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Posted via web from TEDx HolyLand

HolyLand Revelations!

I am back from Tel Aviv and recovering from the head spinning experience

It was an emotional roller coaster at many levels and in a good way from the minute I landed to leaving.

Of course everyone spoke to me in Hebrew as they thought I was a Sabra. TEDx Tel Aviv was so well organised and at par with the main TED conferences . What struck me most was the passion and the pride Israelis had in what they have achieved, the breadth of expertise and innovation from agriculture, science, high tech to all sorts of dimensions that are on par with world class leading companies and research and development

 

As a Palestinian, I was beyond nervous addressing 400 Israelis (I had a one minute talk) at TEDx Tel Aviv but the response was phenomenal and people kept approaching me throughout the day offering to help us with TEDx Holy Land which will take place in Jerusalem on the 28th of Oct (in case you can make it) at the American Colony Hotel

 

We had all sorts of meetings afterwards with potential female speakers from all sides and it is amazing how many wonderful and talented women there are from each side. We are focusing on empowering women and we had meetings in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem & Bethlehem.

My cousin  whisked us off in her car for meetings. Liat appreciated those frank & open discussions & views from the Palestinians and said she learnt a lot from them. And I helped Liat’s son with his Arabic homework as he has to study Arabic for 2 years.

 

Liat my amazing Israeli partner at Tedx Holy Land was beyond gracious, welcoming & supportive. I stayed at her house (probably the first time in the history that a Palestinian stays with an Israeli family) and we both feel we are ready for the next phase of getting TEDx Holy Land going. It is a complicated time & a complicated set up from all sides which has it challenges but challenges are a good thing

Hanan

 

With Liat