An Israeli and a Palestinian Talk Peace, Dignity and Safety | Ali Abu Awwad and Ami Dar | TED

Vision for a Peaceful Future in Israel and Palestine

Opening Remarks

• Cloe Shasha Brooks welcomes participants and sets the stage for discussing visions of peace for Israel and Palestine.

• Ali Abu Awwad shares his vision of harmony between both identities, emphasizing the deep roots each side has to the land.

Perspectives on Identity and Coexistence

• Ami Dar agrees with Ali's vision, highlighting the importance of recognizing that both Palestinians and Jews will remain in the region.

• He stresses that any solution must encompass everyone currently living there, rejecting notions of displacement.

Urgency for Coalition Building

• Ami points out the need for an informal coalition among those who accept coexistence as a starting point.

• He warns against external influences that promote division, asserting that local populations are committed to staying.

Necessary Shifts Towards Peace

Fundamental Changes Required

• Cloe prompts discussion on necessary shifts in security arrangements, economic cooperation, cultural education, human rights, and leadership.

Political Framework for Peace

• Ali emphasizes the need for a political umbrella to support development and healing between both sides.

• He notes that most people desire peace urgently but fear solutions due to historical victimhood narratives.

Overcoming Victim Mentality

• Ali discusses how both sides often compete over suffering rather than seeking mutual understanding or solutions.

Nonviolence as a Strategy

• He advocates for nonviolent activism through his movement "Taghyeer" (meaning "change"), focusing on addressing people's needs directly.

Leadership and Recognition

Importance of Leadership

• Ali calls for strong leadership combined with grassroots pressure to facilitate change towards peace.

Mutual Recognition

Understanding the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

The Perception of Victimhood

• The speaker emphasizes that while Israel is militarily stronger than the Palestinians, within the broader Arab and Muslim context, Israelis often view themselves as David against a Goliath. This perception fuels a continuous cycle of victimhood narratives.

Acknowledging Current Realities

• The speaker stresses the urgency of recognizing the dire situation in Gaza, where people are dying and hostages are held. They highlight that this crisis is unprecedented in their lifetime and must be addressed immediately.

• There is an acknowledgment that the damage inflicted over recent months will have lasting repercussions for generations. Immediate action to halt violence and aid those affected is deemed essential.

Extremism on Both Sides

• The discussion shifts to the need for both sides to confront their extremists, which complicates peace efforts. It’s noted that there are significant numbers of extremists on each side who believe they have exclusive rights to the land.

• The speaker expresses skepticism about Israel's ability to defeat Hamas, suggesting that Hamas embodies an idea rather than just a militant group. Similarly, they argue Palestinians cannot simply eliminate settlers; both groups must manage their own extremists.

Responsibilities in Pursuit of Peace

• When discussing responsibilities for peace, it’s highlighted that both Israelis and Palestinians must recognize their roles beyond just dealing with extremism.

• The conflict's complexity stems from competing claims over land rather than mere border disputes. Each group believes they rightfully own all territory, leading to deep-seated tensions.

Narrative Conflicts

• Both sides possess strong narratives justifying their claims to the land, often rooted in historical beliefs or familial teachings. These narratives can hinder mutual understanding unless acknowledged by both parties.

• The speaker notes that unlike communities where religious claims do not dominate (like Brooklyn), here both groups believe divine support legitimizes their positions—complicating resolution efforts.

Perceptions of Occupation

• There exists a stark contrast between how Israelis and Palestinians perceive occupation: many Palestinians see it as oppression requiring cessation by Israel, while some Israelis view it as a complex situation involving threats from those beneath them (the Palestinians).

Understanding the Roots of Conflict

The Impact of Fear on Peace Efforts

• The speaker discusses the destructive nature of events like October 7, which reinforce fears that letting go will lead to violence, thus complicating peace efforts.

• There is a mutual responsibility in addressing perceived threats; without removing these threats, genuine progress towards peace is unlikely.

• A good-faith effort from Israel would involve halting settlements and genuinely seeking coexistence, whether through one or two states.

Self-Reflection and Vision for Peace

• Both sides must accurately describe the problem to move towards a solution; self-reflection is crucial for both Israelis and Palestinians.

• A clear vision for harmony between identities is essential; solutions should not come at the expense of either side's identity or freedom.

• Creating an environment conducive to solutions requires social change that can lead to political change.

Responsibility and Nonviolence

• Social values need to be built within societies; actions like cleaning up streets are connected to broader aspirations for statehood and independence.

• Palestinians must take responsibility for their situation while also recognizing that fear of Jews hinders dignity and freedom on both sides.

• Nonviolence activism is necessary as a precursor to reconciliation; security and freedom must be prioritized before political agreements can be made.

Role of External Influences

• The discussion shifts towards what external countries can do to help resolve the conflict, emphasizing non-harmful involvement.

Incentives Over Pressure: A Path to Peace?

The Role of Incentives in Conflict Resolution

• The speaker argues that incentives (carrots) are more effective than pressure (sticks) in resolving conflicts, particularly between Israelis and Palestinians.

• Suggests that the European Union could offer membership as an incentive for peace, highlighting the potential benefits of cooperation among small populations.

• Emphasizes the importance of security guarantees alongside incentives to foster a peaceful resolution rather than merely applying pressure.

Call for Proactive Solutions

• Advocates for a shift from being pro-Israel or pro-Palestine to being pro-solution, stressing the need for collaboration and mutual understanding.

