On April 29, Royal Roads University hosted the screening of the 20th Israeli-Palestinian Joint Memorial Ceremony put on by the Combatants of Peace and the Family Circle. The university was one of three internationally alongside Notre Dame University and Princeton University to host the event broadcasted from Jerusalem and connected to from around the world.
In a world increasingly marked by political conflict and division, the RRU community joined people around the world who share hope for peace and view the livestream, which as described on its website, “features testimonies from bereaved Israeli and Palestinian families, musical performances, and messages of peace from human rights leaders” and “provides a beacon of hope in darkness and aims to demonstrate that, even in the face of unimaginable loss, we all can still choose humanity over hatred and hope over despair.”
Israelis and Palestinians told their personal stories and recounting of events of bereavement, and pain. They shared their journeys processing these and how they have chosen to engage in listening and dialogue instead of revenge, in way of centering humanity and promoting peace and reconciliation. The Combatants of Peace and the Family Circle explain: “The current war has left behind destruction, pain, and loss. In the face of this harsh reality, it is easy to sink into despair, anger, and loss of faith. But precisely now, when darkness and hatred are growing, we choose to stand together and shine outward” (The Parents Circle).
Dr. Philip Steenkamp opened the event via video recording and Amy Zidulka and Wanda Krause facilitated. After 45 minutes of the livestream, attendees gathered in smaller groups to reflect on the event broadcasted and contemplate one step forward that individuals and collectives can action. The facilitation of a full room of participants on the university Quarterdeck sought to foster dialogue and hold space for the strong emotions we may feel. In the spirit of the Memorial, the focus was on working toward a more peaceful world during a time of greater polarizations, with hearts, minds, and hands open to seeing through transformation not only in the region but in visioning for peace around the world and with one step at a time.
Certainly, there are other events happening in many spaces and across universities and colleges under different activities. Many have been met with heavy criticism. In Jerusalem, rioters stormed the Ra’anana synagogue during the screening of the April 29 Israeli-Palestinian memorial event. In the video recording itself, Philip Steenkamp ended his welcome to the event with a poem, by Shalom Hanoch “Exactly like you”:
A stranger is your enemy - exactly like you
Suddenly he also wants to be – exactly like you
Suddenly he stands in front of you Insists on living.
You know that he –exactly like you Isn’t in a hurry to end his life – exactly like you
And it’s not a surprise that he also fights And that he is afraid
That is your enemy
That is your enemy Exactly like you Exactly like you – exactly
Maybe he is also addicted to something, exactly like you
And he can’t quit, like you, exactly.
Scared that at some point the habit will be all that remains
That is your enemy
That is your enemy
Ultimately he is just flesh and blood – exactly like you
Doesn’t believe anybody – like you, exactly.
And he can be a love of yours
If you reach out your hand
A stranger is your enemy – and he is also alone
That is your enemy
That is your enemy
Exactly like you
Exactly like you
Exactly!
References
The Parents Circle (n.d). https://www.theparentscircle.org/en/homepage-en/
Summers, C. (2025, April 30). Rioters stormed the Ra’anana synagogue, The Times of Israel. https://www.timesofisrael.com/rioters-attack-synagogue-hosting-screening-of-israeli-palestinian-memorial-event/
The RRU event could not have been possible without many others. Thanks goes to President Dr. Philip Steenkamp, Vice President of Communications and Advancement Susan Gee, Jennifer Rathwell, Erin Limacher, Tony Ruffolo, Brian MacDonald, Neil Davies, Trevor Henry, Rebecca Pregelj, Lisa Weighton, Ali Blythe, and many others who are part of their teams. Thanks to all attendees.