“In the darkest times, we found strength with each other.”
I began work with B8 of Hope the week after October 7th, 2023. Away from my community in the U.S. and feeling myself reverting to a hopeless, tribalistic mindset, I found my way to B8 of Hope, where leaders and members understand the importance of empathy and nuance, and support Israelis and Palestinians engaging in shared society work on the ground. In the darkest times, we found strength with each other, and through our philanthropic workshop encouraged students to engage in dialogue, even when difficult. Now back in the U.S., I am working with Standing Together and Women Wage Peace to bolster our presence in America and counter the divisive narrative that peace is not possible. By luck, fate, or divine intervention I was connected with B8 of Hope, and I could not be more grateful for all I learned, the connections made, and the fire it relighted in my heart.