Peace activists from Israel / Palestine in the palace
"Peace is possible" [23.01.24]
Photo: Uni Hohenheim / Schmid
Osama and Rotem grew up not far from each other. Yet their worlds could not have been more different. As Palestinians and Israelis, they fought against each other without really knowing anything about the other side. Today they are friends. However, it has been a long journey to get there. As peace activists in the "Combatants for peace" movement, they want to share their story to show the world: Transformation is possible - without violence. On Thursday evening, they were guests at Hohenheim Palace at the invitation of the Ecumenical Student Community (ÖHG) and the University. The Online Courier captured video statements from the event.
Peace in the Middle East seems further away than ever these days. Yet it is already blooming. Beyond politics. In the hearts and minds of a few people.
Osama Iliwat and Rotem tell us about it.
About the traumatizing experiences of their childhood and youth. About traumas that they "inherited" from their parents. About the stories they grew up with and those they never got to hear. How they themselves eventually became misguided fighters and perpetrated violence.
Until the reality of the other side seeped into their lives. Finally a friendship developed that changed their lives.
Non-violent transformation
Today, they believe that non-violent transformation is possible in their home country. If more people are prepared to "subvert the system" and really get to know the other side - despite all external and internal resistance.
And if the world is prepared to hear the stories from both sides. The suffering of the Palestinian civilian population as well as the history of the Holocaust.
Osama and Rotem are united in their criticism of Israeli policy. Nevertheless, they also agree that even justified criticism must not give rise to hatred and new anti-Semitism.
Even now - and now more than ever
"The Combatants for Peace are one of the few Israeli-Palestinian peace groups that still have the strength to go public. Many others have given up since October 7," reports university pastor Andrea Aippersbach, who is moderating the evening.
This makes those who try to keep doors open between peoples all the more important. "There is nothing more important than contact between people. This is the glue that holds us together as a global community," said the pastor, a message that also moved the audience in the balcony hall of Hohenheim Palace.
