In the midst of ongoing conflict and tension in the Middle East, a group of Jewish Israelis and Palestinians are coming together to challenge the status quo in Israel. This diverse group is taking on settlers and the orthodoxy of Israel’s far-right in an effort to promote peace, understanding, and coexistence in the region.
The group, known as “Combatants for Peace,” was founded in 2005 by former Israeli soldiers and Palestinian militants who had once been on opposite sides of the conflict. These individuals came together with a shared belief that violence and hatred were not the answer to the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Instead, they believed in the power of dialogue, reconciliation, and nonviolent resistance to bring about positive change.
One of the main goals of Combatants for Peace is to challenge the influence of settlers and the far-right in Israeli politics. Settlers, who are Israeli citizens living in communities built on land occupied by Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War, have long been a source of controversy and conflict in the region. Many settlers advocate for the expansion of Israeli control over the West Bank, which is considered illegal under international law.
Combatants for Peace believes that the presence of settlers and their influence on Israeli policy only serves to perpetuate the cycle of violence and oppression in the region. By challenging the narrative of the far-right and advocating for a just and peaceful resolution to the conflict, the group hopes to create a more inclusive and equitable society for all Israelis and Palestinians.
In addition to their work challenging settlers and the far-right, Combatants for Peace also seeks to address issues within their own communities. The group organizes joint Israeli-Palestinian events, workshops, and educational programs to promote dialogue, understanding, and reconciliation between the two sides. By fostering relationships and building trust between Israelis and Palestinians, Combatants for Peace aims to break down barriers and stereotypes that have long divided the two communities.
One of the key principles of Combatants for Peace is nonviolent resistance. The group believes that violence only begets more violence and that true change can only come through peaceful means. By engaging in acts of civil disobedience, protests, and demonstrations, Combatants for Peace seeks to raise awareness about the injustices faced by both Israelis and Palestinians and to advocate for a just and lasting peace in the region.
Despite facing opposition and criticism from both sides of the conflict, Combatants for Peace remains committed to their mission of promoting peace, understanding, and coexistence in Israel. The group’s members continue to work tirelessly to challenge the status quo, build bridges between Israelis and Palestinians, and advocate for a future based on justice, equality, and mutual respect.
As the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues to rage on, groups like Combatants for Peace offer a glimmer of hope for a better future. By standing up to settlers and the far-right, promoting dialogue and reconciliation, and advocating for nonviolent resistance, these courageous individuals are paving the way for a more peaceful and just society in Israel and beyond.