Families who have lost loved ones in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict will share their personal stories in a special virtual event on March 14.
Israeli Robi Damelin (see her UN Security Council briefing here) and Arab Aramin, a Palestinian, will present on behalf of Palestinian and Israeli Bereaved Families for Peace. Damelin and Aramin will speak at 3PM EST, followed by a Q&A session. The free event is organized by the Franciscan Action Network and co-sponsored by a number of Siena groups.
“The Bereaved Families highlight a message of peace and hope for the future,” said Raiyaan Shaik ’24. “I believe that we must live through this message every day and keep hope for peace. When it comes to innocent lives being taken, there is no compromise in how badly every one of us should be pushing for this. I hope the Siena community takes advantage of an opportunity to engage in such activism through the virtual upcoming dialogue.”
Michael Schneider ’26 acknowledged the need to create an atmosphere for discourse and unity.
“Here in the West many of us have the privilege of thinking about the war as a political issue, but this is a matter of life and death for many,” he said. “Tragedy has struck every side involved in this conflict and it is our responsibility and privilege to hear out those involved who are actively and productively seeking out peace in trying times.”
As custodians of the legacy of St. Francis of Assisi, Franciscan friars promote respectful dialogue, justice, peace and reconciliation between adversaries.
“I have a tremendous respect for Robi Damelin, whom I had a chance to meet several years ago in Jerusalem,” said Siena’s Br. Jacek Orzechowski. “She and Arab Aramin have suffered personal loss, yet they refuse to be enemies. Instead, they work together for justice, peace and reconciliation. They will inspire us to grow as Siena Saints who are committed to justice and peace for all.”
Siena hosted an interfaith service on February 16 to pray for peace in the Middle East. Maryam Jaffri ’24 urged the Siena community “to open your hearts and minds to different perspectives, seek commonalities, and stand together against hatred and division. Together we can make a difference and create a more inclusive and peaceful world for all.”
