Aziz Abu Sarah and Maoz Inon – The Future is Peace
Summary
Aziz Abu Sarea and Mao Inon, co-authors of *The Future Is Peace*, discuss their unlikely brotherhood forged after both lost family members to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They share their personal journeys from trauma to reconciliation, emphasizing that peace requires rejecting revenge and embracing shared human values. The episode highlights their nonprofit work, the challenges of being peacemakers, and the power of individual agency to drive change.
Topics discussed
Introduction: How to Academy Live Tour in America
Guests: Aziz Abu Sarah and Ma'oz Inon introduce their book
Ma'oz's story: Losing parents on October 7 and rejecting revenge
Aziz's story: Brother's death and journey from anger to peace
Book structure: Traveling through history and shared narratives
Challenges of peacemaking under occupation and war
Challenging the status quo and power dynamics in peace work
Personal trauma: School experiences and military service
The necessity of listening to the other side's narrative
Creating hope: Historical precedents for peace
Hope as an act of worship in Abrahamic faiths
Spiritual visions and the role of prophets in broken times
Individual agency: Overcoming helplessness to create change
Actionable steps: Amplifying voices and pressuring governments
Book success and the need for daily peace conversations
Navigating disagreement: Building alliances without total consensus
Overcoming fear and mistrust in cross-community relationships
Practical advice: Asking questions and sharing stories
Conclusion: Mahmoud Darwish poem and final thanks
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