MEPCF’s Theory of Change: The Art and Science of Peacebuilding: Newsletter #4
27 June 2024
Acknowledging Where We Are Now
No one needs reminding about the violence and incredible suffering that have unfolded, and continue to unfold, across the south and north of Israel, Gaza, the West Bank, in southern Lebanon, and beyond. The prospect of an all-out war between Israel and Iran’s proxy in Lebanon, Hizbollah, looms large.
As the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues to play out on the battlefield, there is a widespread sense of resignation that peace between the parties is impossible anytime soon.
Neither side believes it has a partner on the other side, and given the present circumstances, they are for the most part correct.
Closer inspection reveals a paradox here: each side’s experience of lacking a partner is preventing each party from engaging as a partner. This leaves us at a stalemate.
Does that mean that we get to throw our hands in the air and give up? Unfortunately, that is a luxury that neither Israelis nor Palestinians can afford. To have a partner, one must be a partner. Leadership is essential in this enterprise.
Many of the fiercest advocates for peace are those who have suffered the greatest losses. For those closes to the conflict, the impetus to reach an eventual reconciliation is more powerful than the skepticism and resignation that feel so rational in light of the headlines.
At the Middle East Peace Civic Forum, we assert that there are issues of critical importance that must be addressed. (For starters, the arrogance and radicalism that has far too many people on all sides deny the historical roots and deeply personal bonds to the whole of the land.) The unworkability of a whole range of policies and positions espoused by both Israelis and Palestinians must be aired, understood, and worked through.
We must begin to talk, to hear each other’s words and experiences, and to build the relationships that can help lead us out of the current conflict and into a time of peace. A core element of the Middle East Peace Civic Forum’s “brand” is bringing deep listening, respect, and affinity among the participants to the conversations.
The Middle East Peace Civic Forum’s Critical Conversations series is designed to address this need. On Monday, July 1st, at noon eastern time, 7 pm Jerusalem time, we reconvene for our third in the series between Palestinian Walid Siam and Israeli Yehuda HaKohen, with Bill Phillips facilitating. See below for additional details.
The Missing Vision
Just as these Critical Conversations are essential, at the Middle East Peace Civic Forum we also assert that creating and holding a vision of a reality of peace is a critical and necessary step toward bridging the gap.
Let’s for a moment put aside the question of “how” to get there, and reflect for a moment on the “what” of the vision. Imagine a transformed Israeli-Palestinian relationship characterized by genuine reconciliation, friendship, and cooperation across a host of fields. Cooperation on areas of common interest among “affinity groups” of musicians, educators, healthcare workers, engineers, environmentalists, students, and others is only the beginning of what is possible.
In fact, many Israelis and Palestinians, Jews and Muslims, know one another as warm and dear friends. Thousands of individuals have dedicated themselves to working together to find a common path forward, establishing close and trusting relationships in the process. We refuse to accept that Jews and Muslims are destined forever to be enemies.
Perhaps in some grand design beyond our comprehension we were meant to fight during this time and space. Out of the trials of heated conflict, the prospect of a historic reconciliation within the whole of the Abrahamic family tree has taken on a character of historic significance.
Building a Bridge to Peace
The analogy of a bridge is a useful one in conflict resolution.
On one side of the bridge is the present reality, with all its violent dysfunction and strident posturing. On the other side of the bridge, a reality of peace and affinity exists in which the rights and responsibilities of all parties are honored and respected.
In the gap between those two shores is the bridge we get to build.
Construction may begin on both banks simultaneously. We may begin by identifying what is unworkable. At the same time, our task is to envision a prosperous and harmonious existence. Without a vision of the far shore, it will be difficult to know where and how to build the bridge.
Uniting the Artists and Visionaries
While having the Critical Conversations are essential, we assert that it is of equal importance to open the hearts and minds of the people to the possibility of peace.
Who better to carry forth and expand the vision and possibility of peace than well-known and respected artists, musicians, influencers, and thought leaders?
That is why we are issuing a call to the creators and visionaries to join us the Peace Tribe Rising movement, a heart-centered initiative for Israeli-Palestinian peace.
Standing for the light of peace takes courage. The pain and trauma so prevalent all around us motivate opposition to the voices for peace.
During this time of war, it is of critical importance that we join together in a chorus of voices. We each get to envision a reality of mutual affinity, workability, and artistry in service of genuine peace. And who better than musicians and artists of all kinds to create compelling visions and share those ideas with their sizable audiences?
Matt Lakenbach,
MEPCF Founder and Executive Director
Critical Conversations Series
Critical Conversation #3: Join Walid, Yehuda, Bill and MEPCF on Monday, July 1st
[click Here to watch the recording of this event on YouTube, which took place on July 1st, 2024]
Join us this coming Monday, July 1st, for our third Critical Conversation between Walid and Yehuda. In conversation before a live audience, they will have the opportunity to take stock of what’s happening and discuss their visions for what’s possible when Israelis and Palestinians recognize that the whole of the land is sacred to both peoples. The conversation will be recorded and published on our YouTube channel.
We look forward to seeing you along with Walid, Yehuda, and facilitator Bill Phillips.
Critical Conversation #3
Date: Monday, July 1st
Time: 9:00 - 10:30 am PDT
12:00 - 1:30 pm EDT
5:00 - 6:30 pm GB
6:00 - 7:30 pm South Africa
7:00 - 8:30 pm Israel/Palestine/Egypt
If you are unable to attend, we encourage you to watch the recording on our YouTube channel. Please also share with others who may be interested.
Please visit the link to our first “Critical Conversation,” which took place on March 29th, 2024: https://youtu.be/vz3QI1ksqPE?si=elzCyhyC0oKim4Vv
Contribute
We are grateful for every contribution, large and small. We invite you to be our partner and to support our mission. Through programs such as the Critical Conversations Series, our podcast, and our movement-building work, we are out to create a world that works for all Israelis and Palestinians.