"Help us move towards peace"

Since Hamas' horrific attack on Israel on 7 October and the brutal retaliation of the Israel Defence Force, a growing number of people are coming to Standing Together's meetings in Israel, the Palestinian Territories and abroad. What is bringing them together? What new approach are they hoping for?

Itamar Avneri: The current reality in Israel and Palestine is horrific and painful, and people are desperately searching for a spark of hope. By standing together, we are offering them this hope. But we are anything but naive. The foundation of our hope is our joint political struggle. 

We are still convinced that an Israeli-Palestinian peace is the only way to guarantee a good life for all those who live here. We are also calling for equal rights for all Palestinian citizens in Israel. 

In the midst of all the fear that surrounds us, we are proving that Jews and Arabs can still stick together and work together to achieve common goals and a common vision. This is the reason people come.

Only a peace treaty can guarantee our security

What criticism is levelled at Standing Together?

Avneri: Whenever there is war or violence between Israel and Palestinians, we receive criticism or threats. Some call us "traitors", others say we are naive or that we will never understand that Jews and Arabs can never live in peace with each other. And yes, there are people who wish us dead. 

But we work together – Jews and Arabs – every day, and we know that even though it is hard, there is no reason to give up. Our history shows us that only peace treaties can guarantee our security. So we continue the struggle, even though we get death threats.

How important is it that people stand together – even in such difficult times as this? And how is it even possible?

Avneri: It's not just important; it's absolutely essential. During another war in Gaza two years ago, there was a lot of violence between Jews and Arabs in Israel. Those were terrible days. To ensure that something like that doesn't happen again, we have to work together. And it's even more essential if we want this continuous state of war in which we find ourselves to stop.

Of course, that's easier said than done. The reason why it is possible today is because we've been building up our movement for years and now have the necessary infrastructure and – what is even more important – the necessary trust. 

When new people come to us, we explain to them that working together does not mean giving something up. On the contrary. We show them that most Arabs and Jews have the same interests. As soon as they understand that, it's much easier to work together.

You are a grassroots movement. In practical terms, how can both peoples work together to overcome hate, prejudice and fear? 

Avneri: The "secret" is to get to know each other. We build trust when we dare to listen to each other and to learn something about the narratives and experiences of the other. But it doesn't end there. We then have to go out and work together. There is nothing that binds people together more. People who fight for the same values and for the same cause, stand together even when times get tough.

The atmosphere in Germany is polarised and emotionally charged too. The German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock is against a ceasefire, many media are being criticised for taking an uncritical stance on the official reports coming out of Israel, the LiBeraturpreis award ceremony for Palestinian writer Adania Shibli at the Frankfurt Book Fair was postponed and many Palestinian demonstrations have been banned. At the same time, against the backdrop of the swing to the right in both politics and society, many Muslims feel as if they are under suspicion and many Jews in Germany feel less safe than before.

In view of all this, in your experience, what approach or what understanding is necessary to enter into a dialogue and an open discussion? 

Avneri: We have to build trust between people. The challenge is that reality is not a zero-sum game. Quite the opposite. 

When Palestinians have a better life, Jews have a better life too. And vice versa. Building up that kind of atmosphere and understanding is never easy. But acknowledging the fears, narratives and needs of others is a good start.

Are Germany and Europe helping?

What would you want Germany – or other European countries – to do?

Avneri: There are a few fundamental truths that everyone has to take on board. Firstly, no one is going anywhere. Neither millions of Palestinians, nor millions of Jewish people, are going anywhere. Secondly, that means that the only solution to the situation here is an Israeli-Palestinian peace. 

And thirdly, it is impossible to attain peace without the support of the Israeli and Palestinian people. So, our demand is this: ask yourselves whether you are helping us to convince our peoples to move towards peace. If what you're doing is not helpful, then just stop.

What is your vision for the future of Israel and Palestine?

Avneri: I am convinced that we will eventually live in peace with an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel. The only question is: how many people will have to suffer and die before that happens.

Interview conducted by Ceyda Nurtsch

© Qantara.de 2023

Translated from the German by Aingeal Flanagan

Itamar Avneri is a founding member and one of the leaders of Standing Together, which was founded in 2015.