Cracks in the Wall of Hatred: How Israeli-Palestinian Bereaved Families Transform Grief into Reconciliation

Abstract: While post-October 7th research emphasizes mutual distrust and dehumanization, this study explores shared bereavement as a pathway to humanization and reconciliation. The narrative model in peacebuilding facilitates sharing experiences and suffering while acknowledging power asymmetries. The Parents Circle-Families Forum (PCFF), a joint Israeli-Palestinian organization of over 600 bereaved families established in 1995, exemplifies this approach through promoting dialogue, tolerance, and reconciliation. This study explores relationship-building factors among PCFF members, examining how shared loss contributes to peace-building despite ongoing conflict. Eighteen in-depth interviews were conducted with Israeli and Palestinian members who lost family members. Findings reveal that: (1) the narrative model enables discussion of personal difficulties, power relations, and ongoing conflict; (2) processing unresolved pain is essential for reconciliation; (3) personal, authentic stories create mutual trust, legitimizing compassion and reflecting humanization. The narrative model increases trust, empathy, and understanding of conflict complexity among both groups.

Keywords: Narrative reconciliation, Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Shared bereavement, Civil society peacebuilding