For more tolerance, we need more ... tourism? | Aziz Abu Sarah
Journey from Conflict to Peacebuilding
The speaker shares personal experiences that shaped his journey from conflict to peacebuilding, highlighting the transformative power of connection and understanding.
Early Childhood Influences
- At seven years old, the speaker imitated throwing rocks after watching TV, unknowingly targeting his neighbors' cars instead of Israeli vehicles.
Tragic Loss and Shift in Perspective
- The speaker's older brother died due to injuries sustained in prison after being arrested for throwing stones. This tragedy fueled the speaker's initial desire for revenge.
Transformation through Connection
- Learning Hebrew introduced the speaker to Jews beyond military contexts, fostering connections over shared interests like country music and revealing barriers of anger and ignorance between communities.
Dedication to Breaking Down Walls
The speaker emphasizes the importance of individual responses to adversity and outlines his commitment to dismantling barriers through various means, including tourism.
Individual Response to Challenges
- Emphasizes that one's response to challenges is crucial, leading him to dedicate his life to breaking down walls separating people.
Impactful Initiatives in Tourism
The speaker discusses how tourism can serve as a powerful tool for fostering connections and understanding between diverse groups.
Mejdi Tours: A Model for Unity
- Co-founding Mejdi Tours with Jewish friends aimed at connecting people through dual-narrative tours led by both Israeli and Palestinian guides.
Sustainable Travel for Global Change
Encouraging a shift in travel perspectives towards meaningful connections rather than superficial experiences.
Transformative Travel Experiences