Editor's note: While the conflict in Gaza has increased tensions and divisions, many peacebuilding organizations are working to reverse this trend and continue the decades-long mission of building reconciliation. This is the mission of the Losing Center. The following account is by one of its members, his Adi Marer.
How do you support your family in Israel? What kind of future will they have here? I'm 25 years old and just finished my master's degree, focused on personal, academic, and professional progress, but for the past few months I've been asking myself these questions. I realized that. In part, my work at the Rossing Educational Dialogue Center has given me some answers and hope about what the future holds for this land.
Despite the challenges plaguing our region, the Rossing Center promotes inclusivity, equality, and democracy among Palestinians, Israelis, Jews, Christians, Muslims, and people of no religion. We remain firmly committed to our mission. We remain steadfast in our commitment to this objective, continuing our work within the education system and in mixed cities, advocating for grassroots collaboration and engaging with key stakeholders at all levels. Fostering understanding, empathy and cooperation becomes even more important.
Education as a catalyst for change
In the Israeli context, the education system is segregated and segregated, something I was familiar with as a girl growing up here. At the same time, education serves as a powerful tool for forming attitudes and perceptions from an early age. Recognizing this, the Lossing Center focuses on training principals and teachers in techniques to help students process their emotions and beliefs constructively. By providing educators with the tools and resources they need, we empower them to foster environments where dialogue, understanding, and respect thrive. Our goal is to develop young people who are capable of navigating complex issues with empathy and tolerance, without sacrificing the dignity of others. The core values I want to pass on to my future children.
Take a multifaceted approach
While our work in education systems and urban complexes is important, we also understand the importance of working with key decision-makers and top-level institutions. By working with local governments, ministries and other stakeholders, we advocate for policies and initiatives that promote inclusivity, equality and social cohesion.
Through a top-down approach, we aim to influence systemic change and create an environment where grassroots efforts can thrive. By working with government officials and policy makers, we aim to address structural barriers and create opportunities for meaningful dialogue and collaboration at all levels of society. Our goal is to create a ripple effect that permeates all aspects of society, from the highest echelons of power to the grassroots level. These are the same institutions, systems, and communities that my future children will inherit.
look forward with hope
Expanding on the work and approach of the Lossing Center, it is clear that our work extends beyond mere discussion. They actively contribute to the transformation of social norms and social structures. Our multifaceted strategy includes direct community engagement as well as advocacy at the government level, leveraging partnerships and alliances to effect systemic change. Through our educational programs, we instill in the next generation the values of tolerance, empathy and cooperation, laying the foundations for a more harmonious and just society.
Additionally, our commitment to inclusivity extends to our organizational practices. We recognize the importance of diverse perspectives in driving meaningful change and strive to ensure diversity and representation within our teams. By fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment, we set an example for the broader community and demonstrate the benefits of embracing diversity and collaboration.
We remain optimistic about the potential for positive change in the region. The road ahead may be difficult, but we are encouraged by the resilience and determination of those who share our vision. With continued dedication and collective action, we believe that a future marked by peace, justice and equality is not only possible, but inevitable. If not for us, then for our children.
This gives me hope to start a family. It's also my grandmother's dream. Every time we meet, she reminds me in Hebrew: “Addie, we should start planning to grow our family. When are you going to give us great-grandchildren?”
I believe that if we work together strategically and deliberately, we can achieve the future we want for our children.
Addie Murrell
Adi Marat is the Communications Coordinator for the Rossing Center for Educational Dialogue and the facilitator of the organization's Meeting Places project. She earned her bachelor's degree at the Department of Social Anthropology, specializing in Christianity, at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. She is currently pursuing her master's degree in the Department of Religious Studies at the same university.
