Introduction

The efforts of Empathy for Peace, an NGO based in Toronto, provides another exemplar. Founded by Haifa Staiti, a Palestinian woman born in the Palestinian city of Jenin, Empathy for Peace is dedicated to the advancement of empathy through scientific research and education, with specific applications to evidence based conflict resolution, peace and reconciliation processes.

The organization supports research efforts that explore the relationship between biological and environmental factors and our ability to empathize and/or that can be translated into evidence based results to improved community relations, stronger human rights policies, and a more compassionate world.

Goals

1. Advance empathy research and studies by providing grants and scholarships to scientists and scholars studying empathy and its applications to conflict resolution, peace and reconciliation processes.

2. Promote the translation and dissemination of empathy research by making the results publicly available and accessible.

3. Support the application of empathy research and serve as a resource for educators, policymakers, organizations and communities interested in translating empathy research into organizational and community-based practice.

4. Support programs that foster and advance the development of empathy and emotional literacy at home, in schools, in the workplace and within and among communities.

More information

1. Empathy of Peace: Publications and articles, videos and tools
2. Levy J, Yirmiya K, Goldstein A, & Feldman. (2019). The neural basis of empathy and empathic behavior in the context of chronic trauma.  Front. Psychiatry. 10:562.