Arab Citizens and Peace Discourse in Israel

On July 1, thousands of Jews and Arabs gathered to rally  for peace at the Menora Mivtahim arena in Tel Aviv. The 6,000-seat venue was packed for the event, titled “The Time Has Come” along with the slogan “Only peace can bring security.” The rally called for an end to the war, the return of hostages, and a resolution of the conflict through a diplomatic agreement based on justice, equality, and the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians to safety, dignity, and self-determination.

Organized by over 30 Jewish, Arab, and joint organizations under the umbrella “Uniting for a Shared Future”, the rally was significant in underscoring the need for Arab citizens to be part of the pursuit of peace. In the months since October 7th, the difficulty Arab citizens of Israel have been facing in expressing their empathy and grief for both Israelis and Palestinians, and the pain of the extended war, has moved many to seek a more direct role in peace efforts. 

At the rally, Jewish and Arab groups, including bereaved and abducted family members, public and religious figures, musicians, and artists, came together to show that such a movement for peace can be built after October 07. Yanal Jbareen, Haaretz reporter, describes the audience: “There’s a broad spectrum of people [here], <…> Balad voters <…> [and] Hadash, even the National Unity Party and Benny Gantz. There’s a big chance that we have something in common<…>. So it’s important for us to work together as a united community on ‘the day after’ and not argue over petty things, because that’s what we’ve been arguing over for 70 years.”

Keynote speeches by historian Yuval Noah Harari, MK Ayman Odeh, and Palestinian-Israeli author Muhammad Ali Taha were complemented by screens displaying English, Arabic, and Hebrew subtitles, with sign language interpreters translating the spoken Hebrew and Arabic. MK Odeh, emphasized the crucial role Arab citizens must play in resolving the conflict. According to Odeh, Arab citizens of Israel possess a unique position and understanding that can bridge the gap between the Israeli and Palestinian sides due to their shared citizenship and national identity. “One of the most important dimensions of this is that the Palestinian citizens of the State of Israel will have an important and unprecedented role in convincing both sides: the Palestinian side to which they belong nationally, and the Israeli side with whom they share citizenship and common existence despite all the severe problems which arise from systemic discrimination. <…> Moreover, the members of this group are in daily contact with Jewish citizens, in their places of work, in the universities, and in the general public sphere. This group has the potential to <…> play a pivotal role in facilitating reconciliation and promoting a just resolution to the conflict.”

Later that evening at the conference, a variety of speakers took the stage: a group of young men and women, religious figures, a group of writers, and others. Some noted the contrast between the substantial presence of Arabs on stage and the sparse representation in the audience as an issue that the movement needs to address.

Messages conveyed from the stage focused on hopes and visions for peace and shared life. Moran Shrir writes: “There were no detailed plans, no maps were presented, and there was no discussion of the right of return.” Some speakers sharing personal stories about the Nakba and grieving over the loss of loved ones in Gaza were significant moments at the conference. This connection is frequently overlooked by Jewish-Israeli society and is believed to mark a positive shift in Israel’s peace discourse. Rula Hardal, co-CEO of A Land for All, pointed out that while she and the Jewish activists she shared the stage with may have differing opinions on specific issues, they share a common bond. “We all consider the land between the Jordan River and the sea, our homeland, both Palestinians and Israelis, Jews and Arabs,” she said. “But this homeland is bleeding.” 

Discourse Beyond the Rally

The events of October 7 and the unfolding war have spurred a shift in Arab society’s interest in promoting peace. Many Arab leaders and activists recognize their unique position within both Israeli and Palestinian communities and their crucial role in addressing the situation. Raghad Jaraisy and Ofer Dagan, co-chief executives of Sikkuy-Aufoq, state in their New York Times op-ed: “Israel’s two million Palestinian citizens <…> hold a unique position, as perhaps the only group that continues to form friendship, partnership and solidarity ties — albeit often flawed and partial — with both the Palestinians across the border and the Jewish citizens of Israel. That delicate position provides a rare commodity in the region: the ability to see a broader and more nuanced picture and serve as a bridge to a long-lasting solution to the war and the larger conflict. <…> A stronger Palestinian voice in Israel could increase the demand for a just and humane resolution to the war, helping both peoples. The Palestinian citizens of Israel are worth listening to.”

In his latest efforts, MK Ayman Odeh is advocating for a peaceful resolution that takes into account the potentially pivotal role of Arab/Palestinian citizens of Israel as catalysts for peace due to their commitment to a fair resolution for all. Promoting a two-state solution, Odeh seeks to develop widespread grassroots support for a peaceful initiative that fosters cooperation, deeper relations, and a political resolution.