RIMAN BARAKAT

“If there were more leaders like Kinney in America and around the world, we would have peace sooner in the Middle East.” 

— Riman Barakat, co-CEO of Feel Beit, a group of Palestinians and Israelis who create art and music to bridge divides in Jerusalem.

My name is Riman Barakat and I'm a Palestinian resident of Jerusalem. I am also the co-CEO of Feel Beit, a group of Palestinians and Israelis who create art and music to bridge divides in Jerusalem. Our award-winning productions combine music, theater, film, digital art, podcasts, installations and more. Everything we present is rooted in love for the diverse people of Jerusalem.  

I have spent much rich, meaningful time with Kinney Zalesne, and consider her a dear friend. Over the years, we have walked many miles — in Jerusalem, Ramallah, and DC  -- talking about peace, conflict, shared society, and the role of art in peacemaking. If there were more leaders like Kinney in America and around the world, we would have peace sooner in the Middle East. 

I am proud to call Kinney my friend. I hope the voters of DC will soon call her their Delegate.