Two lifelong peace activists and guides to Israel/Palestine, both of whom have lost family in the conflict, take readers on a revealing life-changing journey across this holy, bloodstained land and discover the mythic, political, and personal history that divides but also binds them and their peoples.
"We live next to one another, yet we are segregated by roadblocks and checkpoints. We share the same dream of a better future for our children, but we are so divided by fear and anger that we cannot recognize one another's humanity. The wounds of our history run deep, but if we are to build a shared future, we must bring down the walls of ignorance and hatred that divide us."
Palestinian Aziz Abu Sarah and Israeli Maoz Inon are unlikely peacemakers, dedicated to finding a solution to the bitter war that has decimated historical, ancient land and ended family lines. Despite the losses they have suffered, the resolve of their friendship has taught them that strength and unity are more powerful than the violence of separation. Throughout their travels, they have been constantly asked: In the face of so much pain and suffering on both sides, when there have been so many lives lost and families shattered, how can they ever find hope? Their answer is always the same. One cannot find hope. We must create it.
In The Future Is Peace, Sarah and Inon take readers on their unforgettable weeklong journey across the holy land while exploring each other's personal and national histories in a land of competing narratives, amid the turbulent push and pull of near constant war, and the recent devastation that has rocked the world. Their mission-to explain the naivete in believing that more violence can bring security and prosperity to either people while in search of a true and lasting peace. Pairing unapologetic candor and inspirational prose, Sarah and Inon are sending a message to humanity that the people have the power to make change. Peace is achievable, not just between the river and the sea, but throughout the world. Aziz Abu Sarah is a peace builder, cultural educator, entrepreneur, author, and international speaker. Aziz's educational and conflict resolution work throughout the world has earned him the titles of National Geographic Explorer and TED Fellow. He has spoken at international organizations and conferences including, The United Nations, Nexus, and the European Parliament. He has written opinion pieces for The New York Times, The Washington Post, Al-Quds, Haaretz, and has been published by CNN and Al Arabiya.
Maoz Inon is an Israeli peace activist and entrepreneur. He was honored with the prestigious Franco-German Human Rights Prize and the Shared Living Award from Abraham Initiatives. He has spoken at organizations like Capitol Hill, leading U.S. universities, and the European Parliaments. He has written opinion pieces for Washington Post, Guardian, Al Jazeera, Haaretz, and more. He has founded several peace-focused tourism initiatives within Israel and the Middle East, including the Jesus Trail, Fauzi Azar Inn, and Abraham Hostel & Tour brands.
