On October 5th, 2024, we co-hosted a moving panel discussion on “Ahimsa in Action: Transforming the Future Through Nonviolence,” where distinguished global leaders explored how the principles of nonviolence can create a more just and peaceful future. This 90-minute virtual event brought together peacebuilders, activists, and leaders from diverse backgrounds to reflect on their personal experiences, sharing insights into the profound impact of Ahimsa (nonviolence) in today’s turbulent world.
For those who couldn’t join us live, you can watch the full panel discussion on YouTube below. As you watch, we encourage you to reflect on the ideas presented and consider how you can incorporate Ahimsa into your own life and community.
Watch full panel discussion here:
The event was co-hosted by the Peace Alliance National Department of Peacebuilding Campaign and the Ahimsa Peace Institute, two organizations dedicated to fostering peace and nonviolence.
Featured Highlights
1. Ramesh Sharma’s Opening Address
The panel opened with a recorded message from Ramesh Sharma, the producer and director of AHIMSA – Gandhi: The Power of the Powerless. From the Himalayan mountains, Ramesh shared the timeless relevance of Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence, particularly for today’s youth who are leading movements for justice, human rights, and climate action.
“Gandhi’s concept emphasizes the power of moral courage over physical force, inspiring individuals to confront injustice without resorting to violence. AHIMSA is a reminder that lasting change can be achieved through peaceful means.” – Ramesh Sharma
Watch Ramesh’s full address here:
2. Combatants for Peace – Interview with Sulaiman Khatib
The next highlight was the powerful story of Sulaiman Khatib, co-founder of Combatants for Peace a Nobel Peace Prize nominee organization. As a teenager, Sulaiman was imprisoned for participating in the Palestinian resistance. During his 10 years in prison, he underwent a profound transformation, embracing nonviolence. His journey, deeply influenced by Gandhi, Mandela and Martin Luther King, Jr., led him to co-found Combatants for Peace, an organization committed to fostering peace between former enemies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Central to Combatants for Peace mission is the belief in Collective Liberation—the idea that true freedom and justice can only be achieved when all people are liberated together, transcending the barriers of conflict.
“Nonviolence is not a sign of weakness; it’s a choice. It’s about finding moral courage, standing for justice, and striving for peace without resorting to violence. True liberation means that we all must be free, together.” – Sulaiman Khatib
To learn more about Combatants for Peace and support their mission, visit cfpeace.org.
On the one year October 7th anniversary, two days after our panel discussion, in a CNN interview Christiane Amanpour speaks with May Pundak, co-director of A Land for All, and Rana Salman, co-director of Combatants For Peace, on working for a better future between Israelis and Palestinians.
Watch the CNN interview here:
3. Insights from Danielle Reiff
Next, Danielle Reiff, a seasoned peacebuilder and writer, shared her perspectives on how acts of nonviolent courage shape history and inspire today’s justice movements. She highlighted how moments like Mamie Till Mobley’s decision to have an open-casket funeral for her son, Emmett Till, echoed the principles of Ahimsa. These acts mobilized movements for civil rights and justice.
“Nonviolent discipline releases a deep spiritual power. It elevates individuals and communities toward greater love and justice.” – Danielle Reiff
Watch Danielle Reiff’s interview about Peace with Jack Canfield here:]
4. Poetry by S’bongiseni Vilakazi
We concluded the panel with a poem by S’bongiseni (S’bo) Vilakazi, a South African politician, poet, and peacebuilder. His poem, Who Shall Stand?, reflects the ongoing struggle for peace and reconciliation, drawing from his experiences of overcoming division in South Africa.
“Who shall stand for the innocent?
Who shall stand for the indigent?
Who shall stand for the sleep deprived?
Who shall stand for the here and now?” – S’bongiseni Vilakazi
Listen to S’bo recite his poem here:
Reflections on AHIMSA – Gandhi: The Power of the Powerless Film
We are honored to have had Dr. Elisabet Sahtouris, a world-renowned evolutionary biologist, share her reflections on Ramesh Sharma’s documentary AHIMSA – Gandhi: The Power of the Powerless. Dr. Sahtouris called it the “best documentary on the history of nonviolence” she has ever seen.
“Lynnea, Just want to let you know I watched the whole AHIMSA film and find it the best I’ve ever seen on the history of non-violence, so thanks for the alert!” – Dr. Elisabet Sahtouris
This panel discussion provided profound insights into how Ahimsa can transform the future. We are deeply grateful to all our panelists and co-hosts for their contributions, and we encourage everyone to explore how the principles of nonviolence can be applied in your own life.
Together, we can create a more peaceful and just world.
- Support Combatants for Peace: cfpeace.org
- Support Peace Alliance: peacealliance.org
- Support Ahimsa Peace Institute: gandhiforchildren.org
October 6 – 8, 2024
Every Life, A Universe
Global Days of Remembrance and Action Event
Following our event, on October 6th, Nonviolence International honored every life lost to the ongoing violence and the enduring struggles of the Palestinian people. Moderated by Sami Awad, the gathering served as a space for mourning and healing and emphasized a unified call for justice. Israeli journalist Amira Haas and Gazan journalist Ahmed Alnaouq shared powerful insights through personal narratives and called for action and deeper solidarity.
October 7-8, 2024 Every Life, A Universe Gathering videos found here – https://www.youtube.com/@combatantsforpeace5017
On October 7th the gathering is moderated by Shiri Ourian and features Bassam Aramin, a former prisoner and member of the Parents Circle, who honors the memory of his beloved daughter. Anat Marnin, a bereaved sister whose journey inspires her commitment to peace and reconciliation after losing her brothers. Ma’ayan Inon, a bereaved Israeli daughter offering powerful insights on loss and the path to healing.
On October 8th, Combatants for Peace hosted the final gathering, moderated by Miriam Turmalin and Mai Shahin, to mourn the profound violence and injustice in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, and Israel, while calling for collective liberation.
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