For many years, we have witnessed the same patterns of violence in Palestine and Israel. Everything from the separation wall, to checkpoints, to sniper guns has not brought security or peace. And after five months, the world’s reaction to ending the ongoing war has not been effective at all. To create a new and shared path forward, we need to recognize that there is no military solution to our conflict. It has only postponed the next war. We have experienced that for around 75 years, and it is 75 years too long.
Since October 7th, we all feel like we’re going through a long and awful day that seems nevering ending. Our world has been shaken. And we are heartbroken over the immense loss of innocent lives and the devastation of the war.
What we need to recognize is that the land between the river and the sea is the homeland of both Palestinians and Israelis. None of us are leaving. Once we understand and accept this reality, what remains is finding a way to live together. The only possible resolution to the conflict will be through direct negotiations and finding a solution that both parties can agree on. A solution that is not imposed on anyone. A solution that is just, equitable and sustainable.
Our grassroots and bi-national Palestinian-Israeli movement is embodying what the day after a permanent ceasefire could look like. At Combatants for Peace, we emphasize mutual understanding, respect, compassion, and recognizing the lived experiences of one another. At this time, when the violence threatens to divide us even more, we choose another way by acknowledging our shared pain and humanity.
I’m back in Palestine after a week in Switzerland with Combatants for Peace activist Yair Bunzel. Our trip was forged in partnership with Ina autra Senda- Swiss Friends of Combatants for Peace. Leaving our families and traveling during this time of acute violence was not easy. But the urgency of the present moment compelled us to raise our voices and to act without hesitation.
Yair is a former officer in the Israeli army. He lives in Haifa. During his four years of military service, he was deployed to the Lebanon War in 1982, after which he served as a reserve officer for another 17 years and was in military action during the 1st and 2nd Intifada. “My last act as a soldier was protecting settlers in Gaza,” recalls Yair.
It was only years later, on a tour to the West Bank, that Yair for the first time met Palestinians in their homes – without a uniform, unarmed and without the feeling of fear. After this encounter and many other experiences, he joined Combatants for Peace and has now been accompanying Palestinian shepherds in the Jordan Valley once or twice a week for seven years. These shepherds face forced displacement by the Israeli army and violent settlers.
Whereas, I was born in Jerusalem but have lived and grown up in Bethlehem under Israeli military occupation. I am a descendant of a refugee family that was expelled from their home in Haifa in 1948. During my youth, the only Israeli I ever met was a uniformed soldier standing at a checkpoint. The first time I really met an Israeli was when we were both 2000 miles away from our own country taking part in an educational program.
During our time in Switzerland, we felt that decision makers were searching for models beyond the violence. There was a thirst in Switzerland and around the globe for a voice that visibly demonstrates that another way is possible. As we returned, a Swiss politician launched the proposal of recognizing Palestine as a state, despite major criticism which felt like an important step in the right direction.
As a movement, we lead the way in showing the world that Palestinians and Israelis aren’t destined to be enemies, and can be allies against the many obstacles that block our path towards a just and equitable peace.
Our pain is unbearable. However, our activists still remain committed to each other and to achieving a future of peace and freedom for all.
More information about Combatants for Peace at www.cfpeace.org
Rana Salman
Rana Salman is the Palestinian Executive Director of Combatants for Peace.
Yes, guns aren’t a solution, ever, but what you propose is the only way out of the mess. oh I hope this takes traction.