Israeli Citizens Advocate for Peace Amid Grief
In the wake of a tragic event that took place on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack resulting in the loss of many lives, including those of Maoz Inon’s parents, a significant movement has emerged within Israel. Rather than succumbing to vengeance, Inon, aged 49, has chosen the path of reconciliation, advocating for the international recognition of a Palestinian state. This sentiment is echoed by thousands of Israelis who are pushing for a peaceful resolution.
The Movement for State Recognition
Maoz Inon, who has been engaged in peace activism for around 20 years, believes that recognition, dialogue, and forgiveness are vital for a secure future in the region. He expresses his dismay over the escalating violence, reflecting that after years of “occupation, oppression, and walls between us and the other camp,” tensions were bound to erupt. “I knew it was going to explode in our faces,” he recounts in an interview with AFP in Tel Aviv.
A Call for Action
As part of the effort to recognize a Palestinian state, a petition titled “No to War – Yes to Recognition” has gathered over 8,500 signatures from Israelis, aiming to present it to the United Nations General Assembly. This petition highlights an essential point: recognizing a Palestinian state is not a punishment for Israel; rather, it is a step towards a safer and better future, built on mutual recognition and security for both peoples.
Changing Perspectives
According to a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, only 21% of Israeli adults believe that Israel and a Palestinian state can coexist peacefully, marking the lowest percentage since the beginning of such surveys in 2013. This statistic underscores the need for a resurgence in dialogue and efforts towards peace.
The Upcoming UN Assembly and Global Support
The humanitarian catastrophe currently unfolding in Palestinian territories is expected to dominate discussions at the UN General Assembly, which begins soon after the violent events. Reports indicate that countries including France, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Canada, and Australia are expected to formally recognize a Palestinian state, a move that many see as a crucial step toward alleviating the suffering and granting Palestinians the status they deserve among nations.
The Importance of Human Dignity
Co-founder of the Zazim Community Action group, Raluca Ganea, has emphasized that the recognition of a Palestinian state is about ending the “dehumanization” of Palestinians, providing them equality and dignity in the international community. Inon agrees, noting that recognition must go hand in hand with concrete actions to ensure the establishment of a viable state. He argues for sanctions against anyone opposing a two-state solution, which he believes should include various stakeholders, from politicians to military personnel.
Voices from the Ground
This advocacy for peace is not isolated to Inon. The sentiments are shared by others, including Yonatan Zeigen, whose mother, peace activist Vivian Silver, was killed in the recent violence. Zeigen stresses that a viable future requires both peoples to share the land, insisting on the Palestinians’ fundamental right to self-determination and statehood. He states, “This right should not be negotiable or conditional.”
Hope for the Future
Despite the dire circumstances, the voices of those like Maoz Inon and Yonatan Zeigen resonate with a hopeful vision for peace. Their collective calls for recognition, understanding, and a commitment to coexistence lay the groundwork for a potentially transformative shift in Israeli-Palestinian relations.
