The Olive Alliance

“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”

– Mother Teresa

The sacred space of resolution is at the heart of this organization.

The Olive Alliance’s goal is pure, but its shelf life is finite. The only way through is to speak to one another. For a shift to occur, we must come together and join in our grief, our hopes, and our visions. 

We support a bi-national state between the river and the sea for Israelis and Palestinians, Jews and Arabs, where life and resources are shared in a sustainable manner via technology. Both populations are home and have a right to be here. We aim to include various viewpoints but only with the mutual understanding of coexistence.

Who We Are

We are a group of U.S. citizens made up of lawyers, construction workers, students, artists, entrepreneurs, tech natives and a diverse group of other professionals who believe that a just peace between Palestine and Israel will reverberate throughout the world ushering in a new era of prosperity and enlightenment. 

We reject extremism in all its forms. We believe the only way forward is through dialogue and points of meeting. We are willing to ask ourselves the tough questions and take responsibility for our actions.

We are a finite organization, meaning we intend to have an expiration date. We seek to find the alchemy that will open the hearts and minds of the most staunch supporters of the status quo. So that lasting peace can have a chance to take root. 

What We Do

  • We organize with like minded humans focused on pushing policy that leads to a just and peaceful resolution to the Israeli / Palestinian conflict.
  • We raise funds for politicians who refuse to settle for the status quo. We support those that do not take money from special interests.
  • We participate in action initiatives that culminate in thunderclap moments that bring to light the most divisive and/or overlooked issues to the forefront.
  • We collaborate with like-minded organizations committed to peace and fostering an environment conducive to resolution.
Get Involved

The 5 A's: Acknowledgement, Accountability, Acceptance, Amnesty, Affirmation

Acknowledgement

The first step is to recognize the full history, grievances, and lived experiences by identifying narratives of human beings’ lived experiences. This means acknowledging the pain, losses, and injustices faced by Palestinians and the Jewish people over the past millennia without attempting to minimize or negate historical narratives. From here, a reciprocal relationship, where stories are shared and heard, can start to form, building a foundation of empathy. Formal recognition of narratives and the suffering of each group creates the possibility of bridging divides. This is essential in establishing a shared history and present-day reality that humanizes all parties.

Accountability

Step two requires a commitment to transparency and justice and involves holding individuals, groups, or institutions responsible for past actions that have perpetuated the conflict. This includes addressing and rectifying actions that have inflicted harm, providing a path for reparations or restorative justice where appropriate, and ensuring that systems of power no longer operate unchecked. This necessary measure builds trust and demonstrates a shared commitment to fair and equitable treatment, facilitating forward movement.

Acceptance

Both sides must come to terms with historical realities, present circumstances, and the rights and dignities of each other. Acceptance goes beyond tolerance and necessitates a welcoming of the permanence of each community within the shared space. Recognition of each other’s right to self-determination and respect for the legitimate aspirations each population holds is key. This step encourages letting go of “zero-sum” thinking, where one side’s gains come at the other’s expense. Instead, it opens pathways for mutual benefit and a culture of coexistence, where both groups feel secure in their identities and futures.

Amnesty

Forgiveness is a powerful, deliberate act that can break repetitive cycles of resentment and anger. This verb can create both a legal and emotional space where individuals, particularly those involved in past hostilities, are given an opportunity to move forward without the threat of retribution. Amnesty does not ignore wrongdoing; rather, it acknowledges the complexity of long-standing conflicts and provides a framework for healing by creating conditions for people to re-enter society with a focus on peace and reconciliation. Amnesty is a foundational gesture that supports healing on both sides by freeing people from the weight of past actions and enabling them to contribute to a new, shared future.

Affirmation

Affirmation is the active commitment by both sides to validate and uphold each other’s identities, cultures, and legitimate rights. This step involves public acts and declarations that reinforce the vision of a peaceful, cooperative future. Affirmation is about building a positive narrative that celebrates the richness of diversity and the resilience of both communities. By affirming shared values and the possibility of peaceful coexistence, this step fosters a sense of collective purpose and shared destiny, inspiring future generations to build on this vision. Affirmation solidifies the efforts of reconciliation by committing both sides to a forward-looking partnership grounded in mutual respect.