September-October 2011, Page 65

Waging Peace

Ten Young Israelis and Palestinians Discuss Their Vision for the Future

New Story Leadership (NSL) held a July 6 panel discussion at Johns Hopkins University's Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies. NSL selects young people under 30, rather than politicians or the so-called "experts," to come to Washington, DC to intern each summer and tell their stories. While each arrived in the United States with different experiences and opinions of their conflict-ridden homeland, these young activists came together to open dialogues in hopes of bringing all communities affected by the conflict together once and for all.

Opening the talk Paul Costello, NSL's founder and director, described NSL's mission by saying, "We want to be representatives of a better future." The interns put their differences aside, get to know and respect one another, and share their common desire for peace.

Four of the interns told their stories and explained how important the "shared willingness to embrace a diversity of human experience" is to the future of both Israel and Palestine. Goni Zilberman said her time in the IDF defined her beliefs today. After joining the Israeli air force, she realized that "most of us Israelis can never get off 'Military Road,'" and will be seen as militants for the rest of their lives.

Zilberman's roommate, Manar Sarie, explained that her Israeli-Palestinian, or "grey," identity spurred her desire to be part of the group of young men and women coming to intern in the United States. Her experience as an Israeli-Palestinian has made her realize that her "identification is neither accepted by Palestinians nor Israelis," Sarie said. Through the group she is able to be "grey" and accepted for her identity. She is a symbol for thousands of people living in her "grey zone."

Bshara Nassar said his grandfather's dreams to "build bridges of peace and understanding" between conflicting peoples in his own home has helped him understand the importance of discourse between Israelis and Palestinians alike.

Finally, Tomer Mazie spoke for the entire group by saying that the only option for a peaceful future is to "be optimistic no matter what."

These young leaders spent their summer spreading their message across the United States. After describing her first few days living with her Palestinian-Israeli roommate, Manar, Goni said she realized that "a good friend, like a mother, is someone who recognizes your weaknesses, but keeps dancing."

While these young people certainly have their differences, they are determined to keep dancing until peace between their people is achieved.

To follow their journey visit <www.newstoryleadership.org>.

—Helen Goelet