Dear TalkMatters Supporters,
Since the Hamas massacre, the taking of hostages and the ongoing war, the initiatives that TalkMatters supports have faced many challenges. And in some cases – deep tragedy. Despite this the inspirational people who run the initiatives show an unwavering commitment to their work.
We may not be able to change the political situation but we can support the Jews and Arabs that continue to talk, listen and build up trust through their common interest in music, hi-tech, sport, religion, etc.
We hope that hearing about these people warms your heart a little in these most dispiriting of days.
In this month’s newsletter there are reports from two of our initiatives in Israel – the Oasis of Peace Art Gallery and the Interfaith Encounter Association and from one initiative in the UK – the Forum for Discussion of Israel and Palestine.
I believe that it’s more important than ever that as many people as possible know that the Jewish and Arab people involved in the initiatives absolutely refuse to live with hatred and fear of the ‘Other’. These are the people uplifting the voices of Civil Society as they work for a just, peaceful, and secure future for everybody in the region. If you join me in this belief then your support for these initiatives is an opportunity to take action.
Forum for Discussion of Israel and Palestine
As an organisation committed to understanding, empathy and respect, our hearts are heavy as we continue to hold in our thoughts and prayers all those facing immense suffering in the Holy Land.
The pain reinforces the urgency of our work to foster dialogue and mutual trust between individuals and communities here in the UK.
It is with this in mind that we are focused on expanding our efforts. We are incredibly grateful to have recently received a grant from The National Lottery Reaching Communities fund, which has been instrumental in allowing us to grow. This funding has enabled us to create two new positions on our team. Read more…
The ‘Heartache’ Exhibition at the Oasis Art Gallery
Earlier this month at the Oasis Gallery, a powerful evening unfolded – full of art, emotion and meaningful presence. The exhibition “Heartache | מועקה وجع” gave space to a wide range of creative voices. From pain and uncertainty emerged a shared language of trust, gentleness and hope.
Curator Dyana Shaloufi Rizek led the event, bringing together eight artists whose works reflected the complexity and contradictions of the current reality. Read more…
The Interfaith Encounter Association
We started the encounter with a group “check in”: Each attendee gave an update about what’s happening in their lives personally and professionally. Some shared about their families’ struggles or celebrations, some are taking care of their elderly parents or grandchildren. Other participants are having exciting professional developments, such as a scheduled lecture at the UN. All of us think a lot about the war and its effects on people and especially mothers and children. read more…
JOIN US ON AN INTERFAITH TRIP TO WAHAT AL-SALAM~NEVE SHALOM
Whatever we report, it is not the same as seeing for yourself what is happening at a grassroots level. Here is your opportunity. In November, TalkMatters together with Oasis of Peace UK are going to visit Wahat al Salam ~Neve Shalom (WaSNS) – the village in Israel where Jews and Arabs have lived in a shared equitable society ever since the 1970s. This special place is where half a classroom of children has family in Gaza, and the other half has siblings in the Israeli Defence Force. A place of immense complexity. A place where people commit daily to building a future of peace. A place that shows us that despite the relentless conflict peace is possible. Read more….
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Please pass on this information
In a time where conflict and division seem to increase daily, fear and pain threaten to silence us, TalkMatters continues to introduce the UK public to the people who refuse to see one another as enemies. We believe in supporting the grass-roots work in Israel and Palestine and we know that it is only by working together with you – our UK supporters – and with our Israeli-Palestinian Associates that we can ever walk another path. A path that leads to a future of peace, justice and equality for everyone. Please pass on this information to your friends and colleagues.
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We send out regular newsletters like this, and run our own in-person and online live events – we’d love to be able to keep you up to date! Please subscribe to our free mailing list using the form on this page and please talk about the human stories that we share with you.
That’s it for now with profound hopes for a return of the hostages and the cessation of all violence with the beginning of serious talks.
Jenny Nemko and the TalkMatters Team