Limmud Festival runs from 26–31 December, bringing together individuals and organisations for several days of learning, conversation and community.

This year, New Israel Fund, together with Yachad, is delighted to host two activists from Standing Together:

• Angela Mattar, Team Leader
• Eliah Levin, Student Organiser at the University of Haifa

We’re also partnering with Breaking the Silence, supporting:

• Luiz Aberbuj, Jewish Diaspora Educational Coordinator
• Inbal Morag, Education Coordinator

Across three days, we’ll be offering a rich programme of films, conversations and panels exploring Israeli and Palestinian activism, trauma and hope, the realities of the West Bank, and how we can imagine a more just future.

Full Programme

Sunday

1:20–3:20 pm – Screening of Holding Liat
Holding Liat is a powerful documentary about Liat Atzili’s family’s struggle for her release from captivity in Gaza, and the aftermath of 7 October from the perspectives of people committed to humanity and peace.
The film won Best Documentary at the 2025 Berlin International Film Festival.
NIF holds the UK community and educational screening rights.

6:40–7:40 pm – Ask A Palestinian (Angela and Eliah)
What’s it like to live as a Palestinian today? In this open Q&A, Standing Together activist Angela Mattar shares personal stories and insights into Palestinian society, culture and daily life, joined by Eliah Levin.
A candid space to explore challenges and strengths beyond the headlines — an honest and human exchange.

Monday

10:40–11:40 am – Israeli Activism (Atira, Angela, Eliah, Inbal and Luiz)
What does it take to spark real change? Activists from Breaking the Silence and Standing Together share lessons from global protest movements, what’s effective, the challenges of the Israeli context, and how civil disobedience fits into the activist toolkit.
Hear directly from those shaping the struggle for equality and democracy today.

12:00–1:00 pm – Israeli and Palestinian activism on university campuses (Dalia, Angela, Eliah and Inbal)
Israel–Palestine activism on British university campuses has been in the headlines for two years, often with sensationalised or reductive coverage.
But what about the activism of Israelis and Palestinians themselves?
Join Yachad, Standing Together and Breaking the Silence to explore what campus activism really looks like for those on the ground.

4:00–5:00 pm – From trauma to a viable future (Magen, Angela, Eliah)
How can societies scarred by violence build a shared future? Peacemaker Magen Inon, who lost his parents in the 7 October Hamas attack, joins activists from Standing Together to reflect on trauma, resilience and the work of building peace.
Their message: hope is an action — and through courage and connection, a shared future is possible.

Tuesday

9:20–10:20 am – What the hell is going on in the West Bank? (Ella, Luiz, Inbal)
The West Bank is often in the news, but the realities on the ground are complex. This session explores the Occupation, settler violence, annexation and more.
Speakers from Breaking the Silence — former soldiers sharing their experiences — will offer insights and take questions.

1:20–2:20 pm – Voices of women from Israel/Palestine (Ella, Angela, Eliah, Inbal)
A conversation with Israeli and Palestinian women activists Angela Mattar and Eliah Levin from Standing Together, alongside Inbal Morag and Ella.
They’ll discuss how gender challenges authority and shapes protest, the risks and opportunities it brings, and why women’s voices are central to building lasting change.

5:20–6:20 pm – The war in Gaza: an invitation to a difficult conversation (Magen, Inbal, Luiz)
The war in Gaza has shaken both Israeli and Palestinian societies, deepening divides and raising difficult moral questions.
This session invites participants to face complexity, confront uncomfortable truths and listen across differences, with speakers from Standing Together, Breaking the Silence and peacemaker Magen Inon, whose parents were killed on 7 October.