About
Sulha is a grassroots organization working to heal and reconcile Israelis and Palestinians.
Inspired by the traditional Middle Eastern process of mediation, Sulha, our programs rebuild trust, restore dignity, and build the foundation for peace and reconciliation.
We, at Sulha, believe in the importance of authentic face-to-face meetings as both a condition and a basis for open dialogue and mutual partnership.
Our Sulha gatherings focus on training people to listen and feel with our hearts – an ability that is necessary for any future solution to this conflict.
We operate in Israel and the West Bank, on both sides of the separation barrier. Sulha invites Palestinians and Israelis from all segments of the population to come and participate in our activities.
Vision
Sulha aspires to a future where Israelis and Palestinians of all ethnic backgrounds and faiths live together peacefully, with dignity and respect—built upon a foundation of deep human connection and understanding.
Background
Sulha was established more than 25 years ago as a grassroots peace movement with the goal of creating opportunities for Palestinians and Israelis to meet in person, get to know each other, and build the human bridge for peace and reconciliation between the two peoples.
The association was registered in Israel as a peace NGO back in 1998 under the name The Heart's Vision (NGO registration # 580311439). A couple of years after its inception, the movement adopted the name Sulha in various forms. In English, it was called Sulha Peace Project, while in Arabic and Hebrew it was called On The Road To The Sulha. However, over the years, it became known as simply Sulha.
Over the past quarter of a century, the Sulha movement has been very persistent in bringing together thousands of Palestinians and Israelis (including during times of clashes, intifada and war) to counter the hostility and promote values of humanity, solidarity, mutual respect, nonviolence, peace, and reconciliation.
Goals
Foster Deep Human Connection
Cultivate genuine, empathetic relationships between Israelis and Palestinians on a personal level.
Promote Understanding and Empathy
Challenge deeply held prejudices and stereotypes on both sides.
Empower Local Peacebuilders
Support and empower individuals and communities to become active agents of peace within their communities.
Heart-driven Peacebuilding
We believe that fostering meaningful encounters, addressing emotional wounds, and practicing reconciliation are essential elements for creating a sustainable future where Israelis and Palestinians live together with dignity and respect.
Our Sulha gatherings focus on training people to listen and feel with our hearts – an ability that is necessary for any future solution to this conflict.
Leadership Team
Dr. Melila Hellner-Eshed
Sulha Board Chairwomen, active in Sulha from its inception. Lives in Jerusalem. Research Fellow and lecturer at the Shalom Hartman Institute. Had been a Professor of Jewish Mysticism and Zohar at Hebrew University for 25 years.
Ameen Al-bayed
Resident of the Al-Fawwar refugee camp near Hebron. Married and father to two daughters and four sons. Ameen is active in the field of Human Rights, a teacher of Non-Violent Communication, and a member of the Executive Committee of the Sulha for several years.
Monir Shanaaha
Resident of Ramallah, devoted husband, and father of a young daughter. Monir is an active volunteer in the Sulha Peace Project for 17 years and a member of the Executive Committee since 2021.
Dafna Karta Schwartz
Married with three children and five grandchildren. Body-Oriented Psychotherapist. Taught at Reidman College, past director of the Sulha and past director of the Spiritual Center at Neve Shalom - Wahat as-Salam.
Dana Gazy
Community Social Worker and Urban Planner, partner in the DY-Common Planning trans-disciplinary urban design practice. Dana has many other interests and involvements and has been active at Sulha for more than 15 years.
Mor (Mori) Sela
Sulha Executive Director. Mediator, resident of Kiryat Tivon. Director of the Tivon Community Mediation and Dialogue Center. Founder of Israelis and Palestinians for Peace movement. Board Member of the Forum of Israeli Peace NGOs. 25 years of experience in management and business development in the high-tech field.
Iyad Abu-Shamma
Resident of East Jerusalem, married and father of 5. Iyad holds a BA in Education and a master’s degree in social work. He works in the unit for youth advancement in the Jerusalem municipality in Beit Safafa and has volunteered with the Sulha for more than 15 years.
Our Sulha gatherings focus on training people to listen and feel with our hearts – an ability that is necessary for any future solution to this conflict.