Discussing Trauma of War and Hope for Peace at UCLA

By Sam Mulick
October 20, 2024

"Hamze Awawde, a Palestinian peace activist, spoke at UCLA about the Israel-Hamas war and how college students can affect change in the Middle East…

"'It’s in the interest of every Jew and Palestinian that this war stop,’ Awawde said…’enough with rallies, flags, and slogans because this will not save another person.'

"Awawde added that the only way to combat the generational trauma that the war has created is by permanently stopping the fighting – not just with another ceasefire…

"Awawde also said it is urgent for people on both sides of the conflict to see humanity in each other.

"'I don’t think closing doors is what we need. We need the opposite,’ he said. ‘Change depends on conversation and bringing people closer…’

"…He added that protesters on both sides would be more powerful coming together to advocate for peace.

"'It’s really important today, more than ever, to talk about peace and to have people from the ground to come and talk about peacebuilding,' he said.”

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Empowering the next generation of American, Israeli, and Palestinian change-makers to embrace better, together.

אנחנו מכנסים הוגים מובילים, פעילים חברתיים, ומחוללי שינוי לעתיד, אמריקאים, ישראלים ופלסטינאים, המחויבים לשיפור החברות שלהם.

نحن أمريكيون وإسرائيليون وفلسطينيون نبني ونكوّن روابط من أجل التعلم والتفكير والمشاركة معًا حتى نشجع الحلول التقدمية بشأن القضايا التي تهمنا جميعًا.