October 7th and Beyond: A Path to Peace?

Join the Center for Middle East Studies for a compelling conversation between Palestinian and Israeli peace activists, Aziz Abu Sarah and Maoz Inon. Blessed by Pope Francis for their courageous efforts amid conflict, they will discuss the challenges and possibilities for peace in the wake of recent events. This event will be held at Korbel School, University of Denver, on October 16 from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM. Food will be served.

Maoz Inon is an Israeli peace entrepreneur. He has founded several peace-focused tourism initiatives within Israel and the Middle East, including the Jesus Trail, Fauzi Azar Inn, and Abraham Hostel & Tour. Since the M**der of his parents in the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, he has become a voice for peace between Israelis and Palestinians. In May 2024, he participated in the ARENA DI PACE peace event in Verona with his friend and partner, the Palestinian peace entrepreneur Aziz Abu Sarah. The two received an embrace and support from Pope Francis and gained widespread media coverage internationally. Earlier, in April, the two participated in the annual TED conference, where their conversation was the opening session's first talk. Amidst unimaginable loss and grief, he and his team have been unwavering advocates for peace and regional security for all people living between the Jordan river and the Mediterranean Sea, calling for an immediate ceasefire, the return of all hostages, and the initiation of an urgently-needed peace process to end the conflict and make way for reconciliation, justice, and safety for all. 

Aziz Abu Sarah is a Palestinian peacebuilder, author and mission-focused entrepreneur whose brother was killed by Israeli soldiers. His journey from revenge to peacebuilding has led him to implement mission-focused initiatives in  Palestine, Israel and 60 other countries. Aziz has been named among the “500 Most Influential Muslims in the World” by the Royal Strategic Studies Centre in Jordan each year since 2010 for his work in cultural education and conflict resolution. He is a  National Geographic Explorer and Ted Fellow. Harnessing the transformative power of travel, in 2009 Aziz co-founded  MEJDI Tours, a leader of responsible travel pioneering the Dual Narrative™ method and innovative approaches to use travel as a peacemaking tool. He is co-founder of InterAct International, a non profit advancing sustainability, education, and cross cultural connections. Aziz has authored two books; Crossing Boundaries: A Traveler’s Guide to World Peace (2020) and Strangers, Neighbors, Friends: Muslim-Christian-Jewish Reflections on Compassion and Peace (2018). He has served as Executive Director at the Center for World Religions, Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution at George Mason University, and as the Chairman for the Parents Circle–Family Forum. He was also recognized by former United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon for his work in peacebuilding. 

Host or Publisher Center for Middle East Studies