Number 79: In my final and most crucial Undergraduate Politics exam of 2010, I mistakenly answered one essay question out of two! This unintentional yet serious error triggered intense reflection, which resulted in me opting out of applying for my planned Politics Honours at UCT to rather move in an alternate direction. Little did I realise then that this would lead me towards a life-changing program. 

In 2011, I entered into an Honours equivalent on Kibbutz Ketura in the Negev, focused on environmental peacebuilding. The group of Israelis, Palestinians and others from around the world who lived together were invested in the process, and while it was termed ‘peacebuilding,’ it was far from calm and cushy. Through the formal sessions, the research conducted, and the informal opportunities to get to know each other, we questioned our beliefs and understanding of history and current realities.

The pain of the cycles of violence came to the fore in tangible and testing ways throughout the year. For example, during the incursion into Gaza in 2012, the Israelis were called up. My friend Eyal; who was dating a Jordanian-Palestinian man from the program, felt that he was essentially being asked to fight against his partner’s extended family. At a different stage, I visited my friend Muhanad in Nablus, where it became apparent that his grandmother had never met a Jewish woman who was not a settler or soldier. During the academic break, I also lived in Jaffa with Stav Shaffir (current leader of the Green Party) and Alon-Lee Green (national director of the Jewish-Arab movement ‘Standing Together’). I wish I knew more Hebrew at the time, because the political conversations they had were heated and my newfound insight would have meant I had much to contribute!

I see my year and a half at the Arava as one of deep learning, unlearning, and healthy confrontation. Moreover, I am extremely grateful for the close friendships I made on all sides of the conflict, who I remain in touch with. One day, I hope to return to that region to continue the necessary work towards a just peace!