Sonia Buolos and Tamir Sorek’s discussion about the conflict between Israel and Palestinians made me hopeful about the future and showcased the inspiring efforts of individuals to come together. Sonia first discussed the events of October 7th, and she emphasized that although the atrocities committed by Hamas were awful and unjustifiable, they demonstrated the prejudice and heightened emotions that Palestinians have experienced. Furthermore, she asserted that the creation of Israel and the Palestinian suffering that followed are the root causes of the war itself. Sonia and Tamir then discussed the idea that the ‘international community’ caused the war, as Britain and France’s occupation of Palestine and the UN’s subsequent partition plan caused already heightened tension to escalate into war. They maintained that the cycle of violence and hopelessness is sustained by the absence of international involvement or the use of international law to hold Israel responsible.

However, Sonia and Tamir discussed that it is crucial to acknowledge the underlying factors contributing to the adoption of self-destructive measures without hope. They asserted that addressing the injustices experienced by Palestinians is not just vital for their well-being but also plays a role in ensuring the safety and security of Israelis. They furthered their point by saying that a system that subjects humans to oppressive means ultimately leads to greater suffering for all parties involved. This was incredibly powerful as it made me realize that the solution to the Israel/Palestine conflict could be solved by consulting the Palestinians and addressing their needs. I am aware that it won’t be easy to come to a compromise, but the conflict will never end if the international community continues to ignore Palestinians’ concerns. Sonia and Tamir also highlighted the concept of settler colonialism, shedding light on the power dynamics and regime of domination that characterize the situation. The exclusive entitlement to self-determination for Jewish people outlined in the national state law raises concerns about the inherent inequality and denial of rights to Palestinians. Tamir argued that a peaceful form of decolonization, based on equality and justice, offers the potential for a way forward that avoids further destruction and fosters genuine coexistence. This made me question what exactly peaceful decolonization would look like.

Next, Dr. Klein asked Sonia and Tamir if Israel was committing genocide against Palestinians. While there are currently differing opinions on the matter, Tamir and Sonia’s arguments underscored the urgency of preventing further harm and ensuring the protection of vulnerable populations, as the ICJ has ruled that genocide is plausible. The interdependency and intertwined nature of Israel and Palestine were then emphasized by both Tamir and Sonia, challenging the notion of studying them as separate entities. They argued that recognizing this interdependency is crucial in understanding the root causes and finding sustainable solutions. This was incredibly eye-opening as I had never considered Israel and Palestine as interdependent until now. This discussion shed light on the enormous challenges and intricacies of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. From this talk, I learned that a comprehensive strategy that tackles historical injustices, opposes repressive structures, and promotes equality, justice, and the inherent rights of all parties involved is necessary to recognize the shared humanity inherent in this scenario. Only then can we pave the way for a peaceful and inclusive future.