Aziz Abu Sarah

Aziz Abu Sarah is an author, peacemaker and an entrepreneur. In 2009, he co-founded MEJDI Tours, a social enterprise as a bridge between peacebuilding and business. Aziz was the Executive Director of the Center for World Religions, Diplomacy, and Conflict Resolution at George Mason University for 7 years. Aziz is a National Geographic Explorer and a 2014 TED fellow. He won the Intercultural Innovation award from the UNited Nations and the Alliance of Civilizations and BMW Group. His latest book Crossing Boundaries - A Traveler’s Guide to World Peace advocates that travel is an act of diplomacy. Aziz is a lecturer and has spoken at hundreds of Institutions, corporations, and public events on the subjects of travel, education and storytelling, the role of business in peacebuilding, international conflicts, reconciliation, and others. He is an expert on sustainable travel, conflict resolution practices, Middle East conflict dynamics and Islamic conflict resolution tools. He has lectured and facilitated workshops and trainings for countless international organizations and universities, including National Geographic,European Parliament, TED, and the United Nations. He was named one of the 500 Most Influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre. Former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon recognized Aziz Abu Sarah work during his speech at the 5th Global Forum of the UN Alliance of Civilizations.

Connecting people Travel Peacebuilding

Sustainable travel is an act of diplomacy

Business Consultancy, Conflict Resolution and Negotiations, Culture & Change, culture and business, Innovation - Ideas into Action, journalism - narrative story telling, Lecturing on Multiple Topics, MC / Host / Speaker, Study Abroad, tourism & travel

I grew up angry and bitter -- a person seeking revenge. My brother Tayseer was arrested at 18 years old, beaten in prison on charges of throwing stones at Israelis. He died soon after his release. Eight years later when I was 18, I started my path towards reconciliation. Through a Hebrew class I met Jews who weren't soldiers for the first time. I realized that we have built walls of ignorance and fear between us. Since then, I decided to dedicate my life to bringing down this wall. My social enterprise MEJDI Tours does it through tourism -- tours with an Israeli & Palestinian guides leading tours together. The travelers explore all narratives and stories. An American Jewish group staying with Palestinian refugees, Muslim travelers having their first shabbat dinner at a Jewish Orthodox family's home in Jerusalem. We still explore the sites and have leisure time. This model is being replicated in Ireland, Egypt, Turkey, Iran, Iraq, and others.