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Analysis

Fathom | For peace, we need vision, hope and bridge-building: an interview with Aziz Abu Sarah

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Aziz Abu Sarah is a National Geographic Explorer and Cultural Educator. A Palestinian from Jerusalem, Aziz has pioneered and managed many projects in conflict resolution and community relations. He spoke to Fathom editor and BICOM Senior Research Fellow Professor Alan Johnson.

Alan Johnson: Can you tell us a little about yourself and your journey?

Aziz Abu Sarah: I grew up in Jerusalem in a very conservative Muslim family, and my introduction to the conflict was when my mum gave me an onion to take to school because of the tear gas. My brother was killed when I was 10 years old. He was 18. He was arrested on suspicion of throwing stones and was forced into a confession by being beaten, which resulted in internal injuries that eventually caused his death a year later. So I grew up angry and revengeful, wanting to make the other side pay for what they did to my brother. I was like that for 8 years.

When I was 18 I went to study Hebrew. Even though it was mandatory in my high school, I hadn’t learnt it. I decided I was not going to learn the language of the enemy. Then I realised, ‘I’m in Jerusalem, so if I don’t speak Hebrew, I am not going to advance in life.’ I was the only Palestinian in the Hebrew class…

Read the full interview in Fathom.