News Release
Marking the fifth anniversary of 9/11, more than 30 victims of political violence from around the world will gather with 9/11 families for a conference highlighting solutions to terrorism that break the cycle of violence. The gathering is being initiated by September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows, an organization founded by family members of those killed on September 11th who have united to turn their grief into action for peace.
The conference, "Civilian Casualties, Civilian Solutions," will include 30 terror victims from more than 18 counties, including Israel/Palestine, Russia, Ireland, Rwanda, and Colombia, who have created organizations that promote peaceful conflict resolution in their countries and communities. (A full list of participants can be found at Peaceful Tomorrows [PDF].)
The goal of the conference is to create an international network that will promote initiatives that support nonviolent solutions to terrorism and war.
"Five years after September 11th, we’ve seen the limitations of our military actions, which have often provoked more violence, more civilian casualties, and more anti-American sentiment than before," said Peaceful Tomorrows co-founder David Potorti, whose brother James was killed in the 9/11 attacks. "This conference will be an extraordinary opportunity to listen to those who have been most affected by terrorism, violence, and war, and to learn how they have successfully promoted conflict resolution in their own countries and communities."
Participants in the conference include:
