“Combatants for Peace” awarded with the Anna Lindh Euro-Med Award for the Dialogue between Cultures 2009

Source: Anna Lindh Foundation

The Fourth Edition of the Euro-Med Award for Dialogue between Cultures, an initiative of the Anna Lindh Foundation and its partner Fondazione Mediterraneo, was launched back in March 2009 in the framework of the Regional Initiative Restore Trust Rebuild Bridges, with nominations received from civil society organizations across the Region. Members of the Anna Lindh Foundation region-wide network, totalling over 2800 civil society organisations, participated in electing this year winner, Combatants for Peace. NoVA is member of Anna Lindh's organisations network since end 2009.

The awarded organization, which is formed by former Palestinian militants and Israeli soldiers, has gained recognition for promoting a peaceful and right solution to the conflict through dialogue and non-violent means. After brandishing weapons for so many years, and having seen one another only through weapon sights, former Palestinian militants and Israeli soldiers have decided to put down their guns, and to fight for peace and justice.

“We believe that only by joining forces, will we be able to end the cycle of violence, the bloodshed and the occupation and oppression of the Palestinian people. We no longer believe that it is possible to resolve the conflict between the two peoples through violent means; therefore we declare that we refuse to take part any more in the mutual bloodletting”, emphasizes Raed Hadar and Avner Wishnitzer, Palestinian and Israeli coordinators of the movement.

Various joint actions are held by Combatants for Peace in which Palestinians and Israelis work hand in hand against oppression. Such actions include olive harvests to help Palestinian farmers who have limited access to their fields due to Israeli settlements or military presence; removal of road blockages that tears the Palestinian villages apart; assistance in re-building demolished houses, etc. The movement intends to initiate and carry out such actions more frequently, thus enhancing trust and solidarity between Palestinians and Israelis.

The official Bestowing Ceremony was held in Stockholm, Sweden, on 21st of September 2009, which marks the International Day of Peace, with the presence of Mr. André Azoulay, President of the Anna Lindh Foundation, representatives of the Swedish Government which is currently holding the EU Presidency as well as high-profile personnalities from political and cultural field.