The recent escalation of violence in Israel and Palestine has left many feeling powerless and frustrated, while others around the world seek a clearer understanding of the conflict. Amidst this turmoil, peace activists Rotem Levin and Osama Iliwat, known as "Salt of the Earth," advocate for a future where security, equality, and justice are shared by all.
Levin and Iliwat spoke at an event held on October 22 at Stony Brook's Student Activities Center. The lecture was organized by several university departments, including the Office of the Provost and the Islamic Society. Sarah Baxter, director of the Marie Colvin Center for International Reporting, hosted the event.
Baxter remarked on the significance of the dialogue: “Marie Colvin was a friend and colleague and a great journalist who was killed on the job in Syria in 2012, and I know that she would be proud of this dialogue taking place here.”
Levin shared his experiences growing up near Tel Aviv without knowing any Palestinians until he was ten years old. He recounted his fear during the second Intifada when he heard about frequent suicide attacks. His perspective shifted after serving in the military and participating in a dialogue program in Germany where he met Palestinians personally.
“Luckily, I didn’t have to fight or to shoot anyone,” Levin said. “But I was very much programmed to be the best soldier... And something inside didn’t feel good.”
Iliwat discussed his family's displacement during Nakba in 1948 and ongoing challenges under Israeli occupation. He described his childhood fears due to armed soldiers near his school.
“My grandparents were expelled when the Jews came,” Iliwat stated. “They were displaced... They left everything and we still are not back.”
He detailed his evolution from anger to peace activism over more than 15 years, focusing on non-violent resistance efforts with both Palestinian and Israeli communities.
Both activists criticized U.S. support for Israel's actions against Palestine. They argued that only a complete ceasefire could ensure liberation for Palestinians and safety for Israelis.
“You can’t keep people under occupation...and kill them when they raise their voice,” Iliwat said. “Ignoring this is a big problem... But I choose to see beyond that.”
The event highlighted personal stories from both sides of a long-standing conflict, emphasizing hope for reconciliation through understanding and non-violence.