Uri Avnery Quotes

Journalist and peace activist
Israel
1923

Uri Avnery was an Israeli journalist, writer, and peace activist. He was born in Germany in 1923 and moved to Palestine in 1933. Avnery was a member of the Irgun, a militant Zionist group, before becoming a vocal advocate for peace and coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians. He founded the Israeli peace movement Gush Shalom and was a member of the Knesset (Israeli parliament) for three terms. Avnery was known for his controversial and provocative opinions, often challenging the mainstream narrative in Israel. He was a prolific writer, publishing numerous books and articles on politics, history, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Some of his notable works include “My Friend, the Enemy” and “1948: A Soldier’s Tale – The Bloody Road to Jerusalem.” Avnery passed away in 2018 at the age of 94, leaving behind a legacy of activism and advocacy for peace in the Middle East.Read Less

What is the alternative to peace? A catastrophe for both peoples [Palestine and Israel]. Feraz Zeid, December 23, 2023, Uri Avnery, 0

- Uri Avnery

Journalist and peace activist

· Israel

Uri Avnery Career Highlights

Founding the Israeli political party, Gush Shalom: In 1993, Avnery co-founded Gush Shalom, a left-wing political party in Israel that advocated for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The party also focused on promoting human rights and ending the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.
Establishing the HaOlam HaZeh newspaper: In 1948, Avnery founded the HaOlam HaZeh newspaper, which became known for its investigative journalism and criticism of the Israeli government. The newspaper was shut down by the Israeli government in 1993, but Avnery continued to write for other publications.
Peace activism: Avnery was a vocal advocate for peace between Israelis and Palestinians. He participated in numerous peace rallies and protests, including the 1982 “Peace Now” rally, which drew over 400,000 people. He also met with Palestinian leaders, including Yasser Arafat, to promote dialogue and understanding between the two sides.
Member of the Knesset: In 1965, Avnery was elected to the Knesset, the Israeli parliament, as a member of the left-wing party, Mapam. He served as a member of the Knesset for three terms, from 1965 to 1974.

Key Contributions by Uri Avnery

Advocating for a two-state solution: Avnery was a strong proponent of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He believed that the only way to achieve lasting peace was through the creation of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.
Criticizing the Israeli government: Avnery was known for his outspoken criticism of the Israeli government’s policies towards Palestinians. He believed that the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories was unjust and called for an end to it.
Building bridges between Israelis and Palestinians: Avnery’s efforts to promote peace and understanding between Israelis and Palestinians were instrumental in building bridges between the two sides. He believed that dialogue and cooperation were essential for achieving a lasting peace.

What Sets Uri Avnery Apart

Early advocacy for peace: Avnery was one of the first Israeli politicians to advocate for peace with the Palestinians. He began promoting a two-state solution in the 1950s, long before it became a mainstream idea in Israeli politics.
Courageous journalism: Avnery’s newspaper, HaOlam HaZeh, was known for its fearless investigative journalism and criticism of the Israeli government. Despite facing censorship and threats, Avnery continued to publish articles that exposed government corruption and human rights abuses.
Cross-cultural understanding: Avnery’s upbringing in Germany and his early experiences in Palestine gave him a unique perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He understood the importance of cross-cultural understanding and worked tirelessly to bridge the divide between Israelis and Palestinians.

Takeaways

Persistence and determination: Avnery’s career was marked by his persistence and determination to promote peace and justice. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, he never wavered in his beliefs and continued to work towards his goals.
Importance of dialogue and understanding: Avnery believed that dialogue and understanding were crucial for achieving peace. He emphasized the need for Israelis and Palestinians to listen to each other’s perspectives and find common ground.
Legacy of peace activism: Avnery’s legacy continues to inspire peace activists around the world. His unwavering commitment to promoting peace and coexistence serves as a reminder that change is possible, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

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