• Urges third parties to engage constructively in the conflict, emphasizing that involvement should aim at solutions rather than exacerbating problems.

Addressing Violence and Conflict Dynamics

• Acknowledges the emotional toll of witnessing violence in Gaza and stresses the challenges faced by nonviolent activists.

• Calls not just for a ceasefire but for a cessation of conflict itself, proposing international agreements with guarantees to build trust.

Community Relations Amidst Conflict

• Warns against violence within communities based on differing support for either side, advocating unity in addressing the primary conflict.

Broader Context of Regional Normalization

• Discusses how the Israel-Palestine conflict is part of larger regional dynamics involving Arab countries and normalization processes.

• Highlights that normalization efforts must include addressing Palestinian issues; otherwise, they will lack authenticity and effectiveness.

The Need for Genuine Engagement

• Points out that true normalization requires recognition of Palestinian rights; ignoring these issues undermines regional stability.

Understanding the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

The Importance of Resolving the Palestinian Issue

• The speaker emphasizes that resolving the Palestinian conflict is crucial, suggesting that once this issue is settled, other regional issues will also fall into place.

• Despite ongoing violence and occupation, there exists a level of coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians, highlighting their proximity as neighbors.

Optimism Amidst Conflict

• A visit to hospitals in Israel reveals integration among medical professionals: over 25% of physicians are Palestinian, showcasing collaboration despite national rivalries.

• Anecdotes about community events like playing backgammon illustrate how cultural interactions can foster understanding and camaraderie among different groups.

Personal Reflections on Recent Events

• The speaker shares a personal account of waking up to news of violence on October 7, marking it as one of the worst moments in their life.

• Initial reports indicated 22 deaths; however, this number quickly escalated, leading to feelings of despair regarding peace prospects in Gaza.

Media Representation and Public Perception

• The speaker notes that many Israelis remain uninformed about conditions in Gaza due to media portrayal focusing primarily on local tragedies rather than broader contexts.

• There’s an acknowledgment that while positivity is important, the current situation remains dire and requires urgent action to halt further loss of life.

Shaping Future Narratives for Peace

• Discussion shifts towards how narratives surrounding the conflict are formed based on early education and perceptions instilled during childhood.

• Emphasis is placed on telling future generations a story centered around shared humanity and cooperation rather than division.

Building Human Connections

• One speaker reflects on the necessity for true friendships across divides as essential for fostering peace; recognizing each other's humanity is vital for progress.

What Should We Teach Our Children About Truth?

The Importance of Multiple Perspectives

• AAA emphasizes the necessity of telling the truth, which includes not only one's own perspective but also understanding and acknowledging the other side's truth. This duality is essential for a comprehensive understanding.

• He argues that one-sided narratives hinder mutual belief and understanding, suggesting that recognizing shared beliefs (like faith in one God) can foster unity.

Historical Context and Education

• AAA highlights the importance of teaching historical truths, such as the origins of Israel and Judaism from a divine perspective, as well as acknowledging events like the Holocaust to avoid ignorance about each other's histories.

• He shares his personal background as a refugee affected by historical conflicts, illustrating how these experiences shape perspectives on peace and coexistence.

Personal Experiences with Conflict

• Despite suffering significant personal losses due to violence, including being wounded and losing family members, AAA expresses a desire for partnership with those he has been taught to see as enemies.

• He teaches his children not only his story but also the stories of others who have suffered loss, emphasizing empathy towards all victims of conflict.

Building Bridges Through Humanity

• AAA stresses that both sides must recognize their shared humanity. He encourages Israeli soldiers to prioritize Palestinian security alongside their own national interests.

• He advocates for self-love among Palestinians as a precursor to appreciating others' humanity, framing this approach within nonviolence principles.

The Role of Nonviolence in Activism

• Nonviolence is portrayed not just as an absence of violence but as an active engagement with humanity across divides. AAA believes it transforms adversaries into allies through shared human experiences.

• In response to critiques about advocating for peace over community interests, he clarifies that true peace involves challenging injustices rather than accepting harmful status quos.

Belief vs. Optimism in Activism

• AAA distinguishes between hope and belief; he asserts that genuine change often requires sacrifice and commitment beyond mere optimism about outcomes.

• His commitment to nonviolence stems from a refusal to accept freedom built on suffering others. Instead, he envisions liberation achieved through collective dignity and respect for all lives involved in conflict.

Leadership and Human Connection in Conflict

The Need for Effective Leadership

• A successful initiative requires a group of professionals equipped with a solid plan and resources, enabling millions to benefit from it. Good leadership is essential as nations tend to follow effective leaders.

• There is an urgent need for peace, emphasizing that the people on the ground desire resolution immediately rather than at some future date.

Personal Stories and Myths

• Ali's work in the West Bank is challenging but significant; his experiences highlight the resilience of individuals working towards peace despite difficult circumstances.

• A common misconception exists that individuals like Ali cannot safely express their views due to threats from groups like Hamas. However, he continues to live openly and safely, countering this narrative.

Empathy and Shared Humanity

• Expressions of empathy are crucial; acknowledging the hardships faced by individuals like Ali can foster understanding across divides. The speaker conveys personal regret for the struggles Ali has endured simply due to his birthplace.

• The human aspect transcends nationalistic sentiments; there are those who wish harm upon Ali, yet solidarity among supporters emphasizes that any attempt to displace him would face resistance from allies committed to his safety.

Closing Thoughts