One of the most extraordinary stories of forgiveness began 25 years ago, centered on a California woman whose daughter’s tragic death inspired change in South Africa—and in her grieving parents’ lives.
Amy Biehl, a bright and determined Stanford graduate, traveled to South Africa on a Fulbright scholarship during the tumultuous final days of apartheid. Passionate about justice, she worked tirelessly in the anti-apartheid movement, helping to register black voters and addressing the dire poverty in township communities. Amy believed that economic reform was essential for meaningful societal transformation.
On one fateful day, while giving two colleagues a ride home, Amy became the target of four angry youths who had just attended a rally where militants called for violence against white settlers. Despite her companions’ desperate pleas, identifying her as “a comrade,” Amy was stoned and stabbed to death on a road in Guguletu township—a place her parents would later call “The Spot of Hope.”
Devastated but inspired by Amy’s diaries, Peter and Linda Biehl left their affluent Orange County home and traveled to Cape Town. There, they visited the townships where Amy had worked and spoke with her friends about the region’s challenges, particularly unemployment. Determined to honor their daughter’s legacy, they used donations pouring in for her cause to launch numerous development projects. These included welding workshops, sewing initiatives, a print shop, a bakery, construction training programs, sports facilities, and adult literacy classes—all aimed at uplifting the community.
The most remarkable chapter of their journey, however, was their relationship with Amy’s killers.
“People say, ‘I couldn’t connect with those who harmed my loved one,’ but forgiveness is about liberating yourself—letting go so you’re free from hate and bitterness,” Linda explained. “Reconciliation is different; it’s hard work.”
Their path toward reconciliation began with guidance from Bishop Desmond Tutu, who was leading South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The Biehls understood that amnesty would be granted to those whose crimes were politically motivated and chose to participate in the process as a way of supporting the nation’s healing.
Unexpectedly, two of Amy’s killers sought out the Biehl Foundation after their release from prison. They wanted to contribute to the community projects that were bringing jobs and hope to Guguletu. “We didn’t expect to have a relationship with them,” Linda said. “But we admired their courage in wanting to help despite being criticized by some former comrades for ‘selling out.’”
Through forgiveness and reconciliation, the Biehls turned unimaginable loss into a powerful legacy of hope and transformation.