An Israeli and a Palestinian who have both endured profound personal losses linked to the ongoing conflict have formed an unexpected friendship and now advocate for peace in their region. Maoz Inon and Aziz Abu Sarah will share their experiences in a virtual presentation scheduled for Tuesday before a live audience in North Manchester.

Maoz Inon’s parents, Yakovi and Bilha, were killed during a Hamas attack on October 7 at their home in Netiv HaAsara near the Gaza border. The assault led to the destruction of their house, and it took two weeks to identify Yakovi’s remains, while Bilha’s body was never recovered. Maoz also lost several childhood friends in the attack. Despite his grief, Maoz emphasized that he does not want his sorrow to define his future.

Aziz Abu Sarah, from Eizariya (Bethany), a Palestinian town near East Jerusalem, lost his brother Tayyseer after the young man was detained for nearly a year by Israeli military authorities. Arrested as a teenager on suspicion of throwing stones at soldiers, Tayyseer sustained injuries during his imprisonment and died shortly after his release. Aziz described the death as deeply shattering for his family, leading to a prolonged period of mourning.

While they had only met once before, Maoz and Aziz reconnected after Aziz reached out with condolences following the October 7 attacks. Aziz explained that his initial response to loss fueled his activism within the Fatah party, where he wrote impassioned articles. However, attending a Hebrew language course prompted a shift in perspective, leading him to embrace cooperation and peacebuilding efforts.

Since October 7, the pair have traveled internationally to promote their message of reconciliation, meeting figures such as Popes Francis and Leo. In January, they became the first Israeli and Palestinian to run together with the Olympic torch in Verona. Their jointly authored book, *The Future Is Peace*, delves into their personal and national histories, addressing themes of loss, forgiveness, and hope amid sustained conflict. The book has received praise from historian Simon Sebag Montefiore and Pope Francis.

Their peacebuilding efforts have at times drawn criticism from both Israeli and Palestinian communities, but Maoz remains committed to speaking candidly. He expressed optimism about the prospects for peace, noting that historic breakthroughs often seemed improbable until moments before they occurred. Referencing events such as the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Good Friday Agreement, and Egyptian President Anwar Sadat’s historic visit to Israel in 1977, Maoz encouraged individuals to take small actions daily to help bring about a meaningful shift toward peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

Tickets for their upcoming virtual event in Manchester are available online.