On May 7, 2025, AFCFP hosted a powerful, deeply human conversation with former combatants from Israel, Palestine, Georgia, and Abkhazia—individuals who once saw each other as enemies, but who now work to build peace side by side.
The Power of Collective Grief: Ex-Combatants on Healing Across Divides
Wednesday, May 7th, 2025
9:30 pm Jerusalem | 2:30 pm New York
This event marked a rare gathering of peacemakers from active and post-conflict zones, offering insight into how grassroots reconciliation is not only possible but vital.
Speakers included:
Avner Wishnitzer (Israel): Former elite Israeli commando and co-founder of Combatants for Peace, now a professor and nonviolent activist.
Ahmed Helou (Palestine): Former Hamas member turned nonviolent activist with Combatants for Peace, working toward justice and dignity for all.
Rezo Okujava (Georgia): War veteran and refugee from Abkhazia, now a university history teacher promoting healing through education.
Nodar Tsvijba (Abkhazia): Artist and former intelligence officer who now mentors youth and fosters reconciliation through art.
Moderated by:
Gabriella Ginsburg Fletcher, Disarmament Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) expert at the United Nations and lifelong peacebuilder with roots in Jerusalem.