Israeli-Arab Social Media Entrepreneur Speaks Out against Anti-Semitism

By Nate Feldman

1. Nas Daily Founder Combats anti-Semitism

Nuseir Yassin, director of the vlog, "Nas Daily," recently attended a conference against rising anti-Semitism.  He is originally from an Arab village in the Galilee in Northern Israel, and though he does not support Israel's current government, he feels many people that criticize Israel and the Zionist political movement do it out of hate for Jews, not just for Palestinian human rights. He would like to see more Arabs involved in Israel's government, but he also would like to see Palestinians not hijacked by extremist movements, like Hamas, the religious extremist group.  

To read more about him and the conference, there is a good article on the Jewish Telegraphic Agency's website: https://www.jta.org/2026/10/24/israel/israeli-arab-influencer-behind-nas-daily-anti-zionism-is-antisemitism.  

2. Kipper and Brownie Save Thanksgiving

On Thanksgiving morning, Kipper and Brownie met in the kitchen to prepare their feast for later that day.  

Afterwards, they took part in the town's annual Turkey Trot, a 5k race with hundreds of participants.  The streets were crowded with runners and spectators.

Towards the end of the race, a giant creature called the Thanksgiving Gobbler got in the way of the runners, threatening to devour anyone who got near it.

Kipper and Brownie, however, had experience in conflict resolution.  They cautiously approached the gobbler and invited it to their home for their Thanksgiving feast.

The gobbler, astounded that anyone would want to invite it somewhere, cautiously accepted their invitation.  It went to Kipper and Brownie's home and instead of devouring people, it chowed down on its new friends' delicious food.  

After the meal, the three sat and enjoyed programs on TV.  The gobbler apologized for frightening people and promised to get to know people.  Kipper and Brownie had saved Thanksgiving!

10th Annual Montgomery County 5k

By Nate Feldman

The 10th annual Montgomery County Interfaith 5k was held in Boyds Maryland on Labor Day.  The race brings people from multiple faiths together to celebrate unity among neighbors.  

Prior to the race, a group of rabbis blew shofars to initiate the event.  An Imam from the Ahmadiyya Muslim community also spoke to the audience, talking about the need for peace.  

Starting at 8 AM, runners went up and down a series of hills along a path surrounding the South Germantown Recreational Park.  This race was followed by a shorter race for younger participants.  

This 5K originated after a local synagogue was vandalized, prompting local religious leaders to create an event where people from the community could discover that their differences did not outweigh their similarities and that everyone could live together in friendship and harmony.  

Story: The Haunting of Seneca Creek

By Nate Feldman

One hot day in mid-August, Kipper visited the C&O Canal Towpath near mile 23 in Maryland, where the Seneca Creek flows into the Potomac River.  He excitedly ran across the aqueduct connecting the two bodies of water.  He was there for an enjoyable day out in nature.

He went deep into the woods and came across an old structure made of dark pink-red stone.  Inside of it, he found a strange creature, Manny the Monster, hiding.  Manny was completely bald with pale skin, two dark, lifeless eyes, and no mouth.  Kipper was petrified,  but Manny insisted Kipper stay, pleading he was not harmful and needed help.  Though he had no mouth, Manny could communicate somehow.  

Manny said that something terrible had happened to the area.  Each night, ghost-like creatures, which Manny called "frightening phantoms" flew throughout the area making horrible shrill-like sounds, scaring all of the animals and people of the forest.  No one had any idea how to make this stop.

Kipper wanted to know what Manny had tried to do.  Manny said he had tried to attack the monsters, but to no avail.  He and other creatures of the forest attacked the phantoms one night, but they were soundly defeated.

Kipper asked if Manny had considered trying to be their friend.  Manny didn't know how such a thing could be possible.  Kipper told him to prepare a gift of some kind.  So, Manny went to his cabin in the woods and with locally grown apples, prepared homemade applesauce.  That night, he approached the frightening phantoms with the gift, saying they would love this special recipe.

The phantoms tried the applesauce and were pleasantly surprised.  They devoured it until the jar Manny had given them was completely spotless.  Afterwards, they promised to no longer scare anyone in the forest and try and be friends with others.  

Kipper's lesson for Manny and the other creatures was clear.  Before you fight anyone, see if you can make them friends first.  From then on, the forest was at peace, and Kipper was able to splash around in the water with joy. 

Man Rescued from Schuylkill River Reunites with Woman Who Saved Him

By Nate Feldman

This is a moving story of a man who was trapped in his car, which had plunged into the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia.  A woman, who was nearby at the time, ran into the river and helped rescue him.  Weeks later, they met each other again. 

https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/schuylkill-river-rescue-reunite-boathouse/

To Kill a Mockingbird, Book Review

By Nate Feldman

I have now completed Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird.  For those unfamiliar with the story, it's about a young girl, Scout Finch, growing up in a small town in Southern Alabama during the 1930s, whose father, Atticus, is representing an African American who is wrongly accused of battering and raping a white woman.  During this time period, African and White Americans were segregated in the southern United States and prejudice was strong.  So, it is naturally assumed by the white population that the African American man, Tom Robinson, is guilty of the charges.  However, Atticus seeks to prove that the girl was in fact beat up by her father for trying to have a romantic relationship with Tom.  Nevertheless, regardless of all the evidence prevented, it is too difficult to prove a black man's word over a white man's at that moment and location in history.  

While the book is an indictment of racism in the United States' history, what makes it special is its focus on social norms in general and those who fall outside of them.

