Aziz Abu Sarah
- Bringing down the walls of intolerance and violence that plague our planet - one trip at a time
Travels From
District of Columbia
Aziz Abu Sarah Speaker Biography
Aziz Abu Sarah is a peacebuilding entrepreneur, author, and international speaker. A Palestinian raised in Jerusalem, his work has earned him the titles of National Geographic Explorer and TED Fellow. This Palestinian’s own journey from combatant seeking revenge to peacemaker seeking tolerance has led to an innovative method of peacemaking through tourism in conflict zones. The MEJDI Method brings those from differing sides of a conflict together as travel guide colleagues each presenting their viewpoints. This multi-narrative approach to travel was originated by Abu Sara in Israel and has expanded to other countries—reaping remarkable results throughout the world. In 2014, he gave a TED Talk about his vision for redefining tourism and his stories of facilitating reconciliation journeys between individuals and groups in conflict are truly inspiring. The fundamentals of this same method of peacemaking and reconciliation can be taught and applied to corporate, community, and religious groups and organizations.
Aziz has spoken at numerous international organizations, corporations, and universities, including The United Nations, The European Parliament, Georgetown, Yale, and Harvard. He has published articles in The New York Times, National Geographic, Haaretz, and The Jerusalem Post. He regularly does analysis for CNN, Fox, and Aljazeera. Aziz is the recipient of the Goldberg Prize for Peace in the Middle East from the Institute of International Education, the European Parliament’s Silver Rose Award, the Eisenhower Medallion, and the Eliav-Sartawi Award for his Middle Eastern Journalism. He was named one of the 500 most influential Muslims in the World by the Royal Strategic Centre in Jordan for 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014. He won the Intercultural innovation award from the UN Alliance of Civilizations and the BMW Group. He was also recognized by then United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon for his work in peacebuilding.
Conflict and Global Issues
Audiences are moved by Aziz’s presentations covering conflict and global issues in a compelling and engaging way—weaving his academic knowledge with heartfelt inspiring stories from places of conflict around the world including the Middle East, Ireland and South America. His specific talks have included the following:
- Growing up Palestinian in Jerusalem: One Man’s Journey from Revenge to Reconciliation
- Conflict Zones: Syria, Iran, Afghanistan, and Beyond
- Making a Difference? The Role of NGOs, Social Enterprises, and Corporations in Communities
- Stopping Radicalization
- Conflict 101: Driven by Economics, Politics, or Ideology?
- Stories from the Field o The Syrian Refugee Crisis o The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
- Can There Be Peace in the Middle East?
Community and Workplace Relations
Aziz brilliantly communicates winning strategies developed through his work in peacemaking and reconciliation and applies them to the workplace and community.
- Creative Strategies for Improving Communication and Handling Conflict in the Workplace
- Using Business as a Tool for Positive Social Change
- Workplace Peacemaking: Facilitating Constructive Conversations on Hot Topic Issues Like Race, Immigration, and Religion
- Community Relations and Community Building in Troubled Times
- Strategies and Considerations for Law Enforcement and Military Personnel Working in Volatile Communities
Travel & Education
As a travel entrepreneur, Aziz has founded a certified B Corp company and developed a new travel category originating the dual-narrative approach which bridges the divide between peoples in conflict with successful results for communities and travelers alike. His talks include:
- Tourism: Destructive or Constructive?
- Building Global Citizens through Travel and Intercultural Exchange
- Facilitating Constructive Conversations on Hot Topic Issues Like Race, Immigration, and Religion
- Field Studies and Experiential Learning: Engaging Students in and beyond the Classroom
- Storytelling as an Educational Tool
- The Importance of Learning a Second Language
Religion
Aziz brings his life experiences forging peace through his work with people of various faith communities to help audiences understand the basics, nuances, challenges, and rewards of increasing understanding between the world religions.
- Oh, Brother Where Art Thou? How Christians, Jews, and Muslims Can Work Together
- Interfaith Relations: Challenges and Solutions
- Forging Social Justice at Home and Abroad
- Islam: Religion of Peace or Violence?
- Facilitating Prayerful Conversations on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: Strategies for Christian Leaders
- An Introduction to Islamic Beliefs and Practices
- Bridging the Divide between Jews and Palestinians
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