Jewish and Palestinian Voices Come Together in Akron for Dialogue on Peace
AKRON, OHIO — The Akron Palestine Solidarity Collective, in collaboration with Allies Against Apartheid, Jewish Voice for Peace Cleveland, and Cleveland Palestine Advocacy Community, will host an educational event titled "Voices for Justice in Palestine," featuring peace activist and author Miko Peled. The event will be held on October 19, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the Akron Summit Public Library's main auditorium, located at 60 S. High St., Akron, OH.

Peled, known internationally for his advocacy on behalf of Palestinian rights, is the son of a former Israeli general and the grandson of a signer of Israel's Declaration of Independence. He has been outspoken on issues related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and authored the book The General’s Son, which provides insights into his journey towards becoming an advocate for peace and justice.
The event, which is free and open to the public, aims to foster understanding and dialogue on the complex issues surrounding Palestinian liberation and the history of the region. The Akron Palestine Solidarity Collective shared that the event seeks to "educate the wider Akron community and build bridges."
Panel Discussion and Featured Speakers
In addition to Peled’s lecture, the event will include a panel discussion moderated by Yaseen Shaikh, a founding member of the Akron Palestine Solidarity Collective. The panel will feature Dr. Shereen Naser, PhD, and Dr. Ahmad Jadallah, MD, who will discuss the 1948 Nakba, the historical period marking the mass displacement of Palestinians during the formation of the state of Israel, and the ongoing struggles for Palestinian liberation.
Dr. Jadallah emphasized the importance of understanding the roots of the conflict, stating, “Without justice, there can be no peace.” He believes that addressing past and present injustices faced by Palestinians is essential for any hope of lasting peace in the region. This sentiment reflects the event’s broader goal of educating the public about the historical context and current realities impacting Palestinians.
Following the panel discussion, Peled will be available for a book signing, and donations will be accepted to support Dar Al-Hurriya (Palestine House of Freedom), an organization he founded. Donations will contribute to initiatives aimed at promoting peace and justice.
Broader Context and Multiple Perspectives
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains one of the most prolonged and complex disputes in modern history, with deep-rooted political, religious, and social dimensions. The upcoming event aims to present perspectives from advocates who support the Palestinian cause and seek a peaceful resolution through dialogue and understanding.
However, it is also crucial to acknowledge the broader spectrum of views on this issue. Supporters of Israel often emphasize the country's right to defend itself against threats and the historical and religious significance of the land. Many argue that Israel’s security is essential and that peace can only be achieved through negotiations that respect the rights and security needs of both Israelis and Palestinians.
Events like "Voices for Justice in Palestine" offer an opportunity for those who may not be familiar with the Palestinian perspective to engage in conversations and ask questions. They can also provide a platform for advocates to voice their concerns and proposed solutions, fostering greater understanding, even if the broader conflict remains unresolved.
How to Attend
The event requires registration through Eventbrite, and interested attendees can find more details by searching for “The General’s Son” or using the QR code provided in the event listing. The organizers have expressed that they are "honored" to bring this dialogue to Northeast Ohio and hope it can be a step toward broader community understanding and engagement.
About the Organizers
The Akron Palestine Solidarity Collective describes itself as a group of "concerned Akronites" committed to advocating for peace and justice. Their mission is to raise awareness about the historical and current struggles faced by Palestinians, emphasizing that true peace can only be achieved through justice.
The Jewish Voice for Peace Cleveland and Cleveland Palestine Advocacy Community are also supporting the event. They join a broader movement that emphasizes solidarity, human rights, and justice for all people affected by the conflict.
Balancing Perspectives
While the event aims to shed light on the experiences and challenges faced by Palestinians, balanced journalism requires acknowledging the diverse range of opinions that exist on this issue. The Israeli government and many of its supporters often highlight the need for security and caution against narratives that they believe misrepresent the complexities of the situation. Conversations around this topic can be emotionally charged, given the history and the ongoing disputes, and events like this can serve as a gateway to understanding varying viewpoints.
The ongoing dialogue, even when difficult, remains essential. Community members, regardless of their stance, can find value in attending events like this to engage in conversations that strive to deepen mutual understanding, with the hope that such efforts might contribute to peaceful solutions.
For More Information
The event organizers encourage all interested in peace and understanding to join the discussion, listen to different perspectives, and support a meaningful dialogue on October 19.
The views and opinions expressed by the event speakers, panelists, and organizers are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Cleveland 13 News. Our mission is to provide balanced, impartial, and nonpartisan reporting. We are committed to delivering fact-based journalism that respects diverse perspectives without bias. Coverage of this event aims to inform and engage the community by presenting multiple viewpoints to foster understanding and open dialogue.
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