
MISSION
STATEMENT Through Dialogue, to embody,
model and promote the peaceful, just
andsustainable coexistence of the Arab
and Jewish peoples through connection,
trust, empathy and action. |
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members |
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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GRACE HELEWA STEVIC I am a Palestinian
American whose family had to exit Haifa in
1948. We lived in Lebanon until the Civil
War again forced a departure for me and my
family. In 1978, I immigrated to the
United States to continue my education.
During that time I met my husband, Tom. We
have been married thirty two years and have
two sons. My love of languages has led me to
a career in translation. “Without
'preconditions', and through compassionate
listening, Zeitouna helps me achieve inner
peace which I hope can propel me to work
towards peace between our people.”
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AMIRA TAL
I was
born in Givatayim, Israel. When I was 18 I
joined the Israeli army for two years and
served
on a tank platoon in the Golan Heights. In
1983, I graduated from Tel Aviv University
with a degree in Physical Therapy. That same
year I moved to the U.S.A. And began work in
my field.. In 2012, I graduated from EIM
with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. I am
the owner of Healing Hands Therapy in Ann
Arbor. I am married and have three wonderful
children. “Zeitouna allowed me to see
the Palestinian women as they are and not as
I was taught growing up in Israel. Instead
of coming from a place of fear, stereotypes
and judgment, I am now able to listen from a
place of love, understanding and compassion.
Growing up in Israel, I always perceived the
Palestinians to be very different. They are
not! Being part of this amazing women's
group made it clear to me that if we want a
change to take place, we need more women's
energy put into resolving this conflict.”
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LAURIE WHITE
Filmmaker,
social justice and peace activist, community
organizer, psychotherapist, mediator yoga
practitioner, granddaughter of Eastern
European Jewish immigrants, singer-song writer,
step-mother and grandmother. I am the
producer/director of a documentary about the
group, Refusing To Be Enemies – The
Zeitouna Story. “Zeitouna restored my
faith in the power of the group —especially
a group of women—to make a difference in the
world. It certainly has made a difference in
my world.”
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