It happened on Friday, 17.3.2017. About 2,000 Israelis and Palestinians from a variety of walks of life and political perspectives came to Rabin Square to debate, discuss, and negotiate options for jump-starting an effective peace process. The discussions were conducted around 40 negotiating tables and on a dais. The extraordinary event comprised another step toward the establishment of a broad-based, significant, and politically influential Israeli-Palestinian Congress of the People.
In a scene that seemed lifted from a fantasy flick, 17 buses from all parts of the West Bank dropped off flag-bearing Palestinian passengers who came to talk peace with the Israeli public. The discussions surrounding the tables were fascinating and provocative. Participants at more than 30 tables managed to forge agreements that included a general declaration, trust-building measures, and a resolution to the conflict worthy of advancement.
The Congress at Rabin Square demonstrated that the public on both sides is tired and wishes to end the conflict. Despite that, one event – no matter how impressive – cannot create change.
The Congress of the People must establish itself and lead to the founding of an Israeli-Palestinian Congress of the People, an institution that would foster long-term change and become a center of attention.
The devoted staff of the Minds of Peace [https://www.facebook.com/MindsOfPeace/] organization is progressing resolutely toward achieving this goal.
An impressive number of Women Wage Peace members attended the Congress. Hamutal Gouri and Kochi Am-Ad led the discussions at two tables and about 20 “uniformed” members took part in the discussions and publicizing the Women Wage Peace movement. Some 300 men and women registered at our table.
Translated from Hebrew by Varda Spiegel
