Libby Traubman, USA

Biography

Libby Traubman’s living room is a sacred space.  For over 19 years, Israelis and Palestinians living near her home in San Mateo, California have gathered there -- on their way to friendship, dialogue, and fresh new truths about themselves and each other.  From encountering historic impasses to creating new breakthroughs by reframing their stories, they all agree to the principles of dialogue – raising the bar on what could be possible in the Middle East if more would follow suit.  Libby and her husband are the co-founders of “Jewish-Palestinian Living Room Dialogues.”

In her time with us, Libby shared her personal journey working with Israelis and Palestinians in the inner sanctum of her own home, how it transformed her belief in the power of personal dialogue, and why keeps at it – no matter what.

Professionally, she is a retired clinical social worker, with one foot on a global path. In 1984, during the Cold War, Libby and her husband Len traveled to the Soviet Union to meet the “adversary.”   There she learned that “an enemy is one whose story we have not heard.”  The experience inspired Libby to help organize the face-to-face 1991 Beyond War conference for Israeli and Palestinian citizen-leaders, resulting in a historic signed document: Framework for a Public Peace Process.

To share tools and inspire others worldwide, Libby and her husband have produced four films modeling a new quality of listening-to-learn and excellent communication:  DIALOGUE AT WASHINGTON HIGH; PEACEMAKERS: Palestinians & Jews Together at Camp; CROSSING LINES IN FRESNO; and ABRAHAM’S VISION: Graduation Day!   Libby continues working side by side with women (and young women) of excellence from diverse backgrounds to ensure a better future for all children.  Her successful grassroots initiatives have addressed television violence, drug and alcohol abuse, energy conservation, and participatory democracy.  For her service to the community and global influence, Libby was inducted into the San Mateo County Women's Hall of Fame.