Israeli and Palestinian Peace Advocates Share Perspectives
UPF-EUME – On October 15, 2026, UPF-Europe and Middle East (EUME) held a webinar addressing a seemingly intractable conflict. Entitled “Voices for Peace in the Middle East,” the webinar featured two courageous champions of peace, one Israeli and one Palestinian.
The webinar was moderated by Ms. Gudrun Hassinen, vice chairperson of UPF-Germany, who welcomed participants and introduced the two peace advocates, Israeli activist Mr. Tom Wegner and Palestinian activist Mr. Khaled Abu Awwad. Both have worked for decades to promote dialogue and reconciliation, despite profound personal and communal suffering related to the continuing conflict.
Mr. Jacques Marion, president of UPF-EUME, welcomed participants to the launch of UPF’s new initiative, “Voices for Peace in the Middle East,” which aims to amplify the views of people committed to peace across the region. He recalled UPF’s longstanding emphasis on interfaith dialogue and religious diplomacy, particularly in addressing conflicts rooted in cultural, ethnic and religious identities. He highlighted the founders’ vision of bringing religious, cultural and educational leaders into dialogue with national representatives, enriching the United Nations’ peacebuilding mission.
He also recalled the Middle East Peace Initiative, launched in 2003, through which more than 50 international delegations brought approximately 10,000 leaders to the region. The new initiative, he concluded, would build on this experience by turning shared values among Judaism, Christianity, Islam and other traditions into a foundation for hope and practical action.
A common identity as descendants of Abraham
Mr. Tom Wegner, co-founder of the Abrahamic Movement, argued that decades of attempts to resolve the Middle East conflict through territorial arrangements and political negotiations had failed to address a fundamental problem: the attitudes and consciousness of the people themselves.
Drawing parallels with post-war Europe, he explained how a shared European identity had helped former enemies coexist without abandoning their national, cultural or religious identities. He suggested that a similar sense of shared belonging could help transform relations between Israelis and Palestinians.
Mr. Wegner presented the story of Abraham as a powerful foundation for this common identity. Jews, Muslims and Christians share connections to Abraham and a wider historical and spiritual heritage. Recognizing one another as members of an extended family could shift relationships from mutual suspicion and mere tolerance towards cooperation and genuine appreciation. As he put it, “We’re both from Abraham. Khaled and I recognize each other as cousins. Our wish is not just to tolerate each other but to enjoy each other’s company!” Palestinians and Israelis could see each other not simply as neighbors forced to coexist, but as cousins sharing the same land.
He introduced the Abrahamic Movement as a grassroots initiative seeking to provide a constructive alternative to religious extremism and polarization. Its aim is to strengthen a moderate voice that emphasizes common ground rather than division, while respecting different traditions and identities. Mr. Wegner reported that the movement already had branches in more than 30 countries, and outlined plans to develop practical projects, including an Abrahamic school in Gaza offering Hebrew-language education and moderate narratives. He stressed that lasting political solutions require a foundation of mutual recognition and shared identity.
Differences should stimulate greater cooperation
Mr. Khaled Abu Awwad is former general manager of the Palestinian branch of the Parents Circle – Families Forum. He shared how personal tragedy shaped his commitment to peace. Having lost two brothers, killed by the Israeli army, he began searching for ways to end the cycle of violence and offer future generations life rather than death. This commitment led him to become involved in the Parents Circle – Families Forum, which brings together bereaved Palestinian and Israeli families who choose reconciliation over revenge.
His experiences travelling internationally also led him to reflect on how the conflict had increasingly affected relations between Jewish and Muslim communities elsewhere. He questioned the use of religion to legitimize violence, arguing that political interpretations of faith distorted its essential message. Through his own study of Islam, he came to emphasize the importance of diversity, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
Mr. Abu Awwad contrasted the exclusionary mentality of a homogeneous “village” with the inclusive character of a “city,” where people of different faiths, backgrounds and opinions live together. He argued that human differences should encourage cooperation, not provide justification for hostility or exclusion. Drawing on the Quran, he maintained that diversity is an opportunity for people to learn from, support and complete one another.
He concluded that love and forgiveness are signs of strength, not weakness. Hatred and revenge only perpetuate suffering and cannot bring back loved ones who have died. Peace, he stressed, must begin with individuals, their attitudes and their willingness to recognize the humanity of others.
Questions and Answers
The discussion explored how Israelis and Palestinians might move beyond competing claims of victimhood, address trauma and translate grassroots reconciliation into a broader political future.
Asked about the tendency to compare who has suffered more, Mr. Abu Awwad argued that such competition perpetuates hostility and prevents progress. Using the example of disputes over who makes the best hummus, he illustrated how even ordinary cultural differences can become expressions of antagonism. Peace must be reflected in people's feelings, words and actions, rather than remaining an abstract ideal.
Mr. Wegner addressed the challenge of healing physical and emotional wounds, noting that both communities carry trauma and may fear that the other side seeks their destruction. Dialogue becomes possible when people encounter one another as human beings, recognize their shared concerns for family and community, and begin to build trust. Mr. Abu Awwad added that severe trauma requires professional support, while wider healing also depends on improving people's daily lives. Anger and revenge, he warned, bring further suffering rather than justice or relief.
On the prospect of a political solution ensuring freedom and peace for everyone in the Holy Land, Mr. Wegner emphasized the need for grassroots alternatives to extremist movements, including education, humanitarian assistance and community support. Mr. Abu Awwad maintained that both Israelis and Palestinians belong to the land. Progress requires each side to examine its own responsibilities and acknowledge the other's connection to the same homeland. A small group willing to take the first step, he concluded, could inspire wider change.
Closing Remarks
Ms. Gudrun Hassinen thanked both speakers for their moving presentations and their commitment to hope, nonviolence and reconciliation. She highlighted the importance of grassroots initiatives and the UPF principle that “peace begins with me,” emphasizing how individual attitudes and reactions can contribute to a more peaceful world.
As the webinar concluded, she expressed gratitude to the speakers, the organizers and the technical team, and thanked everyone who had participated. She invited participants to look out for future editions of Voices for Peace in the Middle East, and closed by wishing everyone Godspeed and God’s blessing.
