“I hate Arabs!” I thought to myself.
Of course. Who wouldn’t? Because of these “Arabs” I am crammed here, into this small room, forced to wear this stinky rubber-smelling scary black gas mask. My older sister, who is like a mother to me, seems anxious and terrified. Even my older brother seems distressed. My two young sisters are crying. My mother is trying to console my baby sister, but to no avail. My father is nervously playing with the radio, wanting to make sure that we are on the “Silent Wave” radio station. I was told that if we are on the Silent Wave station we will hear where the missiles landed and who are the casualties. That is, if we are lucky enough to be those reported to, rather than those reported about.
I am five years old.
This is how Jonathan Kis-Lev describes the first time he realized who "Arabs" were. From there to being one of Israel's most prominent peace activists was "quite a journey". In this book Jonathan takes us through this journey, in a most authentic and genuine way.
Jonathan Kis-Lev won a Presidential recognition for his peacemaking from Israeli President Shimon Peres. Kis-Lev is a well known activist, as well as artist and TV host in Israel. His voice, coming from a new generation of Israeli and Palestinian peacemakers, brings hope for those wishing for peace in the Holy Land.
In this book you will find:
Why are the Israelis and Palestinians fighting?
What are the best ways to bring about peace in the region?
What is the role of young leaders, of Facebook and social media, in bringing abut peace?
What can YOU do to support peacemakers in the Middle East?
Jonathan portrays in the book his many experiences with the "other side":
Going to an art workshop with both Israeli and Palestinian kids at age 11
Participating in a youth movement for peace
Representing Israeli in an international college for peace
Working toward mutual understanding and recognition of the other side's narrative
Working with bereaved families who lost their beloveds due to the conflict
Using art and graffiti to bring about positive change in the region
The author brings a very frank, genuine and authentic voice, representing a new generation of peacemakers in the Middle East. Marked by honesty and compassion for Palestinians and Israelis alike, My Quest for Peace illuminates both sides' experience through the story of one man’s struggle for peace.
