Peaced Off! - Ep. 2 - From the River to Seeing Peace

July 17 2025

Written by Abe Gurko.

ABE WON’T BE SILENT - Orly Ravid and I hosted Palestinian political strategist Samer Sinijlawi, live from East Jerusalem. What followed was one of the most emotionally raw and honest conversations I’ve ever had about Israel and Palestine — and it shifted my perspective.

Samer, who leads the Jerusalem Development Fund, has spent decades engaging with Israelis across the political spectrum — from far-left to far-right. Fluent in Hebrew, firm in his identity, and bold in his ideas, Samer champions what he calls “reconciliation before resolution.” His belief is simple: peace won’t come from headlines. It has to start face to face — with truth, mutual recognition, and hard conversations.

“We need a Palestinians Ben-Gurion — not a dreamer, but a doer.” – Samer Sinijlawi

He speaks frankly about the failures of Palestinian leadership and the need for new narratives — ones that hold Jewish history and Palestinian dignity in the same breath. Samer doesn’t offer easy answers. He offers a road forward.

“From the river to the sea, on two states we both agree.” – Samer Sinijlawi

Orly and I were both struck by how rare this kind of moral clarity is, especially in American discourse. In an era of slogans and silence, Samer speaks with depth, empathy, and an unflinching sense of responsibility.

“The solution won’t come from Washington or Riyadh. It will come from Tel Aviv and Ramallah.” – Samer Sinijlawi

This episode reminded me that pragmatic hope is still possible — and necessary. Samer believes peace can be achieved within a decade if the right leaders rise. After listening to him, I believe that too.

Peaced Off is available wherever you get your podcasts.

(ABE GURKO is the executive producer of a documentary “LOUDER: The Soundtrack of Change,” about the extraordinary Women of Protest Music streaming on MAX. He's an Opinionator who hosts a podcast, "Won't Be Silent," engaging in conversations from the edge of democracy. Abe is a contributor to CityWatchLA.com. [email protected].)