Israeli and Palestinian "Combatants for Peace"

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Each year Israel identifies with its soldiers and civilians who died during war or terrorist acts. But in an alternative Memorial Day event a group of Israelis and Palestinians who used to fight each other in the past, bring together bereaved parents from both nations. Our report from Tel Aviv.

They used to be soldiers in the Israeli army or members of Palestinian organizations who had perpetrated terrorist attacks in Israel.

They decided to abandon warfare and instead chose to become "Combatants for Peace."

On Memorial Day eve this week they met in Tel Aviv with the "Parents Circle of Bereaved Families" in remembrance of those who fell in combat, and to help stop the bloody harvest on both sides.

Idan Barir served in the Israeli army for ten years and became a Captain during the Gaza War.

He decided that something was deeply wrong so he joined the organization "Combatants for Peace" and began meeting with Palestinians.

[Idan Barir, Member, Combatants for Peace]: (male, English)
"At one point I wanted to get to know the other side, to reach out to people who I used to believe were my enemy before. It was a combination of processes. On one hand understanding that military service is the cause for violence and on the other hand understanding that we should give up violence."

A bereaved father, who lost his daughter 15 years ago when she was only 14, joined the "Israeli and Palestinian Parents Circle of Bereaved Families."

He tries to convince teenagers and adults to support peace.

Reporter:Aviva Grunpeter Photographer:Michael Ash
NTD News, Tel Aviv Israel