Friendship Across Borders
is a tri-national, non-governmental peace-initiative, in which Germans, Palestinians and Israelis work together since its founding by Brigitta M. M. Mahr in 2004. FAB helps to open a space for Palestinians, Israelis and Germans to meet and learn about each other’s national narrative and personal stories. The constellation of these three national groups has a powerful potential to reveal the potencial for change. Through listening to each other, knowledge gaps can be bridged, and stereotypes can be re-examined and overturned. The aim is to come to understand ‘the other’ and to see the conflict through the eyes of the ‘enemy’, thus finding mutual empathy and respect. This process can be painful and challenging and needs to be carefully supported. If successful, it opens opportunities for personal growth and friendships across borders, which has happened many times since FAB was founded. In this way FAB tries to promote peace through mutual understanding and personal transformation.
Faces of FAB
Board
Andreas Beier
Chairman
Grad. Educational Sciences (eq. to M.A.)
Peace and Conflict Studies (European Peace University)
Mediator, Professional training in different international Conflict Resolution practices,
Theatre in Education, Dance Therapy, Eurythmics.
Lecturer and trainer of Peace Education and Violence Prevention
Consultant for Conflict Transformation and Project / Team Development
Ahmed Roma
Vice Chairman for the Palestinians
I am Ahmed Roma, nicknamed Hamada. I have a degree from the University CIES in Switzerland in the Sports Management program. I am an athlete, a national team player and former coach in fencing, and a multiple-time Palestinian champion. I have a very long career in the path of peace and peace institutions, and I joined FAB in 2016. I am very happy to be part of this wonderful family, FAB.
Dr. Avner Dinur
Vice Chairman for the Israelis
A Believer. Resident of Sderot. Lecturer of Jewish studies at Sapir College and Bar Ilan University. Member of the founding group of a new political party – “All Its Citizens“. His book “Something to Believe in: Secular Theology” (Hebrew) appeared in Idra Publishing, 2023. The edited volume “Israeli Culture and Emergency Routine: Normalizing Stress” (Editors: Vered Weiss, Irit Ronen & Avner Dinur) appeared in Lexington Press, 2024.
Frieder Rieger
Vice Chairman for the Germans
B.A. Philosophy and History from the University of Tübingen.
Currently pursuing an M.A. in History.
Experienced in moderation, facilitation and youth work.
Involved in FAB since 2016
Nicola Kuhle
German Associated Board Member
After studying politics, sociology, and psychology, Nicola began merging somatic practice with socio-political engagement. Focused on the question, “How are we in relationship?”, she creates spaces for exploration and encounter. She has been an active contributor to FAB’s work since 2022.
In seeking “response-ability” regarding her country’s history, she also organizes meetings that bring together descendants of Holocaust survivors and the perpetrator generation.
Treasurer
Filmmaker
Since 1974 Film producer
1974-1997 Feature Films for children for ZDF / German TV
Since 1985 Free lance documentaries in Bremen and Berlin (script, camera, editing)
Since 2007 Documentaries for FAB
www.rohdedahl.de
Yoel Braun
Israeli Associated Board Member
Born in Jerusalem, Yoel is a book editor and political activist. Inspired by his grandfather, a Holocaust survivor and resistance fighter, he has been active in campaigns for civil rights, LGBTQ+ equality, and economic justice since 2014. Yoel has been involved in FAB since 2022 and became a board member in 2024, focusing on fundraising and developing seminar methodologies.
Nimala Kharoufeh
Palestinian Associated Board Member
a Palestinian Wellbeing Coach from Jerusalem, has been leading women’s circles since 2009, creating safe spaces for connection and healing. A certified Samara Yoga instructor since 2015, she integrates movement and mindfulness to promote holistic well-being.
With over 15 years of experience in youth and alternative education programs, and since 2022 facilitating multi-national groups, Nimala is dedicated to empowering women, nurturing resilience, and fostering cross-cultural understanding.
Engaged members
Mathis Rouven Wolf
MSc. in Conflict Resolution and Governance Graduate School of Social Sciences, University of Amsterdam
BSc. in Politics, Psychology, Law and Economics Faculty of Law, University of Amsterdam
Interested in transgenerational trauma and social transformation
Involved in FAB since 2019
Yael Michal
Yael Michael, originally from Israel and based in Germany, studied Computer Science and Mathematics at Humboldt University Berlin before specializing in workshop design and facilitation. Since joining FAB and completing the facilitators training in 2024, she has taken an active role in the organization, coordinating task groups and supporting its development. She brings experience in youth work, intercultural dialogue, and community initiatives, and speaks Hebrew, English, German, and Arabic.
Ahmed Mousa Adeb Al Helou
Ahmed served for a long time as the Vice Chairman for the Palestinians.
Diploma in Management Business/Marketing from Al-Quds Open University – social development and family Palestinian Legislative Council in Ramalla from March 2019
Member of Combatants for Peace, active in other non violent peace initiatives
Working in FAB since 2013
Roei Menashe
Program lead and dialogue facilitator, focused on creating spaces for meaningful conversation, connection, and social change. Raised in Jerusalem, he previously played competitive volleyball — an experience that shaped his perspective on teamwork, listening, and perseverance. Alongside his facilitation work, Roei is deeply interested in sociology, philosophy, and the human psyche, bringing broad human curiosity into everything he does.
Yasmin Rimer
Yasmin Rimer is a trauma-informed facilitator and consultant specializing in intercultural, trauma informed narrative-based dialogue. She trains aspiring facilitators and provides consultation for organizational teams. Yasmin holds an MA in Gender Studies from Ben-Gurion University and a BA in Social Work from Hebrew University.
Tareq Seder
Tareq Seder is a young Palestinian with an IT degree and over four years of practical administrative experience. He is passionate about creating a better future for the next generations through learning and growing in nonviolent communication, conflict resolution, and trauma awareness. His goal is to build peace and emotional safety first within his future family, then extend that impact to his community and the wider world. This passion for meaningful connection and positive impact inspired him to join FAB in 2019 and continue growing through the experience.
Antwan I. Saca
BA in public law from the Arab American University of Jenin
Associate at Leaders Quest
Director for the Palestinian Programs of Seeds of Peace
Five years at the Holy Land Trust serving also as director of programs
focused on community dynamics and the many forms of personal/collective experienced and inherited trauma that influence conflict resolution in the Holy Land
I believe that healing the pain of the past is a prerequisite for healthy relations between nations and—ultimately—peace.
Membership
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