Category Archives: nonviolence

The Palestinian Exodus

For Jews, the Exodus is one of the key events that shaped Jewish narrative, history, and identity. It is a foundational story of the Jewish people. Not only for Jews, but for many of us, followers of the Christian faith, it is a key story in our faith – at par with the importance ofContinue reading “The Palestinian Exodus”

Ending Fear and Violence in the World Today

We live in a violent world. And fear, especially fear of losing what we have gained and achieved (politically, socially, economically, personally, emotionally, religiously, etc.) is the motivation fueling this violence. Fear, both real and manipulated, has become the central lens we use in how we relate to others. Our identity groups are imbued inContinue reading “Ending Fear and Violence in the World Today”

Talk at 10 year Combatants for Peace Anniversary

On July 15, 2016, Combatants for Peace celebrated their 10 year anniversary during the Freedom March Protest organized by them monthly. I was honored to have been asked to give a talk during the protest. The following is a text of my talk. Dear friends, dear you who still dare to dream and believe… WeContinue reading “Talk at 10 year Combatants for Peace Anniversary”

Redefining my Friend and my Foe

I grew up living under the Israeli military occupation, in a situation where my friends and my foes were clearly defined, those who were for the occupation and those who wanted the occupation to end. I witnessed the Israeli army and Jewish settlers attacking Palestinians and Israeli peace activists. So when it came to IsraeliContinue reading “Redefining my Friend and my Foe”

When Illusions become Traps

On September 29, 2012, the Palestinian leadership went to the United Nations and overwhelmingly received a “non-member observing state status” in the General Assembly. I was sitting with friends who were glued to TV screens watching intensely, even with tears of joy rolling down their eyes as the green lights flicked on in the General AssemblyContinue reading “When Illusions become Traps”

Being Light in the Midst of Darkness

As we were heading out to dinner last night, our host told us in a simple and loving voice “oh, just take enough money with you for dinner, you never know.. we might get held up.” A gentle smile and we followed him out the door of a high rise structure that can be calledContinue reading “Being Light in the Midst of Darkness”

Palestinian Nonviolence: Muslims, Not Christians, Are the Leaders

Huffington Post Whenever I give talks on the effects of the Israeli occupation on Palestinian livelihood, the status of nonviolence as a means to resisting the occupation, and how I believe nonviolence is the only way to move forward to resolve the conflict and create a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians, one of theContinue reading “Palestinian Nonviolence: Muslims, Not Christians, Are the Leaders”