Palestinian and Israeli political leaders led a discussion about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict at today’s all school assembly.
Speakers Ahmad Omeir and Adva Vilchiniski opened up the talk with stories of life in Palestine and Israel, respectively, and also discussed their work with OneVoice — a grassroots movement that amplifies the voice of mainstream Israelis and Palestinians and empowers them to push for a two-state solution.
Omeir and Vilchiniski then opened up the floor to questions and were pleasantly surprised at the response.
“You could feel the children’s interest in the topic,” Vilchiniski said. “I was shocked and impressed — very impressed — by their questions.”
One of the benefits of talking to students is that they aren’t polarized yet and are simply interested in learning about both sides, Omeir said.
“Young people are focused on understanding,” he said. “And that’s what we’re about: Understanding.”
Vilchiniski added that OneVoice is a movement of hope, “and what’s more hopeful than children?”
Learn more about OneVoice — and today’s speakers — at www.onevoicemovement.org. You can also follow the organization on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.
Your turn: Did you attend today’s event? What did you think of the speakers? Do you have an additional questions you’d like to ask? Leave a comment below!
Check out the full 2012-13 Speaker Series.