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 IPI cohosted a film screening of the documentary There Is Another Way followed by a post-screening discussion with Combatants for Peace on January 30th.
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. As Mr. Apkon shared in the discussion, “This is about the freedom for all of us.”
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.
“Former fighters and analysts can unite to become the most effective peacebuilders,” said Thomas Kontogeorgos, Chief of the DDR Section of the UN Department of Peace Operations, during his opening remarks ahead of the film screening.
“If they can do it, we should do it too!” asserted Veronique Dudouet, Senior Advisor at the Berghof Foundation, emphasizing the significance of empathy and understanding. Her call to action resonated deeply with attendees, who agreed on the need to widen the scope of compassion.
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.
To learn more about the film and register for upcoming screenings click here >>
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