January 29, 2007
By Cristi Parker

Two men, once enemies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, are now united in a struggle for peace. Shimon Katz, an Israeli, and Sulaiman Al Hamri, a Palestinian, are part of an organization called Combatants for Peace, founded by former Israeli and Palestinian fighters, that is committed to negotiating a non-violent solution to the conflict. They will speak together at noon Tuesday in Stotler Lounge in Memorial Union at MU.

"What more powerful thing to hear than how these men decided they wanted to be friends and colleagues in peace?" said Carol Greenspan, a member of Brit Tzedek V'Shalom, an organization that is co-sponsoring the speakers' national tour.

Combatants for Peace and Brit Tzedek V'Shalom call for a two-state solution, which would mean the establishment of a Palestinian State alongside Israel, and an end to violence.

"These are very brave men to take these principled stands, and we are very lucky to have them," said Greenspan of the speakers.

The two men are speaking in St. Louis today and will leave for Kansas City after their stop in Columbia.

Columbia was not originally a destination on the 22-city tour, but they agreed to make the additional stop because of the efforts of peace advocates in Columbia.

"It has been very moving to see how many people have come together for an event such as this," Greenspan said.

Rabbi Yossi Feintuch, of Congregation Beth Shalom, and Imam Nabeel Khan, of the Islamic Center of Central Missouri, will make opening remarks.

Those who attend the event will be able to sign a petition to President Bush asking him to support a negotiated two-state settlement. The event is free and open to the public. A question-and-answer session will follow.