The topic of Israel-Palestine is a very emotionally-charged topic, definitely not one that should be brought up on the first date, that is unless you are looking for an excuse to end it early.
Yet, as controversial and divisive this topic may be, everyone (especially university students it seems) has a distinct opinion on it. From the beginning of the war, I also had a distinct opinion, but the more I researched into it, the less I felt I knew.
So naturally, my next thought of course was ‘why not pay a visit to a country that everyone has something to say about,’ and that’s exactly what I did, for 10 days this December–January.
My 10-day journey through Israel, thanks to the non-profit advocacy organization, Allied Voices for Israel (AVI), was nothing short of eye-opening. AVI did a phenomenal job to make sure that me and the other students on the trip would learn the good, the bad, and the ugly about the geopolitical situation, from multiple perspectives.
Long story short, in the land commonly perceived by its political divisions, I discovered something transformative: the power of conversation to bridge even the deepest of divides.
During my trip, I had the greatest privilege of speaking with a diverse array of individuals, such as Palestinians living in Israel, Arab-Israelis, right-wing Israelis, left-wing Israelis, Christian Israelis, Muslim Israelis, gay Israelis…you get the point.
Each brought unique perspectives shaped by their identities, backgrounds, past experiences/trauma and political beliefs. Yet despite the differences, we all came together to engage in meaningful dialogue, to truly hear one another, and to imagine ways forward for the sake of a better future for Israeli and Palestinian children.
Evidently, these conversations were not easy. We touched on topics like religious extremism, war, terrorism, violence, and more. Tensions ran high, and disagreements were inevitable. But what struck me the most was the courage and openness displayed by everyone involved. In one discussion during a “Meet the Israelis” night, a Palestinian citizen of Israel and a right-wing Jewish Israeli, who began the conversation worlds apart, found common ground in their shared hopes for safety, dignity and a better future for their families.
This moment reinforced an important truth: while policies and negotiations are important, peace cannot be sustained without mutual understanding at a human level. Ultimately, real change begins not in the halls of government buildings but in the everyday spaces where normal people take the courageous leap to listen to one another.
This lesson is just as relevant on our campuses and in our daily lives as it is in Israel. I don’t think that I’m the only student who feels as though our campuses are polarized, at times even hostile, particularly when it comes to the Israeli-Palestinian issue.
However, as students, I believe that we need to make a better effort to engage with differing perspectives, whether on politics, social issues, or cultural beliefs. It can be tempting to avoid these tough conversations, but if we want to create a more inclusive and understanding world while fostering critical thinking, then we must commit to engaging with those who think differently.
This means stepping out of our comfort zones, asking questions and genuinely listening to others, even when it may be uncomfortable and frustrating. As hard as it is, it’s in these moments of vulnerability that we contribute to achieving unity and tolerance. I wish for my generation that we could better open ourselves up to the world, as big and scary as it may be, always choosing connection over division and hope over fear.
If my time in Israel taught me anything, it is that peace begins with a good ol’ conversation, and it’s a lesson we can, and should, apply to our everyday lives. Change starts when we dare to sit down with one another, not to win arguments or force our point of view, but to understand, reflect, connect and build a better tomorrow together.
Wishing a peaceful and prosperous new year to the Israeli and Palestinian people.
