Samar Sinijlawi maintains that the best way to ensure security for Israelis and dignity for Palestinians after the war is for their respective leaders to become best friends.
Interview with Palestinian Political Activist & Fatah Opposition Member Samar Sinijlawi
This is a candid conversation with Media Line, Samar Sinijlawi, chairman of the Jerusalem Development Fund and a prominent Fatah opposition member. He shares his views on the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, recent escalations, and the urgent need for renewed dialogue and trust-building between the two peoples.
His insights offer a nuanced perspective on the human side behind the headlines, providing a practical approach to achieving peace despite deep-rooted challenges.
Understanding the Current Climate: Beyond Polls & Statistics
In the aftermath of the October 7th attacks by Hamas, polls have indicated that a majority of Palestinians support the actions taken.
However, Sinijlawi cautions against relying on such polls during wartime, emphasizing the overwhelming emotions of anger, grief, and hatred on both sides.
“The Israelis were shocked on the 7th of October; they have paid a heavy price and seen terrible things,” he explains. “At the same time, Palestinians witness daily tragedies in Gaza, and that affects them deeply.”
Rather than focusing on numbers, Sinijlawi stresses the importance of recognizing the shared human suffering on both sides. He believes that the majority of Israelis and Palestinians desire peace, but the profound lack of trust is the main barrier. This mistrust, fueled by fear and negative portrayals in the media, has created a chasm that political leadership must urgently address.
The Imperative of Building Trust & Dialogue
Sinijlawi advocates for Palestinians to take the initiative in building trust with Israelis by developing a new strategy and language that resonates emotionally and intellectually.
“You cannot pressure Israelis; you can only persuade them,” he states firmly. According to him, the path to progress does not lie through international capitals like Washington D.C., but rather through direct engagement in Tel Aviv.
He highlights the importance of understanding the conflict from each other’s perspectives.
“When Palestinians learn how Israelis view this conflict and vice versa, we can begin to identify the necessary steps toward peace.”
Sinijlawi points out that the current media narratives contribute heavily to misunderstanding and fear, with Palestinian media often focusing on negative aspects of Israelis and Israeli media doing the same about Palestinians. This cycle of negativity perpetuates ignorance, which he calls the real enemy of both peoples.
Listening as a Foundation for Peace
“We need to start listening to each other,” Sinijlawi emphasizes. He believes that opening channels of communication and breaking down stereotypes can foster the mutual understanding that has been missing for too long. Both sides must challenge the ignorance that fuels conflict and actively seek to learn about the other’s experiences and concerns.
Efforts are already underway to reach out to Israelis and Palestinians alike, creating opportunities for dialogue that could eventually build the trust necessary for peace initiatives. Though the process is in its infancy and will require time, Sinijlawi remains optimistic about the existence of a strong constituency for peace on both sides.
The Shared Humanity Amidst Conflict
As a Palestinian resident of Jerusalem, Sinijlawi feels a profound responsibility towards both communities. He calls for empathy and recognition of each other’s grief and pain, stating, “Before being Israelis or Palestinians, we are human beings.”
He stresses the need to draw moral red lines in the conflict, insisting that actions—such as killing civilians—are unacceptable regardless of political circumstances. “Nothing can justify the killing of civilians on October 7th, and nothing can justify the deaths of thousands of children in Gaza during the war,” he says.
Sinijlawi advocates for fighting the dehumanization of the “other side,” urging people to look beyond political identities and recognize their shared humanity. “I should be able to shed the same tears for any victim on either side,” he explains, underscoring that every lost child or civilian is a tragedy that transcends nationality.
Building Bridges & Moral Boundaries
He envisions creating trust first among leaders, which can then trickle down to the broader populations. This top-down approach, combined with grassroots efforts, could offer a viable exit strategy from the seemingly endless cycle of violence.
Critique of Current Palestinian Leadership
Sinijlawi is critical of the current Palestinian leadership under Mahmoud Abbas, describing it as lacking vision, accountability, and transparency. “Abbas has failed to bring dignity, economic development, democracy, or respect for rights to the Palestinian people,” he asserts.
He highlights internal repression, citing examples such as the killing of Palestinian activists who criticized the leadership, and the repeated cancellation of elections since Abbas’s initial term ended in 2005. “He has been ruling for 20 years, and Palestinians feel like hostages to his authoritarian style,” Sinijlawi says.
According to him, the Palestinian people are tired of corruption and ineffective governance in both the West Bank and Gaza. They yearn for leadership that can inspire hope and constructively engage with Israelis to find workable solutions. Sinijlawi believes that international pressure has failed to move Israel forward, and that meaningful progress will only come through direct communication and mutual understanding between Palestinians and Israelis.
Conclusion: A Path Forward Through Empathy & Engagement
Samer Sinijlawi’s reflections remind us that peace is not just a political goal but a profoundly human one, requiring empathy, trust, and courage from both Israelis and Palestinians. His call to move beyond hostility and dehumanization toward dialogue and mutual recognition offers a hopeful vision amid the ongoing conflict.
By fostering communication, respecting moral boundaries, and demanding accountable leadership, Sinijlawi believes that both peoples can begin to build a foundation for coexistence. While the path is undoubtedly difficult and fraught with challenges, the shared desire for peace remains a powerful force that can ultimately bridge divides.
For those interested in the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the perspectives of Palestinian opposition voices, Sinijlawi’s insights provide a valuable lens through which to understand the urgent need for trust and dialogue in this historic moment.
