A new CNN article takes a close look at a radicalized teen and the work of our Exit Peer Specialist, Mubin Shaikh, who worked closely with him and his family for more than a year. Mubin’s work reflects an important principle at the heart of Parents for Peace: disengagement from extremism is not simply about telling someone what not to believe. It is about building trust, addressing the personal needs and vulnerabilities that can make extremist narratives appealing, challengin

In an age where extremism and hate can spread instantly online, the way we prevent terrorism and antisemitism must evolve. Our Board Chair George Selim explores this urgent challenge in his latest piece for The Algemeiner, arguing that protecting our communities today requires strengthening the civic bonds, resilience, and tools needed to confront online radicalization and hate. At Parents for Peace, we believe prevention starts with understanding how extremism takes root and

by Emma Jouenne, Miri Bar-Halpern, PsyD, and Alla Prokhovnik, Ph.D. Our newly published research, based on ten years of case work with radicalized individuals, shows that antisemitism can serve as a catalyst for radicalization. Unlike treating antisemitism as one prejudice among many, this work shows it serves a specific psychological function: it converts diffuse grievances into coherent enemy-focused worldviews. Whether it's far-right replacement theory, jihadist theology,

By Dr. Shea Alvarez, Exit Interventionist The FBI is currently running more than 450 active investigations into a single online ecosystem, spread across all 56 field offices.1 Last fall, Director Patel told the Senate that this category of what the Bureau now calls nihilistic violent extremism (NVE), accounts for a “large chunk” of roughly 1,700 open domestic terrorism cases, a 300 percent jump from the year before.2 In December 2025, Canada designated the lead networks as te

By Myrieme Churchill & Shea Alvarez Our kids are drowning in gore, and we are looking the other way. As the director of Parents for Peace, I’ve spent the past decade working with families whose lives have been shattered by radicalization and violent extremism. I’ve talked with mothers who found hidden folders of beheadings on their child’s devices, fathers who discovered their sons watching livestreamed executions at 2 a.m., and siblings who grew up in the shadow of a brother

We are heartbroken by the devastating school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, where 8 lives were taken and more than 27 injured. Our thoughts are with the families, friends, and community members whose lives have been forever changed by this senseless act of violence. Although the reasons behind such actions are intricate, grievances can lead individuals to behave cruelly and in ways that are hard to comprehend . This tr agic event underscores how online radicaliz

The antisemitic vandalism of a playground in Brooklyn this week, where Jewish children and families gather to feel safe and joyful, is an attack on the very fabric of our shared humanity. This hateful use of the swastika is not just graffiti; it is a deliberate attempt to intimidate Jewish neighbors and normalize a symbol of genocide in a space meant for children. As a Muslim, I will never tolerate that any person’s religion or ethnicity be threatened or targeted. When Jewis

by Yuval Levi Ari has always been a sensitive, empathetic kid. Diagnosed with autism and ADHD at a young age, he developed early passions for animals and music. “Among the nursery songs, he was listening to Woody Guthrie," his mother, Dana, recalls. Dana was strict about technology usage while Ari was growing up. “I believe really strongly in going outside and riding your bike, hands-on activities,” she says, noting that Ari was never allowed to have social media. “But here w

Some of the most powerful interventions happen far from police offices or government programs—around the kitchen table, in a sibling’s bedroom, or during long walks with a trusted friend. If you are a family member concerned about a loved one, Parents for Peace offers a free, confidential helpline where you can talk with someone in confidence and receive guidance and support. Call 1-844-497-3223 or email help@parents4peace.org. You don’t have to face this alone—reach out toda

We solemnly remember the October 7 terrorist attack by Hamas on Israeli civilians — one of the darkest days for the Jewish people since...

A Week of Violence Against Sacred Spaces Parents for Peace expresses deep concern and sorrow about the recent attacks on places of...

We are proud to highlight a powerful piece written by our colleague Mubin Shaikh , Exit Peer Specialist at Parents for Peace, recently...

Violent extremism is not a problem that exists in the shadows of “other” communities. It is something that can take root anywhere, fueled...

Beth Jerskey, PhD - Alla Prokhovnik, PhD - Elena Savoia, MD, MPH - Emma Cardeli, PhD - Lyla Schwartz, MSW There’s no single path into...

It used to be that extremists could be grouped into clear categories (e.g., far-right, far-left, Islamist jihadists). Today, the picture...

Parents for Peace is seeking a highly self-sufficient and detail-oriented Operations Manager to oversee and strengthen the organization’s day-to-day operations. Apply today!

This post draws on research by Katharina Meredith Sengfelder for her thesis “After They Leave: A Thematic Analysis of Post-Exit Distress...

The mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minnesota has left two children dead, dozens wounded, and a community shattered. It...

It is with profound sadness that I share the news of the passing of our beloved founder, Mr. Melvin Bledsoe, a man of extraordinary...