Goal:

To rebuild trust, reawaken compassion and enhance the ability of Jews and Arabs, Israelis, and Palestinians to live in harmony and work for Peace.

Background:

Within the current reality in Israel, we are witnessing a deep crisis, a breakdown of trust between the two peoples who live together on the same land. Most Jews and Arabs are avoiding any meaningful interaction. Suspicion and fear are present in the public sphere. There is an immense need for safe spaces of human encounter, of remembering the possibilities of trusting each other and living together in harmony. There is a great need for listening and expression, for mutual encouragement and strengthening, and for connection and closeness. Reality has always been complex in Israel and now we encounter all the pain, anger and fear far more directly. Several members of coexistence organizations have stopped communicating altogether, others are avoiding the difficult painful topics fearing they too will fall apart. Because we at Together Beyond Words know how to work with painful emotions, how to be in conflict yet stay connected and have been doing it for over 30 years, we believe our unique approach is especially relevant now

Our intent: In 2024 we would like to create an Army of Healers – therapists and group facilitators – who will run at least 60 groups all over the country in common spaces where it will be safe to express what is on our personal and collective hearts, to be heard, and to listen to one another. Spaces of trust, peace and compassion so we can cultivate a new way of being together. We all need to develop personal and social resilience and with the help of safe spaces to feel, be creative, use our imagination as well as movement, theater, and art, we can do this. These safe places can become our source of hope for a different future and help us in building a culture of harmony and peace.