Following the closing of the Anna Lindh Forum in Barcelona, representatives of the Israeli-Palestinian organization “Combatants for Peace”, were hosted on the 9th of March by the IEMed, Head of the Anna Lindh Spanish Network, to present their work in promoting cooperation and peace between Palestinians and Israeli.

Speaking during the event, Maha Staiti from Palestine and Gitit Bar-El from Israel presented to the public the efforts of Combatants for Peace in achieving a peaceful solution for the Middle East conflict.

Various joint actions are held by Combatants for Peace, including summer camps with Palestinian, Israeli and European youth, olive harvests to help Palestinian farmers and assistance in rebuilding homes.

“Combatants for Peace” as also organised a session in the framework of the Anna Lindh Forum in Barcelona on the role of women in the non-violent struggle for peace in the occasion of the International Women’s Day.

It should be noted that the movement has received the Euro-Med Award for Dialogue 2009, an annual award organised by the Anna Lindh Foundation and Fondazione Mediterraneo, in recognition to their efforts in promoting a culture of peace and coexistence in the Euro-Mediterranean Region.

“Combatants for Peace” is a civil movement formed by former Palestinian militants and Israeli soldiers, aiming to promote a peaceful and right solution to the conflict through dialogue and non-violent means. After brandishing weapons for so many years, and having seen one another only through weapon sights, former Palestinian militants and Israeli soldiers have decided to put down their guns, and to fight for peace and justice.