PeaceWorks on Campus Panel Provides Horizon of Hope

By Dylan Ryu
The Santa Clara
October 9, 2025

"At Santa Clara University, in a discussion titled ‘Is Peace in the Middle East Possible?’, two peace activists expressed cautious optimism, anticipating a breakthrough in the devastating two-year war in Gaza…

"Palestinian-American activist Ezzeldeen Masri, Chief Field Officer of the PeaceWorks Foundation, discussed the role the U.S. played in the development of the ceasefire…  'The only country around the world that has leverage over them is the United States,' Masri said…

"Israeli-American activist Iky Salinas, who previously worked for Middle East Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow, described the conflict as a ‘race to the bottom’ that inflicts psychological damage on individuals. 'If you can invest time and effort and energy into building up instead of breaking down, both sides would live much better lives than what we are seeing today,' Salinas said...

"The panel, organized by PeaceWorks on Campus and co-sponsored by the University’s department of political science and the School of Law, focused heavily on the challenges of a lasting resolution, particularly the two-state solution...

"Moderator Farid Senzai, a professor of political science, acknowledged Israel’s growing global isolation, arguing that supporting the creation of a Palestinian state alongside Israel is essential for recovery. He suggested that the opposing sides have reached a 'mutually hurting stalemate,' making it 'no longer worth it to continue the conflict.'"

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