Thursday, January 30, 2024, from 4:00pm to 6:45pm - in person at the International Peace Institute (IPI), 777 United Nations Plz, New York, NY
Film Screening: There Is Another Way, Followed by a Discussion with Combatants for Peace
The Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) Section of the UN Department of Peace Operations’ (DPO) Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions (OROLSI) and the International Peace Institute (IPI) are pleased to invite you to a film screening of the documentary There Is Another Way followed by a post-screening discussion with Combatants for Peace. The event will take place at IPI on Thursday, January 30, 2024, from 4:00pm to 6:45pm.
There is Another Way, directed by Stephen Apkon, follows the powerful journey of individuals who reject violence and choose peace, proving that reconciliation is not only possible but essential. Set in Israel and Palestine, following events on the ground over the past year(s), the documentary captures the personal and collective struggles of those embracing nonviolence as a path forward and their journeys of transformation from armed actors to peacebuilders. The film draws on the experiences of Combatants for Peace, a grassroots movement of former Israeli soldiers and Palestinian combatants who now work together, united by the conviction that violence cannot resolve the conflict.
Combatants for Peace emerged in 2006 amid the turmoil of the Second Intifada, when former Israeli soldiers and Palestinian fighters—once sworn enemies—began meeting in secret to challenge their fates and the violent status quo. This movement, grounded in the principles of joint nonviolent struggle, continues to grow as individuals and organizations across the globe unite to reject separation and supremacy. Now, almost 20 years later, the movement has grown beyond its core of ex-combatants and has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize twice.
Opening Remarks:
Thomas Kontogeorgos, Chief of the DDR Section, United Nations Department of Peace Operations (DPO)
Speakers:
Mai Shahin, Palestinian Activist, Combatants for Peace
Iris Gur, Israeli Activist, Combatants for Peace
Stephen Apkon, Director/Producer, There Is Another Way
Chen Alon, Co-Founder, Combatants for Peace (Virtual)
Sulaiman Khatib, Co-Founder, Combatants for Peace (Virtual)
Closing Remarks:
Véronique Dudouet, Senior Advisor Conflict Transformation Research, Berghof Foundation
Moderator:
Adam Lupel, Vice President and COO, International Peace Institute
*Please note this event will not be live-streamed. A recording of the discussion portion will be available here post event.* Film Screening: There Is Another Way, Followed by a Discussion with Combatants for Peace - International Peace Institute