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Jan 4, 2024, 2:11 PM

I Wonder: an Israeli-Palestinian Collaborative Poem

Note: The following piece was written collaboratively with a Gazan friend. We wrote responsively--I wrote a line, then he wrote one, then I wrote the next line and then he did, alternating from beginning to end. I wonder I wonder...

Dec 8, 2023, 6:55 PM

Gaza Perspectives 7: Aminah’s Jazz

This is the seventh narrative in the series. While the prior six narratives were written almost years ago, this one was written during the ongoing war. This is also the first by a woman in Gaza. As always, name...

Dec 3, 2023, 6:28 PM

Arab Students in Israel Speak: What is Peace?

Christian, Druze and Muslim students in Israel (ages 11-18) were asked to define "Peace" in their words. Here are their answers. For similar posts with Jewish students in Israel see here, and from Palestinian students in Gaza see here. Peace: B:...

Nov 30, 2023, 1:09 PM

Gazan Students Speak V: What is Peace?

Ongoing series involving questions sent to Palestinian students (ages 12-18) in Gaza. Here are the questions and answers (the students have no direct contact with me — everything is communicated via their teacher). The previous post can be read...

Nov 27, 2023, 11:41 PM

Gazan Youth Speak IV: Can Hamas be Replaced?

Gazan Youth Speak IV Ongoing series involving questions sent to Palestinian students (ages 12-18) in Gaza. Here are the questions and answers (the students have no direct contact with me — everything is communicated via their teacher). Previous post can...

Nov 16, 2023, 3:17 AM

Gaza Perspectives 6: Choosing Religion and Helping Others Over Violence

Note: This narrative is from 2014, and the speaker would be 32 today. Tragically he was killed during the current war. He had at least one child under 10 years old. For prior stories from Gazans, see here. Mohammad's story My name is...

Nov 15, 2023, 4:59 PM

Israeli Students Speak: What is Peace

Jewish students in Israel, (ages 9-18) were asked to define "Peace" (Shalom) in their own words. Here are their answers Peace: D: An agreement between two countries not to fight. When there’s hardships, to help one another. To visit one another. E:...

Nov 13, 2023, 8:18 AM

Gazan Youth Speak III

Ongoing series involving questions sent to Palestinian students (ages 12-18) in Gaza. Here are the questions and answers (the students have no direct contact with me — everything is communicated via their teacher). Whatever your political views, I think...

Nov 10, 2023, 7:28 AM

Gazan Youth Speak II

Ongoing series involving questions sent to Palestinian students (ages 12-18) in Gaza. Here are the questions and answers (the students have no direct contact with me — everything is communicated via their teacher). Whatever your political views, I think...

Nov 3, 2023, 8:31 AM

Gazan Youth Speak

Through a friend in Gaza, I was able to send some questions from Jewish students and friends in Israel to Palestinian students (ages 12-18) in Gaza. Here are the questions and answers (the students have no direct contact with...

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About Me

Steven Aiello is the Director of Debate for Peace (www.debateforpeace.org), and a board member of the NGO Committee on Sustainable Development NY. He has a BA in Economics, MA in Diplomacy and Conflict Studies, and MA in Islamic Studies. He teaches Model UN for schools throughout Israel. Among his other hats he serves as Regional Coordinator for Creating Friendships for Peace, and Dialogue Officer at Asfar. Steven has also served as Chief of the Middle East Desk Head for Wikistrat, interned for the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs and the American Islamic Congress. His writing has been published in the NY Daily News, Jerusalem Post, Iran Human Rights Review; Berkley Center at Georgetown; Jurist.org, and the Center for Islamic Pluralism. He can be reached via email at sra252@nyu.edu.