Scout, the narrator, is not your run-of-the-mill young girl.  She prefers playing with her older brother Jem and their mutual friend Dill rather than with girls her age.  She is heavily criticized by older women, such as her Aunt Alexandra, for her unlady like behavior.  She does not fit the description of the ideal "good girl."  In many ways she is a victim of a society that has already pre-ordained what a good girl is before she can develop her authentic self.

Arthur "Boo" Radley lives in Scout's neighborhood.  He is never seen and hides away.  There are a lot of rumors and gossip about him.  Though Harper Lee never uses such terms, there is an impression given that he is neurodivergent in some way.  Because of his odd situation, people assume the worst about him.  But, we discover in fact that he is kind and protective, despite what is said about him.  This shows how quickly societies overlook those we deem as outcasts.

Finally, Tom Robinson is the victim of a world where his word is valueless against a white person's word.  No matter how incredulous the claims against him may be, the unwritten social codes all but guaranteed his fate at his trial.  

Though the United States in 2026 is different in many ways than the one depicted in this novel, the themes of it still resonate, which is why it remains a must-read after all these years.

My Thoughts on To Kill a Mockingbird after 100 or so Pages

By Nate Feldman

Reading To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is a seemingly timeless assignment at T/E Middle School in Berwyn, PA.  I had to read it when I was in eighth grade, and so did my daughters, Sara and Sofia, almost 30 years later.  With a copy of the book in the house, I picked it up for the first time in 30 years and am now over 100 pages into it.  

For those unfamiliar, the main plot of the story is Atticus Finch, a lawyer in a small town in Alabama in the 1930s, must represent Tom Robinson, an African American wrongly accused of a crime.  Despite there being deep racism during that time period, Atticus does what he feels is the right thing, even as he and his children face the wrath of prejudiced townsfolks.  

However, I haven't gotten that deep in the story yet.  They have just really introduced the upcoming court case, with Jean Louise Finch, also known as "Scout," who is Atticus' young daughter, talking about being taunted by relatives and classmates for her father daring to represent an African American.  

The biggest drama in the story up until now has been Scout and her brother Jem, along with Dill, a friend who visits during the summer, daring one another to go to the nearby Radley house, where Arthur, or "Boo" in the story, lives.  Boo Radley never comes out.  He lives with his family who seem to shelter him.  Because of this, a sort of town legend has evolved about who he is and why he lives this way.  His reclusive style has made him a gossiped about outcast to the community.   

One thing I was thinking of while reading this is perhaps Boo Radley was someone with Autism Spectral Disorder (ASD) or some form of neuro-divergence before such terms were used.  There seems to be nothing wrong with him.  In fact, he apparently covered Scout in a warm blanket while she was standing in the cold one night, so he is quite nice.  The only thing against him is that he is considered "odd" by the townspeople.  And this, sadly, has been the fate of many well-intentioned people on the Autism spectrum throughout the ages.  Their unique ways and desires to be among themselves has given people an excuse to chastise and outcast them when what they really needed was empathy and understanding.  

And reading that made me wonder how many people with neuro-divergence never had their chances to show their capabilities to their societies because of stigmas and ignorance.  It's sad and something we must continue to work on.  

Comparing Journeys for Peace in the Holy Land

By Nate Feldman

Because the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians remains as intractable and controversial as ever, there are many people who are trying to find ways to resolve the issue and understand the perspectives of the sides involved in it.  This has led to a kind of literature, as well as documentaries, where individuals or groups interested in understanding the conflict have traveled through Israel and the Palestinian territories meeting with local people, documenting their perspectives and life experiences.  Two books I have recently read, The Future is Peace by Aziz Abu Sarah and Maoz Inon, and Sleeping on a Wire by David Grossman were about the authors traveling throughout the Holy Land, interacting with Israelis and Palestinians alike.  Though both share this basic premise, there are many differences between the books.

The first big difference is the reason for the journey.  Aziz Abu Sarah and Maoz Inon are people who have lost relatives to the conflict.  Abu Sarah's brother, Tayseer, died after being arrested by Israeli authorities and being subjected to abuse in prison.  Inon's parents were killed by Hamas on October 7, 2023 inside of their kibbutz home.  Despite this, they advocate non-violence and a commitment to other perspectives.  Their journey, which took place after Inon's parents were killed, was a chance to hear people talk about their experiences and hopes for the future.  

David Grossman, an established Israeli literary figure, wrote his book to get the perspective of Palestinians with Israeli citizenship.  He wrote his book in the early 1990s to try and understand how Palestinians who lived within Israel proper, not the West Bank or Gaza Strip, saw themselves and what their goals for the future were.  

One important similarity is that both authors emphasize the importance of listening to personal stories. In Sleeping on a Wire, Grossman spends time with Palestinian citizens of Israel and allows them to tal about their daily lives, frustrations, and identities in their own words. Rather than presenting a political argument alone, he shows how individual experiences reveal the complexity of Jewish-Arab relations. Likewise, in Peace Is the Future, Abu Sarah argues that lasting peace begins when people hear one another's stories instead of relying on stereotypes or fear. His own transformation, from anger after the death of his brother to becoming a peacebuilder, illustrates the power of personal encounters.

I would say the biggest difference from my opinion, which is why I slightly prefer Grossman's book, are the types of people interviewed.  Grossman interviewed people of all sorts.  Islamic leaders, mixed Jewish-Arab couples, Jews from Arab countries, Arab women, politicians, and writers.  One of my favorite chapters was the one where he sat down with A.B. Yehoshua and Anton Shammas, two important Hebrew literary figures and allowed them to debate one another.  Abu Sarah and Inon, on the other hand, interviewed family and people involved with activist work.  It also felt like most of the people, whether Israeli or Palestinian, shared similar perspectives of the conflict, which at times felt more leaned to the mainstream Palestinian point of view.  I was fine with that, but I felt that if part of the mission is to listen to voices you don't hear, they weren't including that many voices in their journey.  

