants for Peace.      Watch the panel discussion 👉🏼 https://lnkd.in/eXJXCDGg

Thank you to Inner Development Goals for hosting our Palestinian Co-Director Rana Salman and Co-Founder Chen Alon to present about Encountering the Other. Watch from 3:35:57 https://lnkd.in/dqFqVPYV

A collaborative piece by Eszter and me, reflecting on solidarity and hope amid the tragedy and grief of the past year. Full article - https://lnkd.in/dW447pps

In Tel Aviv, Combatants for Peace activists continue to call for “a ceasefire, the safe release of all hostages, and an end to the bloodshed“. B8 of Hope American Friends of Combatants for Peace #PeaceCall

Our co-director Rana Salman interviewed on CNN by Christiane Amanpour on the 1 year anniversary of October 7th.