Daniel Lubetzky

This weekend OneVoice Israel is launched one of its strongest viral campaigns through social media sites like Facebook and online newspapers like Ma’ariv and YNET.  100’s of Israelis contributed their visions for 2018 by writing headlines for the future.  Headlines included visions such as “War!: The World Cup 2018 Final Tonight: Israel Against Palestine” and “Another border opens: The public is invited to tour in Palestine.”

OneVoice Palestine took their campaign to the streets partnering with the municipalities of Jenin, Nablus, Hebron and Bethlehem to create mass murals of 2018 visions.   The purpose of the project, OVP Executive Director Samer Makhlouf reminds us, “Was to inspire the youth of Jenin to play a role in the building of their state. Contributions made by youths inspire not only themselves but the rest of the community. They put something on the mural that was honest, true and personal. It was their vision, for their future, for their city. The first mural in Jenin has just been completed.  It depicts images of urban development and economic prosperity.

OneVoice’s Imagine 2018 campaign is changing the conversation on the ground.  Instead of focusing on the past, OneVoice is creating a more constructive, future-oriented discourse.  Politicians and influencers in the Middle East and around the world are joining in.  Tony Blair, Her Majesty Queen Noor and Jason Alexander are just a few international personalities lending their support and visions to this campaign.

Spotted by Daniel Lubetzky, redacted by Adeena Schlussel.

Hamas recently issued a statement depicting their losses in the war.  According to the report, Israel killed 250 Hamas members at police headquarters and another 150 security personnel were killed.  These numbers match IDF estimates.  Previous to this report, Hamas overestimated civilian deaths and underestimated the number of Hamas operatives killed to prevent demoralization, but in either scenario, the deaths associated with the war are incredibly tragic.

“Spotted by Daniel Lubetzky, redacted by Adeena Schlussel”

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An article in today’s Haaretz reveals a recent trend in the Israeli Army: Palestinian Leadership has been addressing Israeli soldiers and officers “to inform soldiers and officers of the nature of recent changes in the West Bank, and of the complexity of their mission when operating within the Palestinian populace.”  This unique cooperation between the Israeli army and Palestinian official is unprecedented and completely amazing! This story shows that even in the most unlikely of places, peace can flourish.

“Spotted by Daniel Lubetzky, redacted by Adeena Schlussel”

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Check out Ezzeldeen Masri’s vision for Palestine in 2018.  I hope that his vision for peace and cooperation continue to spread beyond OneVoice and inspire widespread change that the nations need at this time.

Adeena Schlussel on behalf of Daniel Lubetzky

Darya Shaikh and John Lyndon, OneVoice executives, published a poignant op-ed in the Huffington post.  Darya and John make the crucial point that peace talks on their own will not suffice in reaching a resolution for peace.  Without a newfound commitment to peace and a willingness to compromise, the talks will be empty and futile.  As OneVoice depicts in its “Imagine 2018” campaign, there are two very different possibilities for the future, and these talks may have the power to set the Mideast on the more favorable track.  It all depends on the commitment of the leaders.

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by Adeena Schlussel on behalf of Daniel Lubetzky

Check out this great PBS piece featuring PeaceWorks and Daniel’s efforts to end the Mideast conflict with OneVoice! Thank you Fred De Sam Lazaro for showing how entrepreneurship can enhance relations between Israelis and Palestinians (as well as in other conflict regions) while being lucrative as well.  With the persistence of others who share Daniel’s unyielding passion and belief that economic cooperation can lead to peace, we hope to see a decrease in Mideast tensions soon.

by Adeena Schlussel on behalf of Daniel Lubetzky

A recent article in the New York Times illustrates current alternative group therapies being deployed i Gaza meant to relieve heightened and continual stress in the region. Dr. James Gordon is leading the efforts via his Center for Mind-Body Medicine and claims that the program has already proven significant reductions in stress and depression that permeate the Gaza strip.  Hopefully these therapies will continue to lighten hardships in the region and decrease the difficulties of dealing with the ongoing conflict.

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By Adeena Schlussel on behalf of Daniel Lubetzky

Tom Friedman discusses an appropriately complex documentary, “Precious Life” in this article and then compares its meaning to the appropriately complex reality of the Mideast conflict.  Friedman’s point is not to condone Israel’s behavior unilaterally, rather to encourage her opponents to give constructive criticism, which comes from a place of understanding- a place that “Precious Life” depicts very nicely, according to Friedman.

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by Adeena Schlussel on behalf of Daniel Lubetzky

The International Trade Union Confederation called for peace in the Middle East.  In the process, the ITUC rejected BDS and encouraged action by Histadrut, Israel, PGFTU and Palestine to revisit negotiations to achieve a resolution to the conflict. The ultimate goal is for both parties to accept a non-violent and lasting peace.

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Amos Oz speaks the OneVoice language like few others – maybe only King Abdullah and Queen Rania do a better job.  Here is a solid piece analyzing the proper use of force, and the only way out of this conflict –by recognition of the simple fact by Israelis and Palestinians that both peoples have a right to self-determination as neighbors.

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