Palestinian and Israeli Mothers Honored with Florence’s Golden Florin for Peace Efforts

Florence: The Fiorino d’Oro, Florence’s highest civic honor, was awarded to Bushra Awad and Robi Damelin, a Palestinian and an Israeli mother, united by the tragic loss of their sons to the violence of ongoing conflict.

According to Ansa News Agency, the award ceremony was conducted in the absence of the two mothers, with Mayor Sara Funaro presenting the award to representatives on their behalf. The citation acknowledged that despite being born on opposing sides, Awad and Damelin transcended their pain, choosing dialogue over hatred and transforming their mourning into a commitment to peace.

The ceremony emphasized Florence’s identity as a city of peace and dialogue. Mayor Funaro praised the mothers’ work with the Parents Circle – Families Forum, an organization that unites families affected by the conflict, highlighting their courage and hope as exemplary. Funaro expressed her admiration for Awad and Damelin, noting their efforts to promote peace in Israel and the importance of their message in Florence, a city renowned for its dedication to dialogue.

The event also celebrated other recipients of the Golden Florin, including Opera della Divina Provvidenza della Madonnina del Grappa, journalist Aldo Cazzullo, Mugello Racetrack director Paolo Poli, artisan Clara Cappellini of Taf Ricami, and posthumously, Fiorentina player Kurt Hamrin, honoring their contributions to culture, peace, and local craftsmanship.