In both cases, I wish they had interviewed some of the less talked about communities, i.e. Druze, Circassians, Armenians, and Bedouin from the Negev (some who actually serve in the Israeli Defense Forces).  I feel both didn't get the full spectrum of voices in Israel and Palestine, something that I think needs to be done in future journeys of this sort. 

Nevertheless, I feel both of these books are great reads for people trying to understand the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in a way that doesn't demonize the other side completely and gives a chance to give voice to people you don't often hear of mainstream media, namely those who want Jews and Arabs to find a way to co-exist in perhaps the most contested land in the world.  

Jewish-Arab Political Party, "A Place for Us All" is Launched

 By Nate Feldman

A new Jewish-Arab political party in Israel called A Place for Us All has been created by the Standing Together organization, a group that calls for equality in Israel and an end for war.  The party plans to run six candidates in the upcoming Knesset elections.  It will be evenly divided along gender and ethnic lines.  To read more, here is an article about it from the Jewish Telegraphic Agency: https://www.jta.org/2026/06/16/israel/standing-together-founders-launch-arab-jewish-party-prompting-fears-of-a-fractured-israeli-left

Film Review: Monsieur Ibrahim (2003)

By Nate Feldman

 

Synopsis: Moses, a 16 year old Jewish boy in Paris, lives with his emotionally cold and distant father.  He has begun saving up enough money to have sexual relations with local prostitutes.  

Meanwhile, Moses begins a friendship with Ibrahim, a Turkish Muslim shopkeeper who begins to see Moses, who he refers to as Momo, as a kind of surrogate son.  He provides free food and supplies to him and begins teaching him about Islam.

Moses, who has gained enough experience with the prostitutes, now has the confidence to try amd start a relationship with Myriam, a neighbor of his he has a crush on.  Though she initially shows interest back, he later catches her making out with another guy.

Moses' father loses his job and then one day decides to abandon his son altogether.  Later, it is discovered that he has committed suicide by running in front of a train.

Ibrahim decides to adopt Moses.  After much rejection, he is successful.  Ibrahim then gets a car and decides to leave France with Moses and goes on a car trip to Turkey, where he teaches his newly adopted son about Islam, and specifically about Sufism, the mystical form of Islam that Ibrahim is an adherent of.  

Thoughts: This is a beautiful film with fascinating characters and fantastic cinematography.  The chemistry between Moses and Ibrahim is endearing.  There is no mention of the conflicts between Muslims and Jews, and without that background knowledge, you would never second guess why the two work so well together.

This movie was released in 2003, only 2 years after the September 11 attacks and at a time where violence between Israel and the Palestinians was, as it tragically still is, at an all-time high.  The film, which takes place in what appears to be the 1960s, doesn't focus on those things.  It shows a side of the Muslim world, namely Sufism, that is quite different from what is often understood about the religion.

I enjoyed this story and would highly recommend it to others.

Sleeping on a Wire by David Grossman, Part 1

By Nate Feldman

After reading "The Future is Peace" by Aziz Abu Sarah and Maoz Inon, a book about a Palestinian and Israeli who have lost loved ones in the conflict but have renounced violence and the eight day tour of Israel.and Palestine they took together, I remembered other books I have read about people touring the Holy Land, trying to build bridges.

One such book was "Sleeping on a Wire" by David Grossman, one of Israel's most famous writers.  He visited Arab villages in Israel in the early 1990s to learn about the Palestinians, 20% of Israel's population, who stayed in the country and are citizens of the state.

I read this book back in 2003 before I had ever visited the Middle East, but I decided to pick it up again to compare it to "The Future is Peace."

I am 100 pages into it and here are some notable differences:

*First and foremost, the book is not about dealing with tragedy without resorting to hate.  Ironically, in 2006 Grossman's son died in a war with Hezbollah in Lebanon, but this was before that.  The thing that truly makes the other book special is the idea of calling for empathy and understanding with the other side, even after experiencing an unimaginable tragedy.

*One thing I like about Grossman's book is the depth of information he gives about the Arab villages he goes to.  He mentions the village of Barta'a, half of which belongs to Israel proper, the other which is a part of the West Bank.  He identifies the differences between "Israeli" Barta'a and "Palestinian" Barta'a.  It is truly fascinating to read.

He mentions honor killings to women in Palestinian society, something I became familiar with while living in the Middle East, and something not popular to talk about when discussing the region or the cultures there.  The villagers describe the power of gossip, something I also became familiar with.  The way the Palestinians talk in this book and subjects they bring up sounds more like the people I encountered than who Abu Sarah and Inon mention.

NPR Article about 50:50 Startups Program

By Nate Feldman

An article from NPR online titled, "Torn by war, Israelis and Palestinians tie their fortunes together," by Tovia Smith, talks about a program in Boston called "50:50 Startups Program" which is seeking to bring together Israeli and Palestinian entrepreneurs to build new businesses together.  The article refers to the program as a kind of "business bootcamp" where the young business-minded students for six months learn how to be entrepreneurs and then pitch an idea to a group of investors, much like the TV show "Shark Tank."  What makes the program unique is that it is Israelis and Palestinians trying to work together.  One of the programs directors says he has a "hippie heart, but a capitalist mind."  

