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<< Approaching The Peace Talks from a Different Angle >>

By Tami Lancut Leibovitz

Last week, I had the rare opportunity to experience politics like never before: I was invited to join a group of Israeli persons and public figures who met with the President of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA), Abu Mazen, in Mukataa. The event, coordinated by the Geneva Initiative, was meant to continue and strengthen direct negotiations with the Palestinians. Members of the event ranged across an immense political spectrum and included active and retired members of the Knesset from a broad selection of political parties, and senior members of the PNA and the Central Committee of Fatah including Saeb Erekat, Nabil Shaath, Yasser Abed Rabbo, and Hanan Ashrawi. The over-arching aim of the event – to establish the importance from both sides of reaching a two-state solution, and to support the continuation of ongoing negotiations. Believe me – regardless of religion and politics – we’re talking about an extraordinary experience that shone new light on the importance of interpersonal communication.

Paradoxically, my own conclusion from the event was that if we could separate politics and politicians from the political process we could reach real results. The President of the PNA, Abu Mazen, hit the nail on its head when he said – “When it comes down to it, what we want to achieve is a peace between two nations, two peoples. Without an understanding between the two, their leaders cannot sign [an agreement].” So simple, and yet – so hard to implement. Turns out, if only we ordinary citizens had the options of communicating directly with each other, our reality could be much different.

Yasser Abed Rabbo commented during the event, “Only through dialogue such as the one carried out today can we overcome the difficulties that we face on a daily basis.” Abed Rabbo also thanked the joint Israeli-Palestinian Geneva Initiative for organizing the event. Further clarifying the importance of inter-personal communication in resolving the conflict, Shlono Madmon – a member of the right-wing Likud party – commented, “Each and every one of us is an ambassador of what was said here today. President Abu Mazen, I congratulate you on your bravery. You came here today and exclaimed: We want Palestinians and Jews to live alongside each other. We must acknowledge that [Binyamin] Netanyahu represents the majority of the right-wing parties, and he too admitted that reality overshadows ideology. He outspokenly accepted the idea of the two-state solution, something no previous right-winger publicly exclaimed. We must recognize why we are insistent on direct negotiations and safe borders, and I ask in the name of the Likud party of which I am a member, I found it right to be present today – to take part in direct negotiations – we don’t need middlemen. We need direct negotiations.”

As usual, I found myself examining non-formal communications as well. I studied the way in which the event was organized, the warm way in which members were greeted, how the main conference and refreshment tables were put together, and of course the way members were dressed. It’s important for us to recognize that when one is addressing others, he sends a message. This message goes through even when no verbal communications are taking place – it is portrayed through the person’s attire and body language. As I’ve shown in many cases, we’re talking about a large percentage of information that does not originate in spoken word! Researches have shown that 90% of what we portray is carried through by emotions, positive interaction and respect – in short, a nice atmosphere. The verbal or written content accounts for only 10% of our portrayal, and if we take this lesson to heart we can ensure people not only hear what we have to say but also listen and make an effort to relate.

In Mukataa, mutual respect was had both to the event and between the attendees (there were unfortunately a few exceptions who are best left unnamed). This was apparent through people’s attire, attitude towards each other, spoken word, and through an overall pleasant atmosphere that was projected by the members themselves (Personally, I won’t forget Abu Mazen’s comment that he expected to see a stronger female presence amongst the members. Beyond being factually true, his comment seemed sincere and honest.) Lunch, as is befitting to Arabic culture, was extravagant and plentiful – which served to further clarify with how much respect was had towards the event. As we entered, Abu Mazen personally shook each member’s hand – what brought him to comment on the lack of female attendees – without a doubt, a sincere concern. Thanks to those responsible for the event, the Israeli and Palestinian attendants were seated amongst themselves – and not separated into “two camps”. Connections were made, business card exchanged, and personal communication – of great importance – was made.

Set aside for a minute the important things that were said, and let us concentrate on my own personal conclusion from the event. I didn’t need to read or listen in order to see that human, inter-personal communication was the key – all I had to do is observe people’s behavior… And honestly, it’s quite frustrating. It’s frustrating that for so long we have been trying to solve this conflict and achieve peace for our citizens; for Jews and Arabs; for left and right-wingers… And what’s stopping this from happening? The inhumane nature of politics. It was truly joyful to see last week that the dream is possible, and it was important to reiterate the outmost importance of communications to the peace process. All I wish for is that our political figures reach the same understanding.

© Tami Lancut Leibovitz