Musalaha in Israel and Palestine October 2025 Update

Veronica Vigdorchik, a Musalaha team member and a facilitator of healing across divides, offered a reflection on forgiveness as Yom Kippur was celebrated. Veronica’s reflection is profound and deeply grounded in lived reality. She writes: “In this season of Yom Kippur, I feel that the power of forgiveness reaches far beyond ritual. It cannot be something we, as Israelis, approach mechanically. Forgiveness must be lived – both as a spiritual essence and as an ethical practice. It is an energetic shift that opens the way for growth and release, and a moral choice that embraces compassion over resentment. Each act of forgiveness not only transforms our relationships with others but also reshapes the inner space, creating the capacity to listen, to hold pain, and to remain rooted in our shared humanity. Forgiveness also grounds me in belonging. It reminds me of the responsibility I carry toward both Israeli and Palestinian societies, and of our call to be partners in life and peace. Within forgiveness lies the power to affirm dignity, sustain hope, and bring goodness to all.”

Veronica and the Musalaha team see their mission as continually bringing the spirit of forgiveness and responsibility into their context – opening hearts, healing wounds, and helping build a more just, healthy, and whole society. With this conviction, the team works tirelessly with the Mixed Cities group, Young Adults, the Muslim-Christian Civil Society Group, and the Palestinian Women’s Group.

In early September, Musalaha brought together 11 Israeli Jews, Palestinian Muslims, and Christians from the mixed cities of Lydd and Ramle to Wadi Rum, Jordan. After a week of violence and tension in their cities, the desert offered a safe space to reflect and address the barriers to reconciliation. The weekend centered on two workshops – Obstacles to Reconciliation and Conflict. Participants engaged in challenging conversations, practicing active listening and mutual respect as they surfaced both old and new issues while learning from each other.

 Also, last month, the Palestinian Women’s Group held its first outreach, Our Green Roots - جذورنا الخضراء, marking the completion of a year-long program. The women, showing remarkable commitment, cooperation, and creativity, chose to reconnect with the land through plants. The outreach brought together 36 women from across Palestine – Bethlehem, Eilabun, Baqa, Nazareth, and more. Despite differences in location and religion, they found common ground in Palestinian plants and traditions. Each woman gifted hers to someone who inspired her, creating a beautiful exchange of generosity and encouragement.

Much more is happening at Musalaha. We invite you to stand with them and empower their ongoing work in the Holy Land. If you feel God’s call to support Musalaha, please pray for wisdom and motivation in their outreach and teaching on forgiveness and repentance.

THE OPPORTUNITY
The Outreach Foundation seeks gifts to support the mission and ministry of Musalaha in Israel and Palestine. All gifts of any size are welcome. You may send a check to The Outreach Foundation or make an online gift at www.theoutreachfoundation.org. 

Thank you for being part of this movement of grace, compassion, and unwavering faith.