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

The Vision for Peace

• Ali envisions a peaceful future where both Israeli and Palestinian identities are practiced freely and in harmony, with cooperation from the international community.
• Amy agrees with Ali's vision and emphasizes the importance of recognizing that both Israelis and Palestinians have deep roots in the land and that neither side is going anywhere.

Nonviolent Movement and Grassroots Pressure

• Ali believes that a nonviolent movement and grassroots pressure are essential for achieving peace.
• Both sides need to recognize each other's identities and behaviors rather than arguing over their identities.

Addressing Extremism and the Humanitarian Crisis

• Amy highlights the perception of both Israelis and Palestinians as victims, which perpetuates the conflict.
• Both sides need to address their own extremists.
• Both Ali and Amy acknowledge the dire situation in Gaza and call for an immediate end to the violence and humanitarian crisis.

Responsibilities of Israelis and Palestinians

• Israelis and Palestinians share responsibilities in the quest for peace.
• Each side needs to deal with their own extremists.
• The challenge lies in having two groups who believe the whole land belongs to them.

The Role of Religion and Narratives

• The conflict is fueled by the belief that God is on each side's side.
• Both sides have their own narratives of why they should own the land, often shaped by the first one they hear.

Occupation of Palestine

• Palestinians see the occupation as oppression and believe Israel should stop occupying the land.
• Israelis see the occupation as necessary to protect themselves from violence and believe Palestinians would attack them if they were to withdraw.

Mutual Responsibility and the Solution

• There is a mutual responsibility to end the conflict, and both sides need to make good-faith efforts to find a solution.
• The solution requires a clear vision, a mission to create an environment where solutions are possible, and social change to build values that promote peace.

Nonviolence Activism and International Support

• Nonviolence activism is necessary to achieve security and freedom for both Israelis and Palestinians.
• Other countries can help by refraining from causing harm, supporting groups working for peace, and providing incentives for peace rather than applying pressure.

The Wider Conflict and Normalization

• The conflict is part of a larger conflict involving Arab countries in the region.
• Normalization processes between Israel and Arab countries have been happening at the government level, but true normalization requires engagement between people.
• The Palestinian issue is key to achieving peace in the region, and resolving it would pave the way for better relations between Israel and Arab countries.

Positive Examples and the Role of Media

• Despite the conflict, there are positive examples of cooperation and coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians, such as in hospitals.
• The media plays a significant role in shaping public perception of the conflict, and Israelis are relatively uninformed about the situation in Gaza due to limited media coverage.

Educating the Next Generation

• It is important to educate the next generation about the conflict in a way that promotes understanding and empathy, rather than perpetuating stereotypes and biases.
• The story we tell our children should emphasize our shared humanity and the importance of building true friendships across divides.
• It should include the truth from both sides, acknowledging the suffering and injustices experienced by both Israelis and Palestinians.

Nonviolence and Peace

• Nonviolence is a powerful tool that allows us to transform ourselves and others, even in the face of adversity.
• Peace is not about accepting the status quo, but about creating a just and equitable society that respects the humanity of all.

Ali's Work and Human Connection

• Ali's work in the West Bank demonstrates that speaking out for peace and coexistence is possible without fear of violence or retribution.
• The human connection between Israelis and Palestinians is paramount, and we must stand together to protect the rights and dignity of all.

Gratitude and Conclusion

• The speaker expresses gratitude to those who stayed until the end of the discussion.
• They thank Ali for their contributions and wish them more power.
• They also thank Shate for their participation.
• They express their appreciation for the moving, powerful, and productive discussion.
• They reiterate their thanks to Ali and Ami and wish them a wonderful day.
• The speaker concludes by thanking the hosts for having them.