Nira- back in Israel
second day at home. back from a week in Washington, that felt like a dream, apparently not just to me. That’s what Reem said to Patricia she felt. Mixed reactions at home. People try to understand what was it exactly that made me return with such enthusiasm and passion to go on doing. Looks like [...]
Galia Golan
Commentator, author, professor, and co-founder of Peace Now
People aren’t afraid to use the word occupation today. I think people who don’t use the word are blind or unjust. I can’t understand them. There are, of course, people on the far Right who believe we liberated these territories in 1967—that the West Bank, Golan Heights, maybe even the Gaza Strip are God-given territories promised to Abraham. They would reject the word occupation. [...]
Wejdan Jaber
Board member of Filastiniyat and advocate for the disabled
The Palestinian people have their own history, culture, and traditions. We are normal people; we don’t cook bombs in our kitchens. Palestine is beautiful. We have wonderful oranges, a beautiful beach, great food like hummus and tabbouleh. I want people to dream of visiting Palestine not only as a holy place but to enjoy the beautiful culture, language, and music. [...]
Noa Epstein
Coordinator for Peace Now
Politically, I’ve always been motivated, active, and opinionated. Whenever women have an opinion, they are considered to be opinionated. At least in Hebrew, it has a negative connotation. I have tried to translate words into action—happiness, compassion, care, and love. [...]
Molly Malekar
Director of Bat Shalom of The Jerusalem Link
As a peace activist, you have chances every day to feel angry. You deal with peace, but you deal with violations of peace and human rights. I’ve tried to build an internal discipline not to be angry. One thing that relieves me is—maybe it’s age—knowing that peace will not be achieved within my lifetime. We have a long way to go and will not necessarily see the fruits of our work. It’s a marathon—and anger destroys energy.
Amal Elsana Alh’jooj
Bedouin spokeswoman and Founder-Director of AJEEC
Now they are teaching adults how to listen. As a shepherd, I listened to everything and developed my senses from the air, earth, moon, and stars. Even though I was often without shoes and it was cold, I still want to send my kids to the field with three sheep and one cow and say, “This is the best school in your life.” [..]
Vivian Silver
Executive Director of Negev Institute for Strategies of Peace and Development
For Israel, the critical issue internally is how the Jewish majority treats its Arab minority. We have a lot of answering to do. Once your eyes get opened, they can never be closed again. I have had the privilege of being exposed to life as Arabs and Palestinians live it, so I can never go back. For me as a Jew, it’s an existential moral question. All citizens have to be treated equally, with dignity and respect. [...]
Yehudit Sidikman
Founder and Senior Instructor at El HaLev martial arts center
I don’t care where you come from. Female? You have the right to stand up for yourself and to know that if he gets upset and starts getting violent, you will be able to hurt him. You hope you don’t have to but if you know you have the tools to fight back, you’ll take the chance to say, “Don’t talk to me like that.” Self-defense martial arts are equalizing. And we work with women from all different populations, with no politics. [...]
Naomi Chazan
Professor, author, and Member of Knesset (1992-2003)
I was one of the first Israeli supporters of a Palestinian state alongside Israel. I’ve tried to achieve that for over 40 years. Yes, I’ve gotten an award here or there because I’ve tried, but I don’t think I deserve any of those awards because I haven’t succeeded.
When I [...]
Amoun Sleem
Founder-Director of Domari Society of Gypsies
You don’t see gypsies fighting around the world. They look for the simple life and they look with beautiful eyes. Our flag means green for the land, blue for the sky, and wheels for traveling. People should learn from the gypsies: be open, make your hearts green for everybody. [...]
