Mai is one of the Managing directors of SATYAM
As a dedicated peace activist for more than 10 years, working through Non-Violent Communication and Psychology, her faith and life path are an inspiration to a big community.
As a Palestinian woman living through the war, I have experienced grief in ways that words often fail to capture. Each day, I meet mothers who have lost their children, families forever altered by violence, and communities wrestling with trauma that spans generations. The weight of occupation, the echoes of genocide, and the horror of prisoners and hostages haunt our lives, making it all too easy to lose sight of hope.
Yet, in the depths of this despair, I have also found the seeds of resilience, planted in the hearts of those who dare to dream of a better future. Satyam is a manifestation of this dream—a space dedicated to healing, understanding, and reclaiming our humanity amid the pain. It is here that Palestinians and Israelis come together, not just to coexist, but to engage deeply with one another’s stories, fears, and hopes.
In our workshops, we embrace non-violence as a powerful tool for transformation. We explore the complex layers of our traumas, acknowledging the pain while striving to build a future grounded in empathy and respect. These sessions are not merely discussions; they are collective acts of reclaiming our narrative. We understand that healing begins with vulnerability—sharing our grief and our joys, forging connections that transcend the boundaries imposed upon us.
The work we do at Satyam extends beyond dialogue; it is about community building. We envision a space where every voice is valued, where every story contributes to a tapestry of resilience. Together, we cultivate an environment of togetherness, a piece of the land where people can feel safe to express their fears and hopes. This is not just about Palestinians or Israelis—it is about humanity coming together to heal from the wounds of a violent past.
As we gather, we learn to navigate our grief together, finding solace in shared experiences. We engage in practices that normalize healing—art therapy, storytelling, and communal rituals that remind us of our shared humanity. In these moments, we reclaim our faith—not only in ourselves but in each other, as we strive to envision a future free from the shackles of oppression.
Satyam is a commitment to the difficult yet essential work of reimagining our realities. It is a reminder that healing is a journey, one that requires patience, understanding, and unwavering dedication to one another. We stand together against the normalization of violence, refusing to accept despair as our fate.
Let us embrace this vision of togetherness, where we transform our pain into purpose and our grief into collective strength. Together, we are not merely surviving; we are actively shaping a future defined by justice, peace, and shared hope. Join us in this sacred journey to foster a community that embodies healing, understanding, and unwavering faith in a brighter tomorrow.
You can join us by contributing through the campaign, sharing the word, following us and in more ways, that we will share as the campaign goes on!
Together, we can transform pain into hope
Mai Shahin
www.startnext.com/en/satyam/more-info