Join us in conversation with renowned peace builder, responsible travel innovator, cultural educator and inspirational speaker, Aziz Abu Sarah.
Join us in Sydney and Melbourne for a powerful conversation with renowned peace builder, responsible travel innovator, cultural educator and inspirational speaker, Palestinian Aziz Abu Sarah.
Experiencing the great loss of his brother at a young age, Aziz’s incredible story of overcoming anger and seeking revenge, and instead choosing love and forgiveness is as beautiful as it is profound. At a time when we’re being asked to choose sides, Aziz’s story and experience helps us to orient towards love and connection over hate and conflict. There’s never been a more critical time for a conversation like this one.
The evening will be welcomed with a musical introduction from Israeli Shai Shriki singing songs of peace, followed by a conversation with Aziz and time for a moderated Q&A session.
We are heartbroken at the current unfolding of events in Israel/Palestine. A home and sacred place for many of us. Our hearts are with our Israeli and Palestinian brothers and sisters. Small Giants has been working on peace initiatives between Israelis and Palestinians for over a decade.
If you join us, we encourage you to come with an open heart, an open mind and an orientation towards peace. This conversation is designed to foster connection, not separation.
"One of the first things I started understanding was that, regardless of what people do to you, you always have the ability to choose a different path”
Aziz is a renowned figure in peace-building and conflict resolution. With experience in over 60 countries, including conflict zones like Afghanistan and Syria, he's made significant contributions to fostering peace and reconciliation.
A Palestinian-born Muslim, as a young boy Aziz’s older brother was arrested by Israeli soldiers on charges of throwing stones, imprisoned and beaten — and died of his injuries. Aziz grew up seeking revenge – but through meeting other Jews whilst studying Hebrew in later life, he had a realisation: they share much in common. Coming face to face with the “enemy” compelled him to find ways to overcome hatred, anger and fear.
Aziz founded MEJDI Tours to send tourists to Jerusalem with two guides, one Jewish and one Palestinian, each offering a different history story – exploring dual narratives, and teaching how to see the other side. Aziz believes that through travel, connecting to one another and seeing each other for who we are is powerful force for shattering sterotypes and promoting understanding, friendship and peace.
Aziz’s work has earned him the titles of National Geographic Explorer and Ted Fellow. He has written opinion pieces for The New York Times, The Washington Post, Al-Quds, Haaretz, and has been published by National Geographic, CNN, TED, and Al Arabiya. He has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims in the World by the Royal Strategic Centre in Jordan each year since 2010.
Aziz’s new book presents the case that travel has the power to heal divides, increase tolerance and make the world a more peaceful place.
In this moving and powerful book, Aziz relates his experiences of creating cross-cultural connections in places like Afghanistan, Northern Ireland, Russia, Venezuela, and Vietnam.
Readers are given a road map for engaging with the "other" through socially conscious travel and are given practical peace-building tips applicable wherever one goes—near or far.
Aziz is a renowned figure in peace-building and conflict resolution. With experience in 60 countries, including conflict zones like Afghanistan and Syria, he's made significant contributions to fostering peace and reconciliation.
Aziz’s work has earned him the titles of National Geographic Explorer and Ted Fellow. He has written opinion pieces for The New York Times, The Washington Post, Al-Quds, Haaretz, and has been published by National Geographic, CNN, TED, and Al Arabiya. He has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims in the World by the Royal Strategic Centre in Jordan each year since 2010.
He has served as Executive Director at the Center for World Religions, Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution, George Mason University and as the Chairman for the Parents Circle Family Forum. He is the cofounder of InterAct International, a non profit advancing sustainability, education, and cross cultural connections.
His work has been recognised with numerous awards, including the Goldberg Prize for Peace in the Middle East and the Intercultural Innovation Award from the UN Alliance of Civilizations, with recognition from former United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon.
Learn more about Aziz Abu Sarah
We spoke with Aziz in Issue 34 of Dumbo Feather Magazine.
Small Giants is located on the traditional lands of the Boon Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
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