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🇮🇱 Israel /Culture & Society

For Jerusalem activist Jehad Abu Sneineh, coexistence starts in the streets - interview

From Jerusalem Post · (1h ago) English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Jerusalem activist Jehad Abu Sneineh advocates for coexistence and equality among Jewish and Palestinian citizens of Israel.
  • He is actively involved with grassroots organizations like Standing Together, participating in protests against the occupation and for social justice.
  • Abu Sneineh's activism stems from a deep connection to Jerusalem and a desire to combat injustice, particularly in response to the conflict in Gaza.

In the heart of Jerusalem, a city that pulsates with a unique blend of cultures and histories, Jehad Abu Sneineh emerges as a powerful voice for coexistence and equality. As a Jerusalemite, born and raised, he possesses an intimate understanding of the city's complex tapestry and feels a profound responsibility to advocate for the rights and dignity of all its inhabitants, both Jewish and Palestinian.

To me, Jerusalem feels like the center of the world.

— Jehad Abu SneinehExpresses his deep connection and perspective on Jerusalem's significance.

Abu Sneineh's commitment to activism is deeply rooted in his personal experiences and his response to the injustices he witnesses. He finds purpose and solidarity within organizations like Standing Together, which bravely confronts the occupation and champions peace, equality, and social justice. His participation in street protests, particularly during times of conflict like the recent war in Gaza, reflects a profound empathy and a determination to translate his anguish into meaningful action.

I was following the activist organization Standing Together on Instagram because of what they promote: equality and stopping the wars, specifically in Gaza.

— Jehad Abu SneinehExplains his initial motivation for getting involved in activism.

What makes Abu Sneineh's perspective particularly resonant from a local standpoint is his firsthand experience with the harsh realities faced by both Arab and Jewish citizens when confronting state power. He notes the severe treatment meted out by police during protests, observing a shared vulnerability that, paradoxically, strengthens his belief in common ground. For us in Jerusalem, stories like Jehad's are not just about individual activism; they are about the persistent, grassroots efforts to build bridges and foster understanding in a city that desperately needs it, demonstrating that coexistence is not an abstract ideal but a daily practice.

The first protest I went to was one of the most brutal protests in terms of how the police clashed with the demonstrators. That helped me see that we [Jewish and Arab Israelis] were even more alike than I thought.

— Jehad Abu SneinehDescribes a pivotal protest experience that highlighted shared struggles between Jewish and Arab Israelis.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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