Mehra Rimer was invited onto the RTS program Drôle d’époque for a conversation that moved from her childhood in Iran and her life in Switzerland to the experiences that led her to create B8 of Hope.
She spoke about B8 of Hope’s long-term commitment to Palestinian and Israeli civil society organizations and her belief that grassroots movements are essential actors for peace and mutual understanding. The interview created an opportunity to explain why B8 of Hope continues to invest in these organizations even during the most difficult periods: because they preserve relationships, develop practical solutions, defend human dignity, and keep alternatives to violence alive.
At a time when Israel and Palestine are so often discussed only through governments, armies, and armed groups, the conversation made space for the people working within their societies to change what comes next. Bringing those voices to a national Swiss audience is an important part of building peace from Switzerland.
At the Geneva Graduate Institute and the University of Lausanne, B8 of Hope introduced students to the work of our Palestinian and Israeli grantees, our pro-solution approach, and the role of trust-based philanthropy in sustaining peacebuilding.
In conversation with Palestinian host Amira Mohammed, Mehra Rimer reflected on the personal journey behind B8 of Hope and the complexities of supporting Palestinian and Israeli civil society as an Iranian peacebuilder.
What a privilege to welcome two talented women from the Palestinian and Jewish Israeli peacebuilding communities: Juman Daraghmeh, who shared her communications expertise with B8 of Hope, and singer and peace activist Noa, a longstanding public voice for peace and shared humanity.