Aziz Abu Sarah
Pioneer of Dual-Narrative Tours
Date of Birth:
1980
Jerusalem, Palestine
Place of Birth:
Why Featured?
Aziz Abu Sarah is recognized for his innovative approach to peace-building and cultural education through tourism, using his work to bridge the divide between Palestinians and Israelis and to bring global attention to Palestinian narratives.
Brief bio
Aziz Abu Sarah is a Palestinian peace activist, cultural educator, author, and entrepreneur known for his work in conflict resolution and his pioneering efforts in creating dual-narrative tours. Born in Jerusalem, Abu Sarah turned his personal experiences of loss and anger into a career focused on promoting understanding and reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians. He is the co-founder of MEJDI Tours, a company that offers alternative travel experiences by providing multiple perspectives, particularly in conflict zones like Israel and Palestine. His work has been widely recognized and has earned him numerous awards and international accolades.
Major Milestones
Contributions
Born in Jerusalem, Palestine (1980): Growing up in East Jerusalem, Abu Sarah experienced firsthand the impacts of the Israeli occupation, which deeply influenced his later work in conflict resolution.
Death of His Brother (1990): The tragic death of his brother in an Israeli prison catalyzed his initial involvement in resistance, which later transformed into a mission for peace and understanding.
Co-Founded MEJDI Tours (2009): Abu Sarah co-founded MEJDI Tours, a socially responsible travel company that promotes dual-narrative experiences, offering tours led by both Israeli and Palestinian guides to provide multiple perspectives on the region’s history and conflicts.
Published Crossing Boundaries (2020): His book Crossing Boundaries: A Traveler’s Guide to World Peace reflects on his experiences and offers insights into using travel as a means for peace-building and cultural exchange.
Ran for Mayor of Jerusalem (2018): Abu Sarah made history by launching a campaign to become the first Palestinian mayor of Jerusalem since 1944, advocating for equal rights and representation for Palestinians in the city.
Innovative Peace-Building Through Tourism: By co-founding MEJDI Tours, Abu Sarah has created a new model of tourism that emphasizes understanding and reconciliation, offering travelers a nuanced view of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Amplifying Palestinian Voices: Through his work as a journalist and speaker, Abu Sarah has consistently highlighted Palestinian perspectives in global discussions, challenging dominant narratives and advocating for Palestinian rights...See More
Education and Cultural Exchange: As an educator, Abu Sarah has developed programs and initiatives that promote cultural exchange and understanding, particularly among younger generations, to foster long-term peace.
Advocacy and Public Speaking: Abu Sarah has been a prominent voice in international forums, including the United Nations and TED, where he advocates for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli occupation of Palestine through dialogue and mutual understanding...See More
Recognition and Awards: His contributions to peace-building and conflict resolution have been recognized globally, with numerous awards that underscore the impact of his work on both Palestinian communities and broader international audiences.
Date of Last Update:
October 7, 2024
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