Temple Emanuel will present “Turning Grief Into Hope: An Evening with the Parents Circle – Families Forum” on Monday, October 19, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. as part of its Social Action Committee Guest Speaker Series. The program will feature two members of the Parents Circle – Families Forum (PCFF), a joint Israeli-Palestinian organization of more than 800 bereaved Israelis and Palestinians who have lost immediate family members to the conflict and have chosen to work toward dialogue, reconciliation and peace.
The event will be held at Temple Emanuel, 7 Haggetts Pond Road in Andover, and is open to the public, with advance registration required. The program is free for Temple Emanuel members and $18 per person for non-members. Registration is required, by clicking this link.
The evening will feature Sima Awad (right), a Palestinian peace educator whose brother was killed in the conflict, and Maayan Inon (left), an Israeli whose parents were killed in their home on October 7, 2023. Through their deeply personal stories, Awad and Inon will discuss the experiences that shaped their commitment to dialogue and reconciliation and their belief that human connection can create pathways toward empathy, understanding and hope.
Sima Awad is from Beit Ummar, north of Hebron. Her brother, Mahmoud, was killed in the conflict when she was three years old. Over time, Awad came to believe that dialogue and reconciliation offer a path toward preventing further pain and the loss of more children. Raised with a deep awareness of her brother’s love, support and care for her, she carries that same sense of compassion into her work to help create a different future. Today, she serves as a Young Ambassador for Peace with the Parents Circle – Families Forum and as a facilitator at its peace summer camp.
Maayan Inon is an Israeli mother of two daughters with more than 25 years of experience in therapy and healing methods. On October 7, 2023, both of her parents were killed in their home in Netiv HaAsara by Hamas. In the aftermath of their deaths, Inon and her siblings issued a joint message calling for “no revenge” and an end to the cycle of bloodshed. Since then, she has focused her efforts on promoting dialogue, reconciliation and empathetic communication while encouraging a deeper understanding of different narratives. She speaks to diverse audiences about finding possibilities for growth, connection and understanding in the face of grief, trauma and loss.
“This program offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from two people who have experienced unimaginable loss and have chosen to turn their grief into a commitment to understanding and reconciliation,” said Kathe Tuttman and Susie Novick event chairs for Temple Emanuel’s Social Action Committee. “By bringing Sima and Maayan to our community, we hope to create a space for meaningful conversation, thoughtful listening and a deeper understanding of one another’s experiences. Their courage and willingness to share their stories remind us of the power of human connection and the possibility of hope, even in the most difficult circumstances.”
Sandwiches, drinks and desserts will be served beginning at 6:00 p.m. The program will begin at 6:30 p.m. with the conversation between Awad and Inon, followed by an audience Q&A. The event is open to the public. Advance registration is required, and photo identification must be presented upon arrival for admission. Register by clicking this link.
The program is in partnership with the Parents Circle – Families Forum which brings together bereaved Israelis and Palestinians to share their personal experiences, learn about one another’s narratives and recognize the humanity of the “other.” Through dialogue, education and personal encounters, its members work to transform grief and loss into a commitment to reconciliation and a future without violence. This program is made possible in part through the generous support of the Hacker Fund for Lifelong Learning and is presented by Temple Emanuel’s Social Action Committee.
The Social Action Committee at Temple Emanuel is committed to advancing justice, compassion and community engagement through service projects, educational opportunities and advocacy initiatives. The Committee builds partnerships with local organizations to address issues including food insecurity, housing needs and social equity while empowering members to live the Jewish value of tikkun olam—repairing the world.
Founded more than 100 years ago, Temple Emanuel serves members throughout the Merrimack Valley, Southern New Hampshire and beyond as a spiritual home, supportive community and diverse and inclusive congregation that welcomes all who wish to celebrate Jewish life. Temple Emanuel is located at 7 Haggetts Pond Road, Andover, MA. For additional information, contact the Temple office at 978-470-1356 or info@templeemanuel.net, or visit www.templeemanuel.net.