Wednesday, September 20, 12:00 PM EDT
Global Citizens Circle, The Parents Circle-Families Forum and Narrative 4 share a similar and powerful mission to foster empathy through dialogue. As we delve into the 75-year struggle between Palestinians and Israelis — reputed as one of the world’s most unyielding conflicts — we work towards understanding the formative years of those on both sides who must navigate their day to day lives amidst the increasingly polarizing narratives propagated by those in power.
Join us as we welcome acclaimed Irish author, Colum McCann, who will moderate a conversation with discussion leaders, Arab Aramin, a Palestinian, and Yigal Elhanan, an Israeli. Both young men who lost their sisters in the conflict, but have transformed their personal tragedies into a powerful force for peace through their shared dialogue.
Their fathers, Bassam Aramin and Rami Elhanan, leaders of the Parents Circle-Families Forum, were the subjects of Colum McCann’s novel, Apeirogon. Through the work of Narrative 4 and Colum’s book, a group of students in Kentucky learned about the Palestinian and Israeli conflict and found parallels in their own lives, creating a music video that represents their own experiences of conflict, connection and love.
Recognizing the profound impact of the stories we exchange and their profound connection with identity—especially for those who've navigated their upbringing amidst conflict—we're rallying a worldwide assembly of emerging leaders. Together, we'll delve into the unifying forces that drive us forward in the relentless pursuit of peace.