{"id":32209,"date":"2024-12-31T10:36:29","date_gmt":"2024-12-31T08:36:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dialogtogether.com\/its-time-the-peoples-peace-drive\/"},"modified":"2024-12-31T10:36:29","modified_gmt":"2024-12-31T08:36:29","slug":"its-time-the-peoples-peace-drive","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dialogtogether.com\/en\/its-time-the-peoples-peace-drive\/","title":{"rendered":"It\u2019s Time \u2013 The People\u2019s Peace Drive"},"content":{"rendered":"

This week marks one of the most moving and significant events that I\u2019ve participated in since October 7th<\/sup>, both on a personal level and from a public perspective \u2013 It\u2019s Time \u2013 A Drive for Peace. This is a cross-cultural initiative promoting a dialogue of peace, reconciliation and coexistence between Jews and Arabs. The drive, spanning six days between December 4-9, passed through various locations across the country and included a variety of activities \u2013 community gatherings, cultural performances, inspiring discourse, and more.<\/p>\n

Today, the drive arrived at Tira, a place where you can create the fertile ground for honest, truthful discourse. The meeting began with short speeches by the journey leaders, who emphasized the urgency of turning hope into an active and tangible reality. However, the real power of the meeting lay in the small conversations between participants.<\/p>\n

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Shared Pain and Hope for the Future<\/strong><\/p>\n

When I entered the event with my son, who was happy to participate in an event for peace, I was part of a diverse audience, Jews and Arabs, the young, the old, locals and guests from afar. Despite the obvious differences between participants, there was a feeling that there was something that connected us all \u2013 the desire for change.<\/p>\n

The strongest part in my opinion, was the personal circles, and the boys and girls who ran around with an infectious joy of life.<\/p>\n

The participants shared touching personal stories, but also spoke forthrightly \u2013 it was not a meeting meant for consoling, the idea was to start looking for practical ways to promote peace. One of the participants, Susanna, a social activist resident of Tira, spoke about the complexity of the present time, and also the hope that one day our children will grow up to a different reality and how hope can be translated into an action plan. Maoz Inon<\/a>, a peace activist, was also present at Tira and throughout the drive.<\/p>\n

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Culture that Brings People Together<\/strong><\/p>\n

One of the charming moments that captured the hearts of the children and everyone else present, from young to old, was the bilingual play performed by the Elmina Theater<\/a>. The bilingual play seemed so authentic and created a natural connection among those present. Alongside the play, there were also workshops in creativity and discourse addressing questions like how to create a common space? Is hope realistic?<\/p>\n

A Message of Action<\/strong><\/p>\n

The “It\u2019s Time” Peace Drive was born of the recognition that the current situation cannot continue. The experiences of this war, the sense of disconnection and despair that has been overwhelming the two peoples \u2013 necessitates change. Therefore, the drive aims to bring about a political treaty that will ensure equality, security and rights for both peoples, alongside the return of those kidnapped and the cessation of wars.<\/p>\n

At Tira, this feeling turned from words into actions. People rose, connected, collaborated and inspired each other. The central message that emerged again and again was that peace is not a distant dream, but something that can be built now, together.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Who\u2019s behind this initiative?<\/strong><\/p>\n

The \u201cIt\u2019s Time\u201d Peace Drive unites a coalition of about 50 organizations who work together to promote discourse and peace. Among the partnering organizations:<\/p>\n

Zazim – Community Action, Women Wage Peace, Standing Together, New Israel Fund (NIF) and Shatil, Peace Now, Mehazkim, A Land for All (ALFA), Israeli-Palestinian Bereaved Families for Peace, Abraham Initiatives, Rabbis for Human Rights, Mizrahi Civic Collective, The Faithful Left, Mothers Against Violence, Peace NGO Forum, Psychoactive, Other Voice, Social Workers for Peace and Welfare, Mothers\u2019 Cry, Kedma for Equality in Education, Challenge (Etgar), Forum 1325 for a Political Agreement, The Policy Working Group, Ilham – The Day After, The Anti Occupation Bloc – Haifa, Ir Amim, Itach-Ma’aki – Women Lawyers For Social Justice, Combatants for Peace, The Negev Coexistence Forum For Civil Equality, Sadaka-Reut Arab Jewish Youth Partnership, All Its Citizens, Haqaya Story Association, Breaking the Silence, Kahanism \u00a0, Racism and Homophobia – Not In Our School, MachsomWatch, Parents Against Child Detention, Jordan Valley Activists, Social Workers for Democracy, The Peace Partnership, Israelis and Palestinians for Peace, Yesh Gvul, Torat Tzedek, Isha l\u2019Isha Haifa Feminist Center, Bimkom \u2013 Planners for Planning Rights, Emek Shaveh, Culture of Solidarity, Masad – The Social Democratic Camp, Tlalmim – Young Adults in the Reform Movement, Sulha Peace Project, J Street – Israel, Principles for Peace Foundation (P4P), The Robert Weil Family Foundation, Uniting for a Shared Future, B8 of Hope, and many more organizations.<\/p>\n

Join the drive<\/strong><\/p>\n

The peace drive continues to move through different locations in Israel, Shfar\u2019am, Nazareth, Haifa, Tira, Kfar Saba, Jaffa, Rahat, and more. Join one of the upcoming meetings to feel the unique atmosphere and contribute your part to this important discussion.<\/p>\n

For details, go to the \u201cTime is Now\u201d site<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Personal Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n

The journey to Tira was not just a regular event for my son and me, but a formative experience in this time. The personal connections, the discourse and the general atmosphere strengthened our understanding that we are all partners in this drive. Every discussion, every look and every action \u2013 they are all important.<\/p>\n

This drive reminded us that we have the power to change our reality, and that our future starts now with every action and discourse for peace and justice.<\/p>\n

Join the People\u2019s Peace Drive or act in different ways to promote peace and make it present, because our future starts now.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/h3>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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