Her son, David, was killed by a Palestinian sniper while serving in the Israeli army reserves.
[9] Her family was politically active in the anti-apartheid movement, her uncle having defended Nelson Mandela during the 1956 Treason Trial.
Pressure from South African authorities due to Damelin's vocal opposition to the apartheid led to her moving to Israel in her 20s, as a volunteer, during the Six-Day War in June 1967.
The war ended soon after she arrived, and she settled in a kibbutz, attending a Hebrew program to learn the language.
[10] Robi is the spokesperson and director of International Relations for The Parents Circle-Families Forum (PCFF), a grassroots organization made up of hundreds of bereaved Israeli and Palestinian families working together for reconciliation and peace.