A conflict that permeates human stories
On October 7, 2023, the Palestinian militant group known as Hamas carried out an unexpected attack in southern Israel, triggering a series of counterattacks and marking the beginning of a war that is still ongoing. Half a year later, the consequences have resulted in thousands of victims, mainly children, and an equally alarming number of displaced people in the Gaza Strip. This conflict has generated strong discontent towards the Israeli government, both inside and outside the country, and has encouraged several organizations to devote efforts to sending humanitarian support.
In this context of desolation, the stories of peace activists Mai Shanin and Iris Gur have emerged as examples of resistance and hope. These women have broken with conventional narratives and represent the ongoing struggle to build peace in the region.
Mai Shanin: A Voice for Freedom and Peace
Mai Shanin, the daughter of Palestinian militants and a therapist by profession, has experienced the cruelty of war from a young age. His commitment has led him to become part of Combatents for Peace, an organization that seeks alternative ways to violence to achieve a peaceful solution to the conflict. At a recent conference, Shanin emphasized the importance of overcoming the ‘them vs. us’ divide and finding common ground. In addition, he emphasized the difficulties faced by many families due to the checkpoints that limit their mobility within the territory.
Shanin’s testimony also reveals the social and political tensions through mixed marriages, revealing the distance between everyday life and state conflict. Her own experience as the daughter of an Israeli father and a Palestinian mother exemplifies this complex reality. Unfortunately, Shanin was forced to participate telematically in the conference due to the restrictions imposed by the Spanish government, as a sign that oppression does not always come from the most expected sources.
Iris Gur: dismantling narratives and confronting injustice
Israeli educator and activist Iris Gur has challenged traditional narratives and unquestioned assumptions around her identity and the reality of the conflict. Born into a Zionist and conservative family, Gur experienced the direct influence of official rhetoric on the security and legitimization of the Jewish presence in Israel. However, a personal revolt and her experience as the mother of a young woman who refused to do military service were a turning point for her transformation and her call to action.
Gur has not only criticized social apartheid and the consequences of the war, especially in terms of the self-awareness of Israeli society, but has also urged the international community to take a more active role in resolving the conflict. Its pluralist vision, which recognizes the diversity of the society that coexists in this region, reinforces its commitment to the fight for peace and the denouncing of injustices.
A call for international collaboration
Both Shanin and Gur ended their presentation with a call for international collaboration, highlighting the crucial role that other countries can play in achieving peace in the region. Their intervention was closed with a question session where they shared their views on the conflict and the impact of organizations such as Combatents for Peace.
Continuity of talks on human rights and world conflicts
Within the framework of the XIV edition of Cities Defending Human Rights, the library has organized other talks on current issues, such as the violation of women’s rights in Afghanistan. This conference series offers a unique opportunity for reflection and first-hand knowledge of voices fighting for justice and dignity on a global scale.
For those interested in joining this type of initiative, the possibility of collaborating with independent and local journalism is offered through the premium.cat platform.
