New York, May 25, 2011—Danny Shaket of OneVoice Israel and Ahmad Omeir of OneVoice Palestine shared their thoughts on America’s Middle East Policy on the National Public Radio (NPR) program Tell Me More on Tuesday, bringing their fresh voices and perspectives to a public radio audience.
Danny, an economics student at Tel Aviv University, and Ahmad, executive director of Young Entrepreneurs Palestine, were guests on NPR last September, prior to the start of their mid-Atlantic IEP tour, when peace talks launched between Israel and the PLO. This time, host Michel Martin spoke with Danny and Ahmed on the day of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech in Congress as controversy brewed over the U.S. stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. These two youth activists, who work tirelessly toward a two-state solution, stressed the need for determination and bold peace initiatives.
“I wouldn't say that I am optimistic,” said Ahmad, when asked if he thought there would be lasting peace in his lifetime. “But at the same time, I'm not saying that I am pessimistic. I would say that I am a very determined person, just like everybody in [OneVoice]. And I'm not talking only about the Palestinians in the movement, but also my Israeli colleagues. And I've seen their determination.”
“As a leader of the Israeli people and of the state of Israel, [Netanyahu] needs to initiate,” said Danny. “This is why we, in OneVoice Israel, are trying to call for our politicians, for our leaders to show and present a peace initiative, an agreement with the Palestinians.”
Read or listen to the entire NPR segment here.
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