WADAD ABED  Palestinian, immigrated to the US in 1968, active in efforts that focus on crossing divides and building bridges, community organizer, co-founder of Bustan-Al-Funun Fund to support Arab Arts in America, past president of ACCESS board of directors, provider of strategic business and marketing support.  “It is only through Zeitouna that I am now able to hear the voice of the ‘other’—her pain and her joy, realizing that it mirrors my own. Zeitouna has profoundly transformed me. I am now more than ever committed to becoming one.”

RANDA NASIR AJLOUNY  Born in Jerusalem and forced into exile in Amman, Jordan, by the Israeli occupation (my father  was deported because he was the President of Birzeit University), graduated from Earlham College in theater arts, lived and worked in theater in Palestine, living in Ann Arbor     since 1999 with husband and two daughters, Nadia and Zeina. " My involvement with Zeitouna made me realize the need to use a different approach such as Dialogue to establish a rapport between Palestinian and Jewish communities, with the hope that this model will one day be used as a means for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.”

DIANE BLUMSON  Born in Brooklyn, NY, raised in a moderately observant, Zionist Jewish family. Lived in Israel  for a year studying at the Machon L'Madrichim  Chutz L'Eretz before becoming the programming director of Young Judea in Miami, FL. Happily married to Sarr, and proud mom of Andy and Michael. Love my work as a clinical social worker, educator and volunteer, all of which allow me to be involved in social justice pursuits. “My relationships with the women of Zeitouna affirm my belief that when we are willing to build and grow relationships, even under the most trying circumstances, we have opportunity to break down the barriers that allow us to demonize those we consider “the other.” The deep caring and respect resulting from that effort continues to be one of the most profound experiences in my life.”                                                                                                                                                  

IRENE BUTTER  Professor Emerita, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, social change and peace  worker, aspiring Buddhist, co-founder of University of Michigan Raoul Wallenberg Lecture     Series, child survivor of the Holocaust, wife of Charles Butter, mother of Ella and Noah Butter,  blessed with three precious grandchildren, Amelie, Shireen and Jonah. “Zeitouna has opened my heart to those who scare me, has helped me appreciate their suffering and recognize their innate goodness. Through compassionate listening we have transcended cultural and other barriers to celebrate life, each other’s humanity and true friendship.”

MAHA FREIJ  Deputy Executive Director and CFO of ACCESS, the largest Arab American human services organization in the United States, the first Palestinian woman to earn her CPA license in Israel,  lives with husband Roy outside of Ann Arbor, and is a proud mother to Laith and Omar. “I am a great believer in standing for and not against something. Zeitouna gives me that opportunity: the group provides an atmosphere to listen and learn from each other, to make friends, and to concentrate on the human aspect of dealing with any conflict. It is a great honor  to be a part of this group that has created unbreakable friendships by using dialogue as a mechanism for change.”                                                                                                           

LEONORE GERSTEIN  Born in Massachusetts to parents committed to social justice. I lived with them and my sisters in Kibbutz Ein Hashofet, 1950-1955, continuing my education in Israel at Hebrew University and later in the United States. I have Masters degrees in Speech and Language Pathology and in English Literature and love studying poetry with older adults. “As time passes, I continue to cherish my bond with all the women of Zeitouna. Our individual experiences and opinions remain divergent. But now I feel the freedom that comes from my growing empathy and tolerance, even toward views that ten years ago felt threatening.”     

BENITA KAIMOWITZ  Secular Jew raised in Mississippi and Tennessee. Retired after many years with Borders Books and as a high school and ESL teacher. Active in Civil Rights, youth rights, Central American human rights and local forward looking efforts. Now she is inspired by her children and grandchildren whose progressive values guide their lives. “For years I felt Israel was betraying my youthful Zionist enthusiasm but I shut it out and concerned myself with other social justice issues. Finally though, with Zeitouna I feel safe saying what I feel and listening for what I need to learn. We’re all profoundly sick of fear, anger, hurt and slinging our own version of history at each other. We’re convinced there must be a better way and we're trying to find it together.”

HUDA KARAMAN ROSEN Palestinian, living in America since 1962, advocate for social justice and peace efforts, retired  from health care and education fields, co-founder of Bustan-al-Funun: Foundation of Arab Arts in America, enjoy travel, reading, gardening, and the cultural arts. “Zeitouna, to me, is an important step on an arduous journey to peacemaking and respecting the other.”