The eyes of the world are trained on Israel and Gaza like no time in recent memory.
The horror of October 7th ignited a firestorm that will reverberate for generations to come.
Yet, in the midst of unfathomable pain borne by families on both sides of the Israel Hamas War, there is an ongoing search for pieces of peace.
Jewish and Arab Israelis working together toward a shared society.
Even now.
Especially now.
Shared Society
When I learned about the work of Givat Haviva, I knew this was a conduit to having a constructive conversation — not so much about the war itself — but the humans who are impacted and simply want peace.
Even when it comes in pieces.
For the last 74 years, Givat Haviva has brought together Jews and Arabs who live in Israel to work toward a shared society.
One that recognizes the dignity and rights of all its citizens, including the 20% of Israelis who are Arab.
Michal Sella and Mohammad Darawshe work side by side to make the mission of Givat Haviva a reality.
She as CEO of the non-profit, and he as Director of Strategy, together they lead a team of Jewish and Arab Israelis to create the model society they want to live in.
With a focus on education, language instruction, culture, and art, their programs bring Arabs and Jews face to face, often for the first time in their lives.
Their efforts became exponentially more difficult on October 7th.
Doing the Work
In Givat Haviva’s October 2023 newsletter, Sella writes:
“Together with the insufferable anxiety and loss, it is important for me to call your attention to the emergence of other human traits –compassion, demonstrations of responsibility, and coping.
Givat Haviva now faces two major tasks. The first is to help, to the extent possible, civilians and families from the south who were compelled to leave their homes after the most ruthless experiences one can imagine.
The second is to do everything in our power to maintain the calm internally in Israel – to protect the rights of all citizens of Israel, and to protect proper relations between Jews and Arabs within the State of Israel.”
And that is what they are doing, as they cope with their own feelings of anxiety, anger and uncertainty about the future of their families.
It isn’t easy. But Sella and Darawshe remain committed to doing the work.
The Road to Peace
Disillusioned with Israeli leadership, neither has faith in a top down approach to achieving their goal of a shared society.
They are convinced that the road to peace starts from the bottom up — with human to human interaction.
So their efforts focus on breaking down barriers and fostering relationships.
Talking. Listening. Learning.