Peace and reconciliation – what comes first?
On 28th May, a group of young leaders convened for the first workshop in our reconciliation course. At the same time a parallel meeting was held on the Palestinian side, as both sides learn the topic before meeting their counterparts in joint sessions. The group included parliamentary advisers, local government representatives, civil society leaders, rabbinical students and more.
Participants heard from former PA Minister Ashraf al-Ajrami about the impact of recent developments on Palestinian society. He emphasized the importance and meaning of Jerusalem to Palestinians and spoke about the urgency of moving forward now, instead of waiting for a next and greater round of violence. Israeli Director of the GI, Gadi Baltiansky presented the rationale, motivation and history behind Geneva Accord. Brigadier Gen. Israela Oron presented the GI’s “Dealing with the Past” model, discussed the pillars of the model and the ways in which it was shaped specifically to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
We do not have to wait for the official leadership to create a better future. Young leaders on both sides are actively working to achieve this now.
This project is undertaken in partnership with the European Union.