It's a very interesting and practical way to bring the sides together.  I think creating an atmosphere where partnership will have economic benefits will definitely steer more Israelis and Palestinians to the idea of working together and creating room for equality and understanding between one another.

The Future is Peace, Days 5-8

By Nate Feldman

Summary: During the second half of Aziz and Maoz's journey through Israel and Palestine, they first spent a couple of days in the West Bank.  They first go to Jericho and are part of a march led by Combatants for Peace for water rights for Palestinian communities.  

They also visit Bethlehem and Hebron and discuss the difficulties in moving from place to place if you are a Palestinian from that area.  

Note: As a person who traveled through the West Bank to meet my then fiancee Iman from the village of Irtah, near Tulkarem, I clearly remember how disruptive checkpoints were for people trying to even get from one city to places just a few miles away.

Later, they visit the Galilee in Northern Israel and go to Nazareth.  Maoz talks about his venture in opening the Fauzi Azar Inn, a Palestinian owned home that he helped convert into a hotel through cooperation with the family.  

Note: I was in Nazareth a few times and enjoyed the areas he mentions in the book.  I had Arabic food at the local restaurants and remember passing the entrance to the Fauzi Azar Inn.  

The journey concludes with them visiting Tzippori, an Israeli town that was built over the ruins of Safforiya, a Palestinian village.  They talk about the legacies of the Holocaust and displacement of the Palestinians, or Nakba, on their respective communities.  They have both guided tours, teaching each side about the others experiences with trauma.

Final Thoughts:

Overall, I recommend this book.  I deeply admire Aziz's and Maoz's attempts to build a relationship and call for an end to violence in spite of the horrific and heartbreaking tragedies both had to endure in their lives.  That they remain committed to coexistence and nonviolence is nothing short of a miracle and should be applauded at all chances.  I also like their idea of educating people about the other side and giving people a chance to learn about perspectives they typically do not here.

My only issue with their book is I feel they miss some voices on their journey.  If their goal is to hear voices you typically don't hear, I believe they are only presenting certain voices as well.  You dont hear how groups like Mizrachim, or Jews from Middle Eastern countries, feel about the conflict or their experiences growing up in Muslim dominated societies.  You dont hear from Druze or other smaller minority groups, though the writers at least acknowledge such groups exist.  

Regardless, the most important message of the book is that Israelis and Palestinians must end violence and fight for equality.  No more hate and suffering.  That is something to always cheer on.

Prominent Muslim Leaders in the UK Condemn Rising Anti-Semitism

By Nate Feldman

A spate of attacks against Jewish Brits has led to great alarm about the rise of antisemitism in the United Kingdom.  As a result, a group of prominent Muslims has called for action against hatred against Jews, including from within their own community.  

This article goes into more details about it: https://www.thejc.com/news/uk/muslim-leaders-community-action-antisemitism-jmrakjni

The Future is Peace, Day 4, The City of Peace

By Nate Feldman

Summary: On day 4 of their journey, Aziz and Maoz are joined by a Rabbi from the United States and a local Palestinian shopkeeper as they tour the Old City of Jerusalem together.

They visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where it is believed that Jesus was crucified and talk about how different Christian sects own different sections of the church.  

Maoz talks about The Abraham Hostel in Jerusalem, a place he ran for visitors of different backgrounds to spend time together and get to know one another.

Comments: As I am getting deeper into this book, one thing I am starting to feel is that the voices Maoz and Aziz talk to during their journey is limited.  By this, while they are talking to both Palestinians and Israelis, they are only getting certain individuals with a specific perspective of the conflict.  All the Israelis or Jewish Americans have very liberal views, which are critical of Israel's actions.  The Palestinian narratives seem quite mainstream.  Perhaps more nationalistic Israelis wouldn't engage with them.  And it could be argued that Palestinians willing to work with Israelis and Jews of any kind aren't so mainstream.  This is not their fault.  But, if the goal is to hear many voices of the Holy Land, I feel they are falling short of that.

Furthermore, I believe they are missing the voices of lesser heard communities.  While in the Old City of Jerusalem, they mention an Armenian Quarter exists, but there is no mention how they feel about the current state of affairs.  Also, they mention Palestinian suffering a lot.  Other than Maoz, there is hardly any meetings with Israelis who suffered violence from Palestinians, or Jews who came to Israel because of mistreatment in Arab countries.

Synagogue in North Carolina Raises Money for Children in Gaza

By Nate Feldman

https://www.jta.org/2026/04/29/united-states/a-synagogue-helped-palestinians-raise-money-for-gaza-and-found-common-ground-over-falafel.   

The above is the link to an article about a synagogue in North Carolina working with a local Palestinian doctor to raise money for children in Gaza.  It shows how much can be done between the two communities when people talk to one another and not fight.

The Future is Peace, Day 3, The Green Line

By Nate Feldman

Summary: In this chapter, Maoz and Aziz travel to the area in which Aziz grew up, in the Eastern part of Jerusalem.  Maoz gets to meet Aziz's family there.  

Aziz retells the story of his brother Tayseer, someone who was his protector during his childhood.  He recalls how Tayseer was arrested and sent to an Israeli detention center.  He would eventually be released and return home.  However, injuries he sustained while detained eventually led to his premature death. 

Aziz also discusses his father's life.  He sold fruit products throughout the Arab world when Eastern Jerusalem and what is now known as the West Bank were under Jordanian control.  After the Israelis took over the West Bank during the 1967 Six Days War, his father's business was ruined.   

