Mehra Rimer on RTS’s Drôle d’époque
An interview on RTS introduced a wider Swiss audience to Mehra Rimer’s journey, the story behind B8 of Hope, and the Palestinian and Israeli civil society movements working beyond violence and division.
In 2024, B8 of Hope contributed to the creation and production of Résister pour la Paix (Resisting for Peace), a documentary by French Jewish filmmaker Hanna Assouline and Moroccan filmmaker Sonia Terrab. Filmed in the aftermath of October 7 and during the war in Gaza, it follows Palestinian and Israeli peace activists across cities, communities, kibbutzim, and checkpoints. Many have suffered profound personal loss, yet continue to resist hatred and violence by building relationships and working together for peace, justice, and freedom.
In November, B8 of Hope brought the film to Geneva through two public evening screenings and a morning session for students, reaching a total audience of 600 people. Each screening was followed by a conversation with Hanna and Sonia, Palestinian peace activist Lama Abuarqoub, and Israeli peace activist Yonatan Zeigen, who appears in the film. Together, they explored the humanization of “the other,” the work of the activists and organizations featured, and the difficult political questions raised by their continued commitment to peace.
The audiences reflected the diversity of Geneva and the wider region, bringing together people of different nationalities, religions, and backgrounds—including Palestinians, Israelis, Lebanese, and Iranians. At a moment of immense grief and polarization, the screenings made visible those who refuse to accept that hatred and destruction are the only possible future. Donations raised through the events were matched by the David and Mehra Rimer Foundation.
More from Building Peace from Switzerland
Bringing Grassroots Peacebuilding to Washington, DC
Visiting Washington, DC in 2024, Mehra Rimer carried the work of B8 of Hope’s grantees into conversations with policymakers and peacebuilding institutions—and saw ideas developed in Geneva reach the halls of power.
B8 of Hope at the Geneva Graduate Institute and the University of Lausanne
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.