The following is a profile on a partnership between two separate parent's groups - one of Israelis, one of Palestinians - who have lost children to the violence in the region.

190 Israeli and 140 Palestinian parents, whose children were sacrificed to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, have joined together in a unique partnership to advance peace, tolerance, and democracy. "Darkei Noam" - - based on Proverbs 3:17 "...and all her paths are peace" - - is a public and media educational campaign for broad Israeli and Palestinian audiences, aimed at preparing the people of both nations for the compromises and reconciliation needed to bring about lasting peace and security in the region.

In 1994, following the abduction and murder of 19-year old Arik Frankenthal by Hamas terrorists, Yitzhak Frankenthal founded the Parents' Circle - an organization of bereaved parents who lost their children to terrorism. The Parents Circle promotes peace and coexistence through educating for tolerance and compromise. By promoting the Jewish moral and halachic obligation to preserve and value human life above all else, the Parents Circle leads the effort in explaining the human toll paid in the name of "Greater Israel." 190 Israeli parents, who lost their beloved sons and daughters during army service or in an act of terror, have united in a commitment to resolve this deadly conflict and end the senseless sacrifice of children.

In 1995, The Parents' Circle established a partnership with Palestinian bereaved families in Gaza (through the National Movement for Change) and established the Israeli - Palestinian Bereaved Families for Peace. Today, under the leadership of Ibrahim Bushnaq, we are working with families primarily in the West Bank. More than 150 bereaved Palestinian families are supporting this initiative, which faces immense difficulties because of the security and political situation and travel restrictions.

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Page last updated May 22nd, 2002