Maoz discusses how when he was enlisted in the Israeli military how he used to patrol checkpoints, no more than a couple of miles from where Aziz grew up.  He talked about how overwhelming and stressful this duty was and mentioned how some Israelis commit suicide after military service because of the trauma they endure.  

The chapter movingly concludes by describing the olive trees in the Garden of Gethsemane, and how even after being cut down they regrow.  It mentions how they have witnessed many conflicts throughout history.  Their longevity and ability to regrow is supposed to be a metaphor about how people in the region can regrow after conflict.  

My thoughts: As I felt saddened by what happened to Maoz's parents and friends on October 7, I likewise feel sorrow for what happened to Aziz's brother.  There is no doubt that this conflict has taken way too many lives prematurely on both sides, which is why the work that these two men do is so essential and their message of enough is enough resonates. 

I also can understand Aziz's feelings about checkpoints throughout Palestinian areas and how disruptive this is for life.  When I first met Iman, my former wife, she was living with her family in Tulkarem, a city in the northern West Bank.  Traveling between Tulkarem and other Palestinian towns was excruciatingly long because of the endless checkpoints leading out of the city and along the roads.  In fact, I remember her wanting to introduce me to family in Jericho, another Palestinian West Bank city, and insisting we don't do it because it would take so long and I didn't want to have to deal with Israeli soldiers commenting on my Jewish surname in front of her relatives.  In this chapter, he talked about the long lines and not being treated well at these checkpoints, and I definitely saw experiences like that.  

I would be interested to see how other Israelis feel about their military experiences, especially those who must guard checkpoints and whether they felt it was traumatic or not.  

 

The Future is Peace, Day 2, Crossroads of Culture and Conflict

By Nate Feldman

Summary: 

On day 2, Maoz and Aziz went to Jaffa and Tel Aviv.  They met with a Jaffa resident, a Palestinian with Israeli citizenship, who works in politics.  

The chapter talks about Jaffa's history, as it was an important economic hub for the Palestinians once.  It mentions how many residents were displaced during the 1948 war, and how only a fragment of the original Arab population remained there.

They also visit Rabin square in Tel Aviv, where the former Prime Minister (Yitzhak Rabin) was assassinated in November 1995 while promoting a peaceful resolution with the Palestinians.  From there they discuss how Rabin and Yasser Arafat, the former leader of the Palestine Liberation Organization and President of the Palestinian authority had agreed to work together after having been bitter enemies.  The writers say that other Israelis and Palestinians can also make the change to partners after having been adversaries.  

My thoughts: Whether you agree with the writers' points of view on the conflict or not, it is important to keep in mind that their ability to work together is the most fundamental thing.  The goal of peace is not to get everyone to agree with one another.  It is to disagree, but with civility, empathy, and perhaps even love in some cases.

The Future is Peace Review, Day 1, Origins and Aftermath

By Nate Feldman

Day 1: Origins and Aftermath 

Summary:

In this chapter, Maoz Inon recounts how his parents, who lived near the Gaza border, were murdered during the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas, which killed over 1,000 Israelis and led to many hostages.  He spoke with them the morning of the attacks, and he later found out that they were shot and their house was burned with them inside of it.  

He recalls how Aziz Abu Sarah, a Palestinian whom he had met previously, texted him condolences.  Aziz mentioned how this was a difficult decision for him because he wasn't sure how this would be received, but this led to them connecting over their shared losses.  However, this message helped lead to their current relationship where they are advocating for non-violence and dialogue among their people. 

Aziz's brother, Tayseer, was arrested during the First Intifada of the 1980s-90s, and after being released died of internal injuries obtained during his imprisonment by Israeli forces.  Though he initially sought revenge, in time he believed that violence didn't solve the problems of their country and that dialogue and understanding was needed.  

Maoz believes that the Israeli government led by Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's current Prime Minster, bears a lot of responsibility for his parents death because they didn't protect the communities surrounding Gaza and because they were more invested in guarding Jewish settlements in the West Bank territories, which are predominantly Palestinian.  

Abu Sarah also talks about interacting with Palestinians who have seen immense suffering in Gaza since the attacks.  He met with a doctor who recalled how overwhelmed hospitals were with people coming in with injured and dying family members.  

Comments: I believe the fact that these two men have the relationship they have is nothing short of miraculous.  They are envisioning a future Israel and Palestine where differences are met with empathy and a willingness to understand the other's perspective.  The fact that they haven't let personal tragedies mar their commitment to co-existence is amazing and frankly difficult to fathom as I cannot guarantee I would follow their paths under similar circumstances.  Of course, there are things both say I am not sure I entirely agree with.  I am not sure my political perspectives entirely match theirs.  But, the lesson of their shared journey is that real peace will not come when everyone agrees, but when people who disagree learn to listen to one another, and perhaps love one another, while also maintaining their respective opinions on political/historical issues.  

The Future is Peace, Daily Show Appearance

By Nate Feldman

I recently began reading the book, 'The Future is Peace" by Aziz Abu Sarah and Moaz Inon.  Both men have lost relatives in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but they have chosen to seek a path of peace and reconciliation rather than looking for revenge.

Recently, both appeared on the Daily Show and were interviewed by Jon Stewart.  The interview focused on their personal histories.  Abu Sarah's brother died in an Israeli prison and Inon's parents were killed in the Hamas attack of October 7, 2023.  In their book, they travel throughout Israel and the Palestinian territories, telling the history of the land while meeting with local people affected by the conflict.

In the interview and their book, they stress the need for people to listen to others, even when in disagreement.  This is definitely easier said than done and even something I concede I have never been perfect at.  But, as they tell people, it is the only true way to resolve conflicts the best way possible.

Lincoln and the Abilitionists by Fred Kaplan, a Book Review

By Nate Feldman

This book probably would have been better titled as, "John Quincy Adams is Great and Abraham Lincoln is Terrible."  The main argument is that Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, has been overly sanctified as a liberator of African Americans.  The author, Fred Kaplan, would prefer that John Quincy Adams, the country's 6th President, be recognized as a true champion for abolitionism and civil rights for African Americans, alongside a list of other notable abolitionists.  

Let's start with the positives about the book.  It's very readable.  I moved through the pages quite quickly.  The author has a good writing style.  It mentioned in the book that he was a Professor of English, and I can see why.  I also learned quite a bit from the book.  I found out a lot of interesting information about abolitionists, such as Elijah Lovejoy, a journalist that was murdered by an angry mob for advocating an end to slavery in his newspapers.  I also learned about the American Colonization Society, a popular group in the 19th century that advocated for blacks to be returned to Africa.  I'll even concede that some of his concerns about Lincoln, most notably his membership in the aforementioned society, as well as a meeting that took place in the White House in 1862 where Lincoln encouraged emigration are worth learning about.

My criticism of the book is that the author does exactly what he claims champions of Lincoln do: oversimplify his legacy.  He does the same for John Quincy Adams.  He makes Adams look much better than he probably was and Lincoln much worse than he was.  There isn't a lot of nuance here.  A great example is his tendency to highlight every slave owner and racist Lincoln had social relationships with.  It is true that Lincoln held company with many racists and slave owners.  Yet, he doesn't chastise Adams for serving as Secretary of State to James Monroe, a slave owner.  He blasts Lincoln's slow pace of emancipating slaves during the Civil War.  On the other hand, he barely touches Adams' Presidency, which did nothing to emancipate slaves.  Adams had justifications in his eyes, and Lincoln did not.  

Finally, the thing we can't ever forget is that Lincoln actually emancipated slaves and helped ratify the 13th amendment of the constitution, which outlawed it in the United States.  That is why he is remembered as the Great Emancipator.  Because he is the one President that did that.  For all his virtues, John Quincy Adams, nor his father, did.  That is why they are not remembered for that.  

Furthermore, the book fails completely at understanding Lincoln's evolving views about race and its place in American society during his presidency.  There is a reason Frederick Douglass, the great African American abolitionist and Civil Rights pioneer, said of Lincoln in 1880 that he was "one of the noblest wisest and best men I ever knew."  Quotes like that do not exist in the book.  He gives a very one-sided perspective of Lincoln's relationship with abolitionists.  

The unfortunate thing is that I agree that John Quincy Adams is overlooked by historians for his contributions and his advocacy for a more just, multi-racial America.  And perhaps a lot of Lincoln's flaws are overlooked.  But, I think replacing an overly simplistic narrative with another one is not the way to the truth.  It is for that reason I give this book a generous 3 out of 5 stars.  It's easy to read and informative, but some of its conclusions, and facts (the battle of Antietam was a Union victory, not defeat) are inaccurate.  

SIPP Announces Mini-Grants for 2026

By Nate Feldman

Sustainable Israeli Palestinian Projects (SIPP) for the past eleven years has offered grants to organizations in the Middle East that promote "cultural, environmental, infrastructure, and technology projects" that bring Israelis and Palestinians together (see Sustainable Israeli-Palestinian Projects Announces 2026 Mini-Grant Awardees by Peter Ornstein).  This year, the group is making grants to six projects.  Those include such groups as "Women Speaking Hebrew," which helps Palestinian women in East Jerusalem reduce language barriers, and "Connecting Through Arts," which brings together Israeli and Palestinian children to learn English and connect through creative projects, and "The Teachers Lounge," which brings together Jewish and Arab educators in Haifa to "promote multicultural tolerance and shared society." 

You can learn more about these projects and SIPP as a whole at the following link: https://www.sipprojects.org/content/2026Projects.html.  

Review of film "The Advocate" (2019)

By Nate Feldman

I have always shuddered when people say they hate an entire people based on their identity.  People are unique and should be judged accordingly.

Regardless of what one's position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, it is hard to deny the unique character of Lea Tsamel, an Israeli defense attorney who has spent her entire legal career defending Palestinians of all walks of life, including those facing trial for acts of violence.  The 2019 documentary "The Advocate" tells her story.

Lea Tsamel has long been an attorney for Palestinians, including ones who committed violent acts against Israelis.  The film shows how she evolved into a champion of Palestinian rights, feeling that the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza following the Six Days War in 1967 was unjust and created a discriminatory system against the Arabs living there.  

In the film, she served as a lawyer for a boy and a woman who were accused of attempting to murder Israelis.  Tsamel argues that acts of violence are rooted in the occupation of the Palestinians land, and it is something to be understood by the public.

There are many interesting parts of this film.  First of all, it shows another side of Israel, and it also shows a different side of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in that it is not all Israelis against all Palestinians.  There are Israelis who support Palestinians.  Whether one agrees with Tsamel's point of view or not, at the very least, the film shows a unique perspective of what is happening there.  

I actually don't agree with Tsamel's views.  I am for peace and co-existence with Palestinians, but I also don't share some of her opinions about the causes of violence there.  At the same time, I am aware that this film generated controversy in Israel, with many leading figures trying to have it not shown at different events.  I definitely oppose that.  And I strongly believe that Tsamel should do her work without threats or intimidation.  If anything, she shows through her career and activism that Israelis and Palestinians can cooperate with one another, and that is something that should always be encouraged.  

More Thoughts on Lincoln and the Abolitionists

By Nate Feldman

I am still reading the book, "Lincoln and the Abolitionists: John Quincy Adams, Slavery, and the Civil War," which attempts to contrast the differing attitudes that the two U.S. Presidents had about ending slavery and African Americans' place in America.

There are some good things about the book.  It is well-written and is in general an easy read.  There is also a lot of interesting information in the book.  The second chapter, titled "The First American Martyr," details the career of Elijah Lovejoy, an anti-slavery journalist whose paper was attacked and forced to relocate on multiple occasions, and who eventually was lynched by a mob for his outspoken abolitionist point of view.  Though he may be well-known among historians, I don't recall learning about Lovejoy during American history lessons growing up.  

With that in mind, the book seems a bit redundant in emphasizing that John Quincy Adams had a more positive view towards African Americans and was a true anti-slavery advocate, while Lincoln was someone who viewed slavery as evil, but had no interest in ending it for most of his life, and someone who associated with slave owners and racists and believed that the United States was really a white person's country.  The author seems to really paint Adams in the most positive light possible while overemphasizing Lincoln's lack of commitment to racial justice in this country.

Here are some thoughts I have about this.  First of all, I have to finish reading the book. Then, I give a more detailed analysis and response.  One thing, however, that comes to my mind is if Adams and his family were so much into racial equality and ending slavery, then why didn't John Quincy Adams or his father end it when they were Presidents?  To say that Lincoln was influenced by the negative attitudes of Midwestern bigotry seems disingenuous when you could argue that Adams' inability to end slavery was affected by the times he lived in as well.  In other words, they both perhaps were influenced by the circumstances around them. 

In the end, Lincoln's administration ended slavery.  Adams' administration didn't.  Fair or unfair that is a fact.  That is why Lincoln is remembered more than Adams on this issue.  Lincoln signed the 13th Amendment of the constitution ending slavery.  There was no such amendment during Adams' one-term in office.  This isn't a knock on Adams.  And it's not to take away from Lincoln's inconsistent views.  But, that is why people remember Lincoln.  And it seems that the author is really eager to show Lincoln wasn't as good as everyone thought.  And it seems he overdoes it a bit.  More to come later.

Lincoln and the Abolitionists by Fred Kaplan

By Nate Feldman

In honor of President's Day, I took out the book "Lincoln and the Abolitionists: John Quincy Adams, Slavery, and the Civil War" by Fred Kaplan from a local library.

One theme of the book is comparing two United States' Presidents, John Quincy Adams and Abraham Lincoln and their approaches to dealing with slavery and their attitudes about African Americans as a whole.  The book argues that while both Adams and Lincoln abhorred slavery, Adams believed much more in a multi-racial America where blacks and whites could live side-by-side with one another.  He also sought an immediate end to slavery.  Lincoln, on the other hand, is portrayed as believing black people needed to move out of the United States once freed and was reluctant to end slavery immediately, hoping it would gradually go away.

I would be interested to read more about the sources the author uses in the research to make these claims.  So far, I find the book an interesting read on the history of race relations in the United States.

The Sleeping Mountains, A Mexican Folktale by Barbara Winther

By Nate Feldman

The Sleeping Mountains is a short play found in "The Big Book of Folktale Plays," an anthology of children's plays adapted from a variety of cultures, which is edited by Sylvia E. Kamerman.  

In the play, King Papantco, leader of the Toltecs, is in conflict with King Ixtli, leader of the Chichimecs.  Ixtli arrives at the Courtyard of the Sun to meet with Papantco, upset that people from the latter's kingdom are using his streams for fishing.  Meanwhile, Papantco's daughter, eager to make peace between the kingdoms, meets with Ixtli's son.  They both regret the fight between their fathers and hope for peace and understanding.  They fall in love with another.

The princess is supposed to be married to Jaguar, the son of the High Priest of Papantco's kingdom.  When he learns that the princess has fallen in love with the  Chichimec prince, he devises a plan to stop it by placing a magic spell on them.  He follows them to their meeting place and scatters magic powder over them, freezing them.

An Old Sorceress, who witnesses everything, returns to the royal court and punishes Jaguar and the High Priest for their actions, turning them into animals.  Because of the kingdom's unwillingness to work with one another, she also turns the Prince and Princess into side-by-side mountains, who will not return to human form until their families make peace with one another.

42 (2013), A Film Review

By Nate Feldman 

In 1945, Branch Rickey (Harrison Ford), the General Manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers decided to allow an African American to join his ball club, something unheard of at that time as African Americans did not play in Major League Baseball and their own separate league.  

Rickey decided on Jackie Robinson (Chadwick Boseman) of the Kansas City Monarchs.  Jackie played the first couple of years with Montreal, the Dodger's minor league team, but by 1947 he was in the majors, the first time an African American played in the big leagues.  

While playing baseball with the Dodgers, Jackie Robinson encountered extreme levels of racism.  Fans booed him, mobs threatened him, hotels refused to let the Dodgers stay with them, and even players on his own team initially brought out a petition demanding that he not be permitted on the team.

However, through perseverance, excellence on the field, and an ability to withstand the most extreme levels of agitation, he gained the support of his teammates and went on to be Major League Baseball's rookie of the year in 1947.  

The movie "42" beautifully recounts Jackie Robinson's story and highlights the extremely difficult work it took to breakdown color barriers in professional sports, something most people nowadays don't think about.  I highly recommend this film for sports historians, history buffs, and people dreaming of a world where individuals are treated fairly and equally regardless of their backgrounds.  

One scene that really stands out in the film is where Pee Wee Reese (Lucas Black), the Dodgers' star shortstop, puts his arm around Robinson while they are playing a game at Cincinnati, right across the river from Reese' home state of Kentucky.  Reese did this to show solidarity with Robinson in spite of threats and harassment from the crowd.  This heartwarming display of unity highlighted Robinson's teammates gradual acceptance and embrace of him as a fellow player.

Marginalized People Are Their Own Worst Enemies

By Nate Feldman

As a person who has experienced marginalization at many levels, you would figure that people I have fought with the most are people who are a part of the mainstream, or who society deems worthy of acceptance.  But, upon reflection, I realize that it is more likely that the people I have had the biggest issues with are fellow outsiders.  Such experiences has made me reflect on what causes this phenomenon, and while I may not have precise answers to this (note: I am not a psychologist or social scientist), I will try and take a stab at why this may be.  

I am from a mixed religious family.  My father was from a Jewish family and my mother's family was Protestant Christian.  My former wife was from a Palestinian Muslim family.  From the outside, it may seem that it was highly unlikely that my wife and I would ever meet and get married, and that's an understatement.  But, the thing that probably united us more than anything was the fact that we both felt stigmatized and alienated from our families and communities in general.  We both had poor relationships with our parents and we both had viewpoints that didn't reflect the general opinions of the societies we were brought up in.  So, we were both marginalized.  Yet, once we were together, we fought constantly, and eventually our marriage fell apart.  

That's just one of many examples of times in my life where I fought with a fellow marginalized person.  So, what do I think influenced these fights?  First of all, I believe if you have been outcasted, it is incredibly detrimental to your mental health.  You learn to be suspicious and distrustful of others and overly defensive.  You are constantly seeking support and reaffirmation from those around you.  The problem is very often when you are paired with someone who has experienced similar trauma, they are struggling with the same issues that have affected you, and likewise need a shoulder to lean on.  It's very difficult to ask someone to be warm and supportive when it is something they have not received in their lives.  So, the two people are expecting the other to be something they really can't be, and this leads to tension.  

Another thing that I think leads to conflict between marginalized people is the desire to be accepted by the majority, even if it is highly unlikely to happen.  I can recall in my past turning against people more like me with the deluded belief that alienating myself from such people would make me more acceptable to the "in-crowd."  In the case of my marriage, I was never upfront enough with people that I had married a Palestinian woman and was living with her in Jordan. In fact, I disconnected with a lot of people I had known during my college years rather than stay in touch and risk being looked upon as eccentric.  Of course, in hindsight, I wish I had let everyone know that I had gotten married, who I had gotten married to, and basically forced them to either accept us or not.  

I think, in the end, the most important thing for people who feel left outside the mainstream of society is to embrace who they are and find allies regardless of where they come from.  Being against others like you is a quick way to finding isolation in this world.  

Buddhist Monks Walk for Peace Concludes in Washington

 By Nate Feldman

A group of Buddhist monks on a "Walk for Peace" from Fort Worth, Texas to Washington, DC concluded their journey on Wednesday, February 10.  They were met by large crowds as they entered the nation's capital, visiting the National Cathedral for an interfaith event and American University.  They also planned to visit the Capital building as well as the Lincoln Memorial.  

The monks have walked for the past few months throughout the southeast, spreading a message of peace and inner reflection.

For more information on the walk, check the following article: "Walk for peace: Buddhist monks arrive in Washington after 2,300-mile journey" by Evelyn Hockstein and Jasper Ward.

Coexistence Events in January

By Nate Feldman

*A group of Buddhist monks have been marching from Texas to Washington, promoting peace and understanding among people.

*Many People took part in events on MLK day this month to honor the legacy of the Civil Rights activist who called for equality and brotherhood between people of different races and creeds.  There were interfaith events in different places honoring the work of Dr. King.  Moravian University in Bethlehem, PA hosted an interfaith event the day before to commemorate the Civil Rights activist's life (see "Come together: Interfaith celebration stresses unity in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr." by Jack Reinhard).  

MLK Day of Service, 2026

By Nate Feldman

Monday, January 19 is the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service.  The Federal holiday gives Americans the chance to honor the legacy of the iconic Civil Rights Activist Who advocated for social justice for African Americans, was against poverty and war, and who called for non-violence as a way of living.

On this day, many people volunteer in their communities, and many public places, such as museums, hold special events.

Three Great Things to do at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge

By Nate Feldman

The John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge is a nature reserve located in Philadelphia, PA, adjacent to Philadelphia International Airport.  It is an oasis of natural wonders in a highly urbanized area.  Here are some things you can enjoy while spending time there.

1. Walking on Trails

The reserve has a network of trails around the park.

2. Seeing Animals

The park was designed specifically to protect wildlife. 

3. See a Pristine Part of Philadelphia 

Although it is located a short distance from Philadelphia International Airport, something you are reminded of with planes taking off and landing near you, the park itself is an untouched piece of nature in a bustling metropolitan area.  

Buddhist Monks on a Peace Walk from Texas to Washington, DC

By Nate Feldman

An article by the associated press highlighted an ongoing peace walk by two dozen Buddhist Monks.  The walk began in Fort Worth, Texas and is making stops in several states along the way to Washington, DC.  The monks are advocating for peace in the world and human compassion.

As of the middle of January, they have reached North Carolina and continue their path northward.  The local news in Charlotte mentioned they would be in the city on Wednesday, January 14 and spending the evening there.