I support the Realign for Palestine initiative because it provides a crucial voice for Palestinians who advocate for peace—a voice that is inclusive, pragmatic, and deeply rooted in justice. It represents the aspirations of the majority of Palestinians- including my family and friends- who desire a future of coexistence, dignity, and rights.
Throughout my work in peacebuilding, I’ve often faced challenges in pro-Palestine advocacy, particularly around the concept of normalization. However, what makes our approach different—and what initiatives like Realign for Palestine embody—is that we don’t shy away from addressing the root causes of the conflict or the profound power imbalances that perpetuate it. Through dialogue and peace programs, we build alliances that co-resist injustices and co-create a better reality. These spaces are transformative, fostering mutual understanding, dismantling stereotypes, and enabling us to approach our shared challenges with courage and clarity.
Education, empathy, and dialogue are essential tools to empower our communities, both in Palestine and the diaspora, to overcome internal fears and societal pressures. Realign for Palestine strengthens the peace community by giving voice to the silent majority who, deep in their values, yearn for coexistence and justice—even when external pressures suggest otherwise.
The project’s platform at the Atlantic Council is a bold and strategic step. It elevates the voices of Palestinians committed to peace and pragmatic solutions, offering a space to challenge entrenched narratives while fostering a vision of coexistence and collaboration. I’m proud to support Ahmed Khatib and this initiative because it reflects the leadership and hope our people need to move forward.