Tue Nov 19 17:41:39 UTC 2024: ## Israeli-Palestinian Peace Advocates Awarded Prestigious Indira Gandhi Prize
**New Delhi, November 20, 2024** – Argentine-Israeli conductor Daniel Barenboim and Palestinian peace activist Ali Abu Awwad were jointly awarded the 2023 Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development on Tuesday. The virtual ceremony recognized Barenboim’s work in fostering peace through music and cultural dialogue, and Awwad’s advocacy for non-violent resistance and reconciliation through his organization, Roots.
Awwad, who spent time in an Israeli prison, recounted his experiences, including a 17-day hunger strike with his mother and the difficult decision to forgo revenge after his brother’s death at the hands of Israeli soldiers. He emphasized the importance of recognizing shared humanity, even among adversaries, stating that his non-violent struggle “has to pass through Jewish hearts and not through Jewish bodies.”
Former Vice President of India, Hamid Ansari, lauded both recipients’ efforts as inspiring examples of peace-building, highlighting the devastating impact of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on young people. Former Foreign Secretary Shiv Shankar Menon also praised their “exemplary” initiatives. The prize, awarded by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust, underscores the importance of dialogue and reconciliation in resolving long-standing conflicts.
First Piper 