Friendship Across Borders e.V.
is a tri-national, non-governmental peace-initiative, in which Germans, Palestinians and Israelis work together from 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 reexamined 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.
Membership
Donate
Our Partners
Who we are
Board and engaged Members
Andreas Beier
Chairmen
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 Mousa Adeb Al Helou
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
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
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
Nimala Kharoufeh
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.
Mathis Rouven Wolf
MSc. Conflict Resolution and Governance Graduate School of Social Sciences, University of Amsterdam
BSc. Politics, Psychology, Law and Economics Faculty of Law, University of Amsterdam
Interested in transgenerational trauma and social transformation
Involved with FAB since 2019
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.
Nicola Kuhle
BA in Politics, Sociology and Psychology.
Researcher and lerner in authentic relating, dialogue culture and awarenessbased system change.
Trainer for intuitive archery.
Involved in FAB since 2022