Summit a sign of hope for a world in need of peace

Combatants for Peace, the Alliance for Middle East Peace, Abraham Initiatives, Rabbis for Human Rights, Women Wage Peace, A Land For All and Standing Together are all Jewish-Arab or Israeli-Palestinian activist groups dedicated to the pursuit of a just peace between Israelis and Palestinians. These groups, mainly operating in Israel and Palestine with affiliate chapters in many Diaspora communities, may vary in their philosophies and approach to that pursuit, but they share in common one vision and one basic understanding.

It’s Time.

It is no coincidence then that It’s Time was the name of The People’s Peace Summit held in Jerusalem earlier this week on May 8-9. The summit, organized by a coalition representing the above named groups as well as more than 50 other peace and civil society organizations, was expected to be the largest peace gathering ever in the Middle East.

It also is no coincidence that the summit began on May 8, exactly 80 years to the day that the Second World War ended in Europe.

The two day It’s Time summit featured workshops, panel discussions, speakers and cultural events designed to inspire participants, provide them with hope, and embolden change that will help bring about an end to the cycle of violence and ensure the rights, freedom, security and self-determination of both Israelis and Palestinians. Among other issues, the programming explored such topics as the battle for democracy, the economics of social justice, paths of reconciliation, other seemingly interminable global conflicts that were ultimately resolved, and the role of women in peacebuilding.

Those in attendance included Muslims, Jews, Druze, Christians, Bedouins, Palestinians and Israelis, including many individuals who were directly impacted by the violence of October 7 and the Israeli military response in Gaza.

Maoz Inon, whose parents were murdered by Hamas on Kibbutz Nir Am near the Israel-Gaza border, was one of the summit organizers. A renown peace activist long before the start of the current war, Inon doubled down on his activism in the last year and a half, meeting with faith leaders around the world and speaking about his determination, after the murder of his parents, to choose reconciliation rather than revenge.

“Despite ongoing grief and violence,” he wrote in an op-ed in The Jerusalem Post on March 1, 2025, “this coalition has come together to transform the Israeli peace camp into a cohesive and powerful force for change, capable of driving impactful, coordinated action to secure a just peace for both people. Our coalition knows that endless war, military control, and violence, do not serve the interests of the vast majority of people living in this land.”

That same day, Inon’s friend, fellow peace tourism entrepreneur and summit co-organizer Aziz Abu Sarah, shared similar reflections in his op-ed in The Jerusalem Post.

“There is one undeniable truth: Israelis and Palestinians, numbering roughly 7.5 million each, are here to stay,” he wrote. “Instead of wasting energy on misguided notions—whether the idea that Hamas can rid the land of Jews or that the Israeli state can rid itself of Palestinians — we must focus on building lasting peace.”

“Our vision for the future involves letting go of bitterness, hatred, and the desire for revenge,” he continued. “We must forgive those who have wronged us and those who have failed to protect us. The future is still ours to shape, but only if we dare to lead the way. No one else can prove that peace is possible. It’s time to change course and forge a better future together.”

In the weeks leading up to the summit, organizers reached out to the international peace movement with the request that it demonstrate support for the event through solidarity actions. Those actions helped raise awareness about the summit around the world, reiterating its peace positive message and reinforcing the idea that there is a reason for optimism.

Here in Winnipeg, the Manitoba chapter of Friends of Standing Together organized a banner drop on May 4 as an act of solidarity, four days prior to the start of the summit. The banner, dropped above Portage Avenue read, “Jews and Palestinians say It’s Time for a just peace. Ceasefire Now. End the Occupation.” The word “AND” was in all caps for emphasis.

“In Manitoba, so far away from Palestine-Israel, it’s easy to feel helpless in the face of ongoing violence, injustice, and devastation,” says Emma Fineblit, one of the local chapter’s founders. “We want the peace activists working tirelessly on the ground in Israel-Palestine to know that they have support and solidarity around the world, including here. It’s time to choose safety, freedom, and justice for all.”

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