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On October 11, 2024, the Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the Peace Prize to Nihon Hidankyo, an organization of atomic bomb survivors from Hiroshima and Nagasaki, for their tireless advocacy for nuclear disarmament. The Hibakusha, as these survivors are known, have long recounted the horrors of August 1945, sharing memories of those lost, severely injured, and burned, and a long-lasting scar on the international consciousness.
Just a few days prior, on October 7, the world acknowledged the one-year anniversary of the tragic Hamas attack on Israel, which claimed hundreds of lives and escalated the unrest and violence between Israel and Hamas. A few days after the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony, on October 14, new scenes of horror emerged after an Israeli air strike ignited a fire at the Al-Aqsa Hospital compound in Gaza, setting makeshift shelters ablaze and trapping displaced families. Witnesses described people being burned alive, as families desperately tried to save their loved ones from the flames.
This latest tragedy comes after a year filled with extensive, large-scale escalations and disastrous loss of life. The Israel-Hamas war has been extending regionally to Lebanon and Syria and is sending geopolitical shockwaves globally, furthering increasing polarization and international disharmony. In the midst of this turmoil, people on all sides of the conflict are crafting narrowed narratives, drawing from and feeding into deep-rooted master narratives that have developed over centuries. Letting these narratives often go unchallenged only reinforces entrenched positions and narrows opportunities for mutual understanding.
For new perspectives and possibilities to emerge, it is essential to ask difficult questions and introduce novel experiences, ideas, and vocabulary that can inspire critical thinking. Encouraging people to view the world through different lenses requires an active willingness to accept lived experiences and nuanced realities. However, sided mainstream media can hinder this opportunity and reinforce polarized narratives, creating challenges for understanding and acceptance.
We cannot stand in the eye of chaos and accept the continuation of centuries of violence, hate, and destruction. The losses in 1945 and over the past year can and should have been prevented. It is never too late to rise above conflicting narratives and forge bonds of peace and community through our shared humanity. Interfaith leaders have been heading the charge, calling for dialogue and discussion across communities and advocating for peace and harmony for all decades:
- Public Statement Submitted to the 2018 UN General Assembly First Committee by Faith Communities Concerned about Nuclear Weapons
- From Rafah to Berkeley: symbolic interfaith ‘pilgrimage’ to advocate for cease-fire
- “It’s Changed Everything”: Interfaith Dialogue in the Wake of October 7
- An Interfaith Dispatch From the West Bank
Despite these efforts, mainstream narratives are difficult to amend overnight. Individuals and communities retreat into protective, enclosed spaces, where they work to maintain existing beliefs and identities. In such charged environments, dissent or divergence from the dominant narrative often leads to social isolation and even rejection. Those who dare to swim against the current, such as Jews who oppose the Israeli government’s actions in wartime, or Syrians who challenge the narrative that Hezbollah is a force for resistance, frequently face harsh consequences. In these circumstances, the discourse becomes binary: one is either ‘with us’ or ‘against us,’ leaving no room for nuanced or alternative perspectives.
This rigid division not only deepens the divide but also prevents the exploration of common ground. The effects of the Israel-Hamas war extend far beyond the region; they reverberate across the world, influencing international relations, global economies, and social cohesion. The ongoing strife stands in stark contrast to the values and principles established after World War II, which aim to promote peace, cooperation, and the protection of human rights and security, and are enshrined in the formation of international organizations such as the United Nations and the International Court of Justice. Yet, the past year has shown us that when narratives remain rigid and conflicts persist, the limitations of institutions designed to resolve disputes through diplomacy and uphold justice are exposed, challenging global harmony and stability.
So, what can be done? This is an agonizing question. As peacebuilders, how do we break the cycle of conflict at its most brutal peak? How do we support our loved ones in the Middle East—home to the Abrahamic religions, which are fundamentally grounded in peacemaking—a chance to pause, reflect, and recover? And, how can we extend that moment of healing to the rest of the world?
Our approach is to keep the lights on and the door open. It is vital to create spaces where people can engage in each other’s humanity. This means allowing space for genuine dialogue, even when it feels painful or challenging. We also advise the utilization of creative initiatives like storytelling, music, or art, to foster understanding and connection, in an effort to transform entrenched narratives and forge new, more inclusive, stories. When we embrace imaginative approaches, we allow new possibilities to emerge, helping break cycles of hostility.
Education and self-awareness are essential tools. Educating ourselves and others about the complexities of conflict and the shared history of our global community is crucial. Encouraging self-awareness can help individuals become more empathetic and open-minded, preparing them to engage constructively. Religious peacemakers have proven instrumental in these initiatives, using faith-based frameworks to foster dialogue and understanding, and thus nurturing communities that value empathy and social cohesion.
Action and advocacy should not be dismissed. Peacebuilding does not mean remaining passive observers; it requires active engagement with policies and movements that promote peace. This could involve signing petitions, supporting policy reforms, or mobilizing communities for nonviolent action. Effective peacebuilding strikes a balance between creative, reflective approaches and the need for tangible, proactive involvement. Religious peacemakers are increasingly at the forefront of advocacy movements, using their voices founded in their faith to call for justice and accountability while promoting intra and inter-faith dialogue and collaboration.
At the same time, it is important to stay safe and allow yourself time for healing. In the peacebuilding journey, there is risk, and it is essential to manage that risk wisely. Taking time to reflect, heal, and practice self-care ensures that we remain resilient and effective in our efforts. Check our blog published last week for tips on healing and maintaining well-being while navigating these challenging times.
At the International Center for Religion and Diplomacy (ICRD), we are committed to supporting religious peacemakers in the Middle East and North Africa—regions rich in the heritage of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. These faith traditions, at their core, call for forgiveness, reconciliation, and justice. Religious leaders, particularly women and youth of faith, have long stood at the forefront of peacemaking movements. Today, if supported, these leaders remain uniquely positioned to break down divisive narratives and foster connections across conflict lines. By creating sacred spaces for open dialogue, they help their communities recognize shared values and common humanity. Through the wisdom of sacred texts, they inspire reflection and challenge entrenched beliefs, making room for empathy and reconciliation.
In this way, religious peacemakers continue to be vital agents of change, offering hope for a more peaceful future.