On the second anniversary of October 7, we receive and gladly share this message from Maoz Inon, who lost both his parents on that tragic day. Initially reported missing, Bilha and Yakovi Inon were later found burned to death inside the kibbutz where they lived, not far from the wall. Far from giving in to despair or the urge for revenge, Maoz Inon chose the path of forgiveness, as he recounted in several interviews available online, particularly to the BBC  when, in tears, he declared that he was mourning not only the loss of his parents, but also for the bloodshed that would inevitably follow, as it did. Since that day, together with his partner Aziz Abu Sarah, he has never stopped promoting peace events at every possible opportunity: meetings at the United Nations, at the Peace Arena in Verona with Pope Francis and more recently received by his successor, and above all as organizer of major peace events in Israel: on July 1, 2024, filling an entire stadium in Tel Aviv, and then with the Peace Summit in Jerusalem on May 8 and 9, two full days of non-stop peace.

And here he is today with this message, which reiterates his commitment to a Peace Path that will not be easy nor immediate, that will require a lot of work, but that will be Possible within a certain time frame that Maoz indicates by the year 2030. And it will need the support of all of us: as supporters and, wherever possible, as amplifiers of his message and of those who are working with him.

Dear friends, colleagues, supporters, and partners,

You are receiving this email because, at some point, our paths crossed—with some of you it was many years ago, and with others quite recently. For years, it has been my dream to create Israeli-Palestinian shared spaces, bringing people from different communities together to meet, connect, and understand one another. My first step in realizing that dream was nearly twenty years ago when I opened the Fauzi Azar Inn in Nazareth.

Odette Azar Shomar, Marwa Taha Abu Rany and I in the main hall of Beit Fauzi Azar.

Back in 2005, before I opened Fauzi Azar Inn, I gathered my family to share a simple 10-slide presentation. It showcased my vision—how a guesthouse could unlock business potential while strengthening the local community. One slide featured a photo of an old Arab mansion I’d found online, an image of what the dream could one day look like.

When I finished, the room was silent. My parents exchanged a look and then said the words that changed everything: “Maoz, if you’re going for this—we’re with you.” They became my first partners, my first supporters, and together we turned the dream into reality.

That same spirit still drives me today. As many of you know, my beloved parents, Yaccovi and Bilha, were killed in the Hamas attack on October 7th. Since that tragic day, I have taken on a new mission: to do everything I can to help achieve peace between Israelis and Palestinians—so that others will not suffer the same fate as my family.

My parents, Yaccovi and Bilha, with my first-born, soon after the opening of Fauzi Azar Inn, in 2006

This week is the second anniversary of October 7th. War has continued to rage, the suffering in Gaza is unimaginable, and the extremist government in Israel pursues policies that harm both Palestinians and Israelis, including the remaining hostages. It has been easy to feel hopeless. But now, more than ever, and on the cusp of a potential peace plan, our work as peace-builders is urgent. Hope is not something we wait to find—it is something we create through action.

As my good friend and partner, Aziz Abu Sarah, says:
“If you must divide us, don’t divide us between Israelis and Palestinians. The only division is between those who believe in justice, peace, and equality—and those who don’t, yet.”

To advance this vision, Aziz and I have launched InterAct, a nonprofit organization with a bold mission: to achieve peace by 2030. InterAct builds trust, fosters dialogue, and creates shared spaces where Israelis and Palestinians can meet as equals. Over the past two years, we have come to realize that our message is like water for those in the desert—vital, life-giving, and desperately needed. We aspire to share this sustenance with all those seeking hope and change.

Aziz and I opening the annual TED Convention

Last year, Aziz and I opened the 2024 TED Convention with our healing conversation. Since then, we have shared our message with millions through the media and with thousands in person—including world leaders such as the late Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV. These milestones remind us that the world is listening, and that change is within reach.

As part of this journey, I plan to send updates on our efforts every few weeks. You can also visit the InterAct website to see upcoming events. If I’m in your neighborhood, I’d love to meet you.

When I first shared my dream of opening a guesthouse, my parents stood beside me and gave me the courage to begin. Today, as I pursue the even greater dream of peace, I ask you to stand beside me in the same way. Help me amplify our message—share our story with your friends, your communities, and your networks. The more voices join, the stronger and more unstoppable our call for peace becomes.

Here’s how you can help:

With love and peace, by 2030,
Maoz Inon