I want to express how grateful I am to EMIS for allowing me to come back as a volunteer and to the Charney Center for welcoming me into their family and for inspiring me since my first day. I am thrilled to be in the Middle East again, given the particular times we are living in. Not only because of Covid-19, but also the “Deal of the Century” and finally the recent treaty between Israel and the United Arab Emirates.
During the entire summer the ‘Deal of the Century’ sparked protests amongst all of Palestine and the international community. The deal was signed between Israel and the US and the negotiations did not involve Palestinians at all. It has very little to do with peace and is not much more than a pass from the Trump administration for Netanyahu’s plan to annex parts of the West Bank.
On the other hand, in the past weeks the news of a peace treaty between Israel and UAE was widely discussed by the international community. While it is certainly a step forward in the relations between Israel and Middle Eastern Arab countries, many think the motive behind it is not the desire for long-lasting peace, but rather economic interests and the creation of an alliance against the nuclear threat of Iran. Moreover, this treaty plays a symbolic role in normalizing the humanitarian and political crisis that is still happening in Palestine. We must not forget that solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict should be the top priority in all agendas of countries who care about reaching peace in the Middle East and improving relations between Israel and the rest of the Arab world. Nevertheless, I am hopeful and positive that through dialogue and the work of organizations such as the Charney Center, a future where peace and harmony is the norm will be possible, even in the Middle East.
Opportunities such as the “Peace Simulation” that the CRC organizes yearly at EMIS, in order to facilitate dialogue and conflict resolution between Israelis and Palestinians were really eye-opening for me.
It’s a pity that due to Covid-19 I will not be able to participate in the Diplomacy Program at FAU with Prof. Jeffery Morton, as a representative of the CRC. It could have been a great opportunity to improve my negotiation skills and my knowledge about international affairs.
However, I am excited for my future projects with the Charney Center, such as the filming of “Humans of EMIS”, a documentary about the different perspectives from members of the international community living in a zone of conflict.
Walking through the huge and empty arrival hall at “Ben Gurion Airport” reminded me of the first time I arrived there in August 2018. A feeling of nostalgia hit me when I realized how much I’ve grown since then. I reflected once more on how EMIS turned that curious and excited skinny boy into the more balanced and conscious young man I am today. The people I met and the experiences I had during these past two years made me bloom and I am beyond excited to embark on a new and different journey at EMIS now. I’m truly honored to be able to work as a bridge between EMIS and the CRC, which share a common vision and both have been and will be fundamental for my personal and professional development.
Jaime Musso, CRC Intern (EMIS Class of 2020 Graduate)