04/05/2023
When it comes to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, it is easy to give up hope. It’s nearly three decades since the Oslo Peace Accords, and a pathway to peace feels more distant than ever before. Occupation has become the status quo. Both the Israeli and Palestinian side are convinced they do not have a partner to peace. Battles lines are drawn and no ground is ceded. The differences appear insurmountable.
But then, you hear about the story of Rami Elhanan and Bassam Aramin, and in the words of Rami, a crack appears in the wall and ‘a little light comes in’.
Rami’s daughter, Smadar, was killed in 1997 at the hands of a Palestinian su***de bomber. In 2007, Bassam’s daughter, Abir, was shot dead by an Israeli Border Police Officer. The girls were 14 and 10 years respectively. These two fathers have been given every reason to give up. To dehumanise the other, to seek revenge, and to retreat to old world hatreds.
Instead, what they have done, and what they continue to do every day, is commit to forgiveness, reconciliation and ultimately, peace. In the process they’ve forged a profound friendship and a commitment to co-existence.
It is inspirational, in part, because it is so rare. That’s why Plus61J Media is proud to be bringing Rami and Bassam to Australia this May. In case you missed our announcement earlier this week, I encourage you to learn more about their visit.
If you’re in Sydney, Canberra or Melbourne, make sure not to miss one of several public events held in those cities from 16-30 May.
Sunday, 21 May Sydney – ARA Darling Quarter Theatre
Monday, 22 May Canberra – Australian National University
Monday, 29 May Melbourne – Wheeler Centre
If you can’t make it, follow Rami and Bassam as they make their way across the country, talking with media, politicians, opinion leaders and others about the importance of reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians.
I hope you can join the conversation.
