While the ALForum took place in Albania between June 18-20, Israel's airspace was closed due to the ongoing conflict with Iran, preventing most Israeli participants from attending the event. Sharona Shnayder, from the Israeli ALF network and founder of the organization Tuesdays for Trash, was the sole Israeli representative. Sharona facilitated a joint panel and represented the Israeli network at the ALF Heads of Networks meeting. Reflecting on her experience, Sharona shares her thoughts from the first day of the ALForum:
"Yesterday was the first of the Anna Lindh Forum in Albania as a representative of Israel and moderator of a panel on how research and evidence can support grassroots action in our region.
The discussion brought together profound community leaders and voices that sparked meaningful dialogue with the audience. There’s so much to learn when we take the time to listen to people working directly on the ground.
At the same time, it’s hard to be here knowing what’s happening back home. So many people are stuck, grieving, or afraid—and I’ve felt that loss deeply as well. But in the face of war, division, and suffering, one thing we must not do is lose hope. It’s in these moments i remember why we continue to show up and imagine a better future for all of us 
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