Around the one year anniversary of October 7, NIFC is highlighting a few stories — out of thousands — of people who could have given in to anger and despair, but instead choose to dedicate themselves to building a future where peace, equality, justice, and democracy prevail.
Each of the people whose stories we are sharing are tirelessly working to create a better future for both Israelis and Palestinians.
Read their stories below.
Elana Kaminka
“The only way to create a future for the three children I have left in this country is to ensure that the Palestinian people have a dignified and decent life too.”
On October 7, Elana Kaminka’s world imploded when her beloved eldest son, Yannai Kaminka, a 20-year-old in the IDF, was killed while fighting Hamas terrorists in southern Israel. Even prior to that day, Elana and her husband, Eyal, were dedicated to working for a better Israel.
For nine months, they demonstrated in support of a democratic Israel and against the government’s planned judicial coup. Elana was also involved in Tag Meir, a coalition of anti-racism, pro-solidarity activists across the religious spectrum.
In the face of the tragic loss of their son, Elana’s commitment to peace hasn’t wavered — it has only grown stronger. “I hope that this horrific situation will somehow lead our peoples to learn, at long last, how to live together with mutual respect, so that there will be no more parents — Israelis or Palestinians — who will grieve for their children,” she says. “There is no other way.”
Sultan Abu Obaid
“In our two nations are multitudes who wish to end this cycle of blood. We cannot allow the forces of death and destruction to win. I want to call on everyone who longs for peace to work to end this conflict and to strengthen those who are working for peace.”
On October 7, Sultan and his family were startled awake at 6 AM by the sirens. They were luckier than many Bedouin communities because their village, Lakiya, is recognized by the state, and therefore protected by the Iron Dome. Tragically, other communities weren’t so fortunate.
In all, 21 Bedouins were killed that day in attacks and due to rocket fire from Gaza. Four children from one family died on their way to hospital. Six Bedouin citizens were kidnapped to Gaza, and three remain there. Scores were injured.
Sultan, who works for NIF’s action arm, Shatil, has dedicated his life to helping the Negev’s most vulnerable individuals and communities — the Bedouin among them — while also advocating for Jewish-Arab solidarity. Sultan believes the events of October 7 only underscored how vital this work is if Israel is to live in peace.
Sultan says, “The war has not been good for anyone. It has brought death and killing and destruction. We must continue to work for peace, partnership, equality and prosperity. We must create a land shared between all of us. There is no other way.”
Ziv Stahl
“We must stop this cycle of death. We must invest all of our power and energy in the end game: how to build a peaceful and secure future for all who live in this place.”
On October 7, Ziv Stahl was visiting her sister’s home in kibbutz Kfar Aza, where she grew up. She sheltered in place for hours that day, only to emerge into a scene of death and destruction. Ziv, who is the executive director of NIFC project partner Yesh Din – Volunteers for Human Rights, lost her sister-in-law in the attack. In the weeks and months since, Ziv has continued to lead Yesh Din in their work to protect human rights in the West Bank. She says, “All the military might on earth will not provide defense and security. A political solution is the only way — we are obligated to try, and we must begin this work today.”
Yotam Kipnis
“Do not write my father’s name on a [military] shell. He wouldn’t have wanted that. Don’t say, ‘God will avenge his blood.’ Say, ‘May his memory be for a blessing.”
Yotam Kipnis could have given up on peace. On October 7, his parent’s home in Kibbutz Be’eri was burned to the ground, both of his parents and his uncle were murdered, and eight of his relatives were taken hostage. One is still being held in Gaza.
But after a lifetime devoted to Jewish-Arab partnership, ending the occupation, and peace activism, Yotam feels an even greater sense of purpose today. “[My mom’s] support for peace came from her connection to the land and her deep familiarity with war, and also with the human soul,” he says. “Because even in the darkest times, mom did not forget what light looks like.”
Yotam keeps pushing for peace, in his work at Zazim – Community Action, and his activism with Standing Together. In the months since October 7 his focus has been on ensuring that humanitarian aid makes it to the people in Gaza by guarding aid trucks.
“We will restore the sanctity of life to the center of our value system,” he says. “Our house is burnt down — but we shall rebuild it.”
Avi Dabush
“We must learn to live together. In the end, peace is inevitable. Ultimately, the only solution is a diplomatic one.”
As CEO of NIF grantee Rabbis for Human Rights, Avi is dedicated to safeguarding human rights in the West Bank through advocacy and action. On October 7, he lost close friends and neighbours; his family survived the attack on his home in Kibbutz Nirim and have been displaced ever since. But still, he knows that the only path forward is a political solution. Which is why he believes RHR must continue and grow its vital work.
Avi, an ordained rabbi, says, “We must ‘pray with our feet’ and model actions that speak louder than words. This is why we are working harder in the West Bank. When we go out to provide a protective presence for Palestinian farmers during the olive harvest, we are advancing peace. Now what we need to do is create more partnerships, coalitions of all those who share these values of peace, human rights, and justice. Strengthening these coalitions, between Jews and Palestinians, will create an alternative, and lead societies to adopt the values which are needed.”
Yonatan Zeigen
On October 7, Vivan Silver, a lifetime peace activist and a former board member of the New Israel Fund was murdered in Kibbutz Be’eri. The Groundwork Podcast spoke with her son, Yonatan Zeigen, about honoring her legacy through his own peace activism.