A Palestinian and an Israeli, Face to Face | Aziz Abu Sarah and Maoz Inon | TED

Summary

In a poignant dialogue, Maoz Inon and Aziz Abu Sarah share their personal tragedies and commitment to peace amid the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Maoz, who lost his parents, and Aziz, who lost his brother, both chose the path of reconciliation over revenge. They emphasize the importance of understanding each other's narratives, forgiveness, and a shared vision for a peaceful future. Their stories highlight the power of hope and the collective action needed to transform dreams of peace into reality.

Takeaways

• 😢 Maoz Inon lost his parents in a tragic incident and experienced immense sorrow, yet he chose the path of reconciliation over revenge.
• 🌱 Maoz's dream of a humanity united in tears that heal and purify the ground symbolizes his vision for peace and the path he feels compelled to follow.
• 🤝 Maoz appreciates Aziz Abu Sarah's support and acknowledges the importance of solidarity in times of grief, regardless of one's background.
• 🔥 Aziz shares his own story of loss and the transformative power of education and understanding in overcoming the desire for vengeance.
• 🌟 Maoz's parents instilled in him the values of resilience and optimism, as illustrated by his father's determination to farm despite adversities.
• 🎨 Maoz's mother's mandala and its message of bravery in chasing dreams reflects Maoz's approach to achieving peace through shared narratives and understanding.
• 🛣️ Maoz outlines a five-step process for realizing dreams, emphasizing the importance of partnership, shared values, and a detailed roadmap for peace.
• 🌐 Aziz highlights the universality of conflict causes and the necessity of recognizing and understanding each other's narratives to build a shared future.
• 🤔 The conversation underscores the importance of asking hard questions and fostering open dialogue to bridge divides and promote understanding.
• 💡 Maoz and Aziz advocate for the use of anger as a force for positive change, driving actions towards peace and unity rather than perpetuating hate.
• 🌈 Both Maoz and Aziz envision a future based on justice, peace, and equality, and they invite others to join them in this mission, transcending traditional divisions.

Q & A

What significant event occurred in Maoz Inon's life four days prior to the conversation?

Maoz Inon buried the remains of his parents, who were killed in a tragic incident on October 7.

How did Maoz Inon's dream after losing his parents influence his perspective on the conflict?

Maoz's dream of humanity crying together and healing the wounds of war inspired him to choose the path of reconciliation and peace over revenge.

What personal tragedy did Aziz Abu Sarah experience that influenced his views on revenge and anger?

Aziz Abu Sarah's brother Tayseer, who was 19 years old, was killed by Israeli soldiers, leading him initially to feel anger and desire for vengeance.

How did Aziz Abu Sarah's perspective change after studying Hebrew with Jewish immigrants?

Studying Hebrew with Jewish immigrants helped Aziz realize that they could be allies and partners, and that he had a choice not to take revenge.

What message does Maoz Inon believe is essential for achieving peace in the region?

Maoz Inon believes in the importance of not taking revenge, reconciling, and understanding the other side's narrative to achieve peace.

What is the significance of the mandala painting given to Maoz Inon by his mother?

The mandala painting, with the message 'We can achieve all our dreams if we'll be brave enough to chase them,' serves as a reminder of his mother's legacy and inspires him to pursue peace.

What are the five steps Maoz Inon believes are necessary to achieve a shared society and future?

The five steps are: dreaming, creating a partnership with stakeholders, reaching shared value and common ground, writing a detailed roadmap, and executing.

What is the role of understanding each other's narratives according to Aziz Abu Sarah?

Understanding each other's narratives is crucial for reaching a shared society and future, as it helps in recognizing each other's experiences and finding common ground.

How does Aziz Abu Sarah describe the common problems he found in conflict areas around the world?

Aziz describes the common problems as a lack of recognition, unwillingness to understand each other's historical narratives, and not having a shared vision for the future.

What is the concept behind Mejdi Tours and Interact International founded by Aziz Abu Sarah?

Mejdi Tours and Interact International aim to provide dual-narrative tours, where Israeli and Palestinian guides co-lead tours, fostering understanding and dialogue between different narratives.

What does Maoz Inon believe about forgiveness in the context of the ongoing conflict?

Maoz Inon believes in the importance of forgiving for the past and the present, but not for the future, as it is crucial to prevent repeating past mistakes and work towards a better future.

What is the basic formula or recipe for making hope according to Maoz Inon?

Maoz Inon's formula for making hope involves envisioning a better future, acting to make it a reality, and convincing oneself and others that the actions are effective.