Parents’ Circle – Possible Answers
1. What had the two men in common ?
A. Both had lost family members in the conflict.
2. What separated them before their bereavements?
A. Each community was fearful and suspicious of the other.
B. Few Israeli civilians ever visit the occupied Palestinian territory.
3. Their losses could have made them hate each other’s communities even more. What helped them overcome this hate?
A. Realised that the pain of loss is the same whether you are Palestinian or Israeli.
B. Learned to listen to each other’s pain.
C. Started to see each other as human beings.
D. Wanted to find another way.
E. Wanted to create some hope out of despair.
4. They talk about their work in Israeli and Palestinian schools. What do you think are the effects on young people when Rami and Mazen visit schools and talk to students?
A. Hear about the pain each man has suffered.
B. Realise there is suffering on both sides.
C. Understand that Palestinians and Israelis can be friends.
D. Hear a message of dialogue, reconciliation and peace instead of hate.
5. How do you think these talks help young Israeli and Palestinian students to influence their communities?
A. Each side has respect for those who have lost loved ones and are therefore more likely to listen to the message.
B. One student who accepts the message can help prevent loss of life.
6. How did Mazen and Rami believe they could help bring about a political solution to the conflict?
A. By building trust with each other and showing that if each side sees each other as human beings and gets to know and to trust each other as individuals they can then tell their leaders that they are ready for them to compromise and sign peace agreements.
B. Develop an understanding that it is not the destiny of Israelis and Palestinians to keep on killing each other, this can stop by talking to each other.