Sarah Milgrim, Tech2Peace: Israeli-Palestinian peace and dialogue, beyond propaganda
The young woman, killed in Washington with her colleague and boyfriend Yaron Lischinsky, by an attacker who shouted "I did it for Gaza, I did it for Palestine”, was actively involved with an NGO that brings together Israelis and Palestinians to build common ground and coexistence using new technologies. Unlike the extremists who fan the flames, the group sees “people behind the propaganda”.
Jerusalem (AsiaNews) – Sarah Milgrim, 26, and her boyfriend Yaron Lischinsky, 30, were killed Wednesday at the end of an event at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC. Sarah was also a “devoted and active" volunteer at Tech2Peace, an Israeli-Palestinian NGO focused on using technology and entrepreneurship to bring together Israelis and Palestinians and build a reality different from the current one of war and violence.
The group’s philosophy was more than an empty slogan but translated into actions, initiatives, meetings, activities, and deeds to develop a different narrative in a land that is "holy" for many, but which today is increasingly "martyred".
Sarah and Yaron were employees at the Israeli embassy – he as a research assistant in the political section, she as a member of the administrative staff. They were gunned down by 31-year-old Elias Rodriguez, from Chicago, who claimed responsibility for the action during his arrest shouting, “I did it for Palestine, I did it for Gaza", site of war and humanitarian disaster.
Some observers note that the two embassy employees were moved ideals of peace and dialogue. Others have focused on the assassin and his motives to strike Israeli interests and symbols in the name of a struggle for Palestinian freedom and in solidarity with the people of Gaza.
Israel’s far-right government and parties are already using the couple’s death, blaming it on antisemitism and Jew-hate, ex post facto justification for the war in Gaza.
In fact, the reasons and ideals of Sarah Milgrim and Tech2Peace – promoting peace through innovation – are far removed from the ideology and politics that inform the government of Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu
At Tech2Peace, people work to create a common ground for dialogue, use modern technologies to unite, not annihilate, representative of a large segment of Israeli society seeking the release of hostages held by Hamas and the end to the conflict – and siege – in Gaza, but who struggle to find real representation and a political voice in Israel’s parliament, the Knesset.
Over the years working with the NGO, the young woman did research on theories about peace building, centred on grassroots initiatives in Israel and Palestine. She developed field experiences, encouraging discussion and exchange on geopolitical issues as well, working as a Jewish educator and developing topics concerning the environment, which reflect her commitment to promoting understanding among different peoples.
Emblematic, in this regard, is the message of condolence posted by Tech2Peace to remember the "tragic death" of the young woman. She is described as a "devoted and active volunteer in our community [who] participated in seminars, supported our team with grace and commitment and remained a meaningful presence over the years.”
“Her energy, thoughtfulness, and unwavering belief in dialogue, peace, and equality inspired everyone who had the privilege to work alongside her.”
She “was a deeply curious person” who “brought people together with empathy and purpose,” profoundly dedicated “to building a better future”.
The young embassy employee’s character fits perfectly with the "mission" outlined on the Tech2Peace website, which is “To build a network of Israelis and Palestinians that develop the high-tech skills, professional opportunities, and mutual understanding needed to work together towards a brighter future.”
Seminars and meetings are among the activities the group proposes, focusing on “high-tech and entrepreneurial training alongside conflict dialogue to young Palestinians and Israelis.”
“Some of our alumni go on to create start-ups and other initiatives together, and many work to spread the word in their local communities and networks.”
One of the founders of the group, Abeer Bandak, is a Palestinian peace activist. Born in Jerusalem, she held deep anti-Israel views for years, especially since she had been taught that Israelis were the “enemies”.
With her is Noam Alon, a Tel Aviv native. After serving in the Israeli military and attending Columbia University, she returned to Tel Aviv, Israel’s economic capital, to work for a start-up.
Today both are part of the team that runs Tech2Peace, making knowledge of conflict resolution technology available to young Israelis and Palestinians like them.
Created in 2017, today the NGO has almost 200 alumni from both Palestine and Israel, and has evolved from seminars run by volunteers to year-round programmes with a balanced number of participants.
Until now, most of the young people the organisation has been able to involve in its various activities and initiatives have been moderately oriented. However, following the escalation in Gaza, Tech2Peace now aims to get in touch with more extremist groups.
“The riots in Israel and the situation in Gaza were hard, but it was so touching to see how the Tech2Peace community supported one another,” Alon said.
“We talked about how Instagram and other groups seem to be using the algorithm to brainwash people, and show more of the extremist view. When they come home to Tech2Peace our community is reminded of how to see the people behind the propaganda.”
“We’re seeing real friendships develop through Tech2Peace,” Alon added. “That’s long-term impact that extends the initiatives’ reach.”
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21/05/2018 10:09
15/05/2018 09:03
