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.