Our Mission
To work toward mutual understanding amongst Israelis and Palestinians, based on a dual-narrative model in which people of each nationality are exposed to their opposing narrative
Our Mission
To work toward mutual understanding amongst Israelis and Palestinians, based on a dual-narrative model in which people of each nationality are exposed to their opposing narrative
Our Mission
To work toward mutual understanding amongst Israelis and Palestinians, based on a dual-narrative model in which people of each nationality are exposed to their opposing narrative
Our Mission
To work toward mutual understanding amongst Israelis and Palestinians, based on a dual-narrative model in which people of each nationality are exposed to their opposing narrative
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About us
Sipur-Hikaya was founded in 2017 by entrepreneurs, academics, and teachers who took part in writing the book "Side by Side: Parallel Histories of Israel-Palestine". The name of our non-profit organization consists of the hebrew word for story, “Sipur,” and “Hikaya,” which means story in Arabic. Two stories = two narratives.
We believe that the solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will come from a long process which requires the people of both nationalities, Israeli and Palestinian, to truly believe in peace as a moral obligation and push their political leaders to reach historical agreements.
Our Uniqueness
Some peace organizations focus on encouraging politicians to sign a peace treaty as fast as possible. Other focus on ending the occupation. Other organizations focus on encouraging co-existence within Israel.
We, at Sipur-Hikaya, focus on promoting peace building through education, with an emphasis on teaching about the concept of the dual narrative.
We aim to raise awareness to the content of "Side by Side: Parallel Histories of Israel-Palestine" through lectures in various locations, social media platforms as well as speaking with opinion leaders, in order to encourage communities, on both sides of the conflict, to take part in social change and pave the way to peaceful co-existence.
The essence of the conflict
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been going on for more than 100 years, and many people are sure it will never end.
We believe that amongst both Israelis and Palestinians, there is a lack of understanding as to how the conflict even started. Most of the people involved in the conflict only know ”their” narrative and know barely anything about the narrative of the other side, because of the lack of exposure as well as a mere lack of interest. Amongst the Israelis, especially the younger generation, many people believe that this land was practically barren at the time that the Zionist movement started.
Amongst those who are familiar with the Palestinian narrative, many believe that there is nobody to talk with on the Palestinian side about peace, and thus there is no hope in solving the conflict. Amongst the Palestinians, most people know nothing about Zionist history, see Zionists as invaders and colonizers, and demand their leaders fight for the implementation of the right of return for millions of Palestinian refugees.
Our goal is that within a few years we will manage to expose many communities to the dual-narrative concept, so that they will reach an understanding of the narrative of the other side of the conflict as well as comprehend how complex the conflict really is. When that happens, we believe that more communities will be encouraging their leaders to push for a peace agreement.
Leaders
Eyal Naveh – President
The use of history in intercultural and international relations can either amplify and perpetuate the hostility between cultures and nations, or pave the way for reconciliation between them. In order to begin the reconciliation process between two nations, there must be mutual recognition. The prerequisite for such recognition is mutual acquaintance. This, precisely, is the goal of the dual-narrative approach.
Sefi Donner - Chairman
As an entrepreneur, I have employed Arab employees, sold products to Arab customers in Israel as well as in neighboring countries.
I was truly moved by these social encounters.
I began thinking that there is no way we cannot make peace with our neighbors, the Palestinians.
When I discovered the book "Side by Side", I was immediately convinced that I found the path to success!
I founded Sipur-Hikaya with the strong belief that “even if there is a small chance, it’s worth a try!”
Shai Meizleman - Board Member
50 years old.
Co-wrote The Green Book
I joined Sipur-Hikaya, driven by the belief that education based on dialogue, listening, and learning from the other side is one the most important tools in the long journey towards a peaceful future in the region we live in.
Eshel Kleinhaus
has been involved in education since he stood his ground and made a living, in cruiser circles, as a history teacher, as a school principal and more, currently director of the field of administrative reserves at the “Avnei Rosha” Institute. I joined the writing of the book and the association out of optimism of the one involved in education and belief in our abilities to change the world and country in which we live. The struggle between the national movements and the two peoples living here may have been doomed, but its duration and heavy prices are not so. I believe in the power of stories and narratives to be not only divisive factors but also sibling factors that contribute to recovery and reconciliation
Mahagna Faisal
Married and father of 4 children from Umm al-Fahm from a displaced family from the village of Alljon (Kibbutz Megiddo and Kibbutz Midrakh Oz exist on the village lands) A graduate of Economics and Statistics at the Hebrew University and studying for a Master's degree in Economics at Tel Aviv University, I served as a branch manager at Bank Hapoalim and the director of the business unit at the Arab-Jewish Center for Economic Development For ten years I have been a socio-political activist for more than 50% to 50%. I was elected chairman of the opposition in the Umm al-Fahm municipality from 2009 to 2013. And one of the founders of "Neighbors of Peace" in the Wadi Ara area and active in most existing peace movements and chairman of the Environmental Association in Wadi Ara and the region and one of the founders of the Right Narrative Group in Umm al-Fahm. I heard from Sefi about the book Sipur Hikaya I was very connected to the idea that was integrated into my vision of playing the Palestinian narrative to Jewish society in Israel in order to reach peace and that there must be a lasting Palestinian Jewish vision process to ensure a normal life for all Jews and all Palestinians
Riad Kabha
I believe in a Jewish Arab partnership built on trust, recognition and acquaintance that will lead to peace, equality and partnership.
There is no doubt that the goals and objectives of this NGO lead to an Arab-Jewish partnership.
Knowing the other side and familiarity with his narrative will lead to understanding and flexibility in positions.
That is why I joined the NGO as a continuation of my work for the past 50 years in changing prejudices and working for a common life.
Naomi Vered – Auditor
"I joined the dual-narrative project because of interest, faith in the importance of the process and hope for its implementation, and I was privileged to teach in its' spirit."
Rachel Zuk
I work as a history teacher in a high school in South Tel Aviv. I took part in the creation of The Green Book, and have been using it in my teaching. I have taught my students about the Palestinian historical narrative, and I believe that I have succeeded in granting them the ability to understand and accept it, as well as granting them life values. My goal, as part of Sipur-Hikaya, is to continue this educational work while reaching a broader audience.
Dror Eytan
I joined Sipur-Hikaya, because I feel that it provides a platform that allows me to bring forth my values and act on the moral conclusions that I have reached in the past years, as a Jewish Israeli who lives in this small region, which I love so much. I believe that if we do not find a way to live peacefully with the Palestinian people (those who are Israeli citizens as well as those who are not), then the Zionist dream, which brought my family here from America and Poland, is in great danger. Unfortunately, many Jewish Israelis think that it would display weakness or confusion, if they were to take some time to listen and try understanding how the conflict looks from a perspective that isn’t theirs. My position in Sipur-Hikaya gives me the opportunity to work towards co-existence amongst Jews and Palestinians, from the river to the sea, while really touching on the core of the conflict: the opposing historical narratives.
Tamar (Tami) Stein
A member of Kibbutz Lohamei Haghetaot. Daughter of two Holocaust survivor parents, who instilled in me a belief in humanistic, anti-racist and anti-nationalist Zionism. Retired social worker. When I retired, I was looking for a place where I could be involved in action that promotes reconciliation and closeness between Jews and Arabs within the State of Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Along with learning the Arabic language, I joined the "Story of Hikaya" organization. And maybe I will get to see the repeal of the Nationality Law and the end of the occupation ....
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Rasha Sharkia
Two things I really like, these are people and stories.
This is why I started my career as a TV and documentaries researcher. Later on, my journey has expanded to other areas of interest and practice, such as human rights, media consulting, leadership and leading change, in various ways, and mainly with Palestinian and Israeli partners. Today, I train people for growth and leadership whereas, my life purpose is to guide them on their "homeward" journey. 'Sipur-Hikaya' is also home for me in the sense that the organisation is all about people, stories, identities, leading change, and it is leading a vital journey for a better and more peaceful future for all. As a Palestinian Arab citizen of Israel, I believe my complex identity is of such weight that could influence building bridges and connections.
Avi Deul
In recent years, I have decided to work determinately to bring Israelis and Palestinians closer together for peace and reconciliation. I have participated in narrative workshops of the Israeli-Palestinian Bereaved Families Forum; I volunteer at "The Road to Recovery" organization that helps Palestinian patients, especially children with cancer, to get from the checkpoints to Israeli hospitals; active in the "Standing Together" grassroot movement, whose aims are social justice, equality between Jews and Arabs and peace. In addition, I joined a team that translates into Hebrew stories written in English by young Palestinians and published on their website - "We Are Not Numbers". They share their experiences in Gaza, with the parallel Israeli website "We Beyond the Border" that introduces young people from our two societies. I believe that through this personal connection, we can bring about a change.
Noga Eini Elhadef
I am a psychologist, living in Zichron Ya’akov with my husband and two wonderful children.
Since 2005, I have been researching and encouraging dialogue between Jews and Arabs. In my M.A thesis, guided by Prof. Dan Bar-On (may he rest in peace), I researched the struggles that Jewish and Palestinian youth encounter when learning the Israeli and Palestinian narratives regarding the historical events of 1948. I have also worked as a sociologist in the Israeli air force. Today, I specialize in educational psychology.
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