Today we’re remembering the 202 people that lost their lives in the Bali bombings, a deadly attack which took place 20-years ago today. Among them was Daniel Braden, the son and brother of Encompass Trust founders Alex and Claire. The tragic loss of Daniel spurred his family to set up the charity as they believed that it was ultimately a deep-seated misunderstanding, rather than hatred, which motivated the terrorists who perpetrated these attacks against Daniel and so many others. To mark the 20-year anniversary, Alex and Claire, as well as current and former staff members, reflect on the impact Encompass Trust has had since it was set up in Daniel’s memory:

Alex Braden, Chair of Trustees:

“For the past twenty years, Encompass Trust has brought together young people from communities that have been taught to hate or to devalue each other and has taken them on Journeys of Understanding, outside their own comfort zones, where they have had the courage to spend time facing ‘the other’ and really seeing their humanity and, hopefully, understanding their pain – and eventually also their humour, their joie-de-vivre, their dreams.

Our ideas may seem grandiose – but the work is very much down-to-earth. It depends on the commitment of great facilitators, local co-ordinators & staff plus a few dedicated Trustees. It requires the courage of young people to take a risk – often against the history and wishes of their community….and we have never ceased to be in awe of their bravery and determination in doing so. Not forgetting the long-standing donors who have supported ENCOMPASS from its very amateur beginning – thanks to them for their faith and loyalty.” 

Claire Mutimer, Trustee:

“Twenty years on from the bombings in Bali – as a family we reflect on all the things that Dan missed out on and how much we have missed him every day for all these years. We are so proud of all the people who have been brave enough to take part in a Journey of Understanding with Encompass to better understand those who think differently from themselves and to find some common ground. We are pleased that Encompass has evolved over the twenty years but continues to encourage people to entertain the idea not to be too fixed in their views, but to be open to other people’s thoughts and opinions.” 

Karen AbuZant, Palestine Coordinator:

“This year marks my 10 year anniversary working for Encompass Trust. Yes, it’s my job, but moreover, it’s my passion, because each new program, project, meeting and encounter with the Encompass participants/alumni, brings me a glimmer of hope and an abundance of joy. My alumni are always thanking me for encouraging their involvement in the Journey of Understanding Program and/or the IntraPal program. They say it was the beginning of not only understanding the conflict from others’ points of view, but understanding themselves and their responsibility to make positive change in both their local and the global community. I am so proud to claim the many success stories of our alumni, in part due to their participation in Encompass programs, as a slice of my legacy. So, I say thank you to my alumni for giving me, as much and more than they feel I’ve given them. Moreover, I thank the Encompass board, supporters, donors and past colleagues for their help and trust over the past decade.”

Yishai Pulvermacher, Israel Coordinator:

“In 2018, during my B.A. studies, I participated in the Journey of Understanding in Izmir, Turkey. The encounter with Palestinians my age, hearing their stories and telling them mine, bonding and arguing, crying, and laughing, has had a great impact on me and I carry this with me every day. Getting the chance to work in Encompass, to be part of this amazing initiative is a privilege for me. I strongly believe that only through communicating and working together we will be able to build together a better future for all of us.”

Ashraf Ashkar, Former Operations Manager

“I was the first Palestinian from the West Bank region to join Encompass in 2003. It was extremely difficult to travel and obtain a permit to go anywhere at that time. I remember how nervous I was to travel abroad alone for the first time and what to expect from the program! I also don’t think I ever met Israelis my age who weren’t in a military uniform or carrying a weapon which added more stress since I didn’t know what to talk about!. It was a struggle at the beginning to engage in deep conversations about politics, social structures, coexistence but outdoor activities helped me tremendously to open up. I have learned so much about my self and it is hard to explain the strong connections established among us! We all laughed, cried, got upset at times and challenged each other! Encompass was by far one of the most memorable and impactful experience I had. I maintained contact with many participants and built friendships with Israeli participants with whom I’m still in contact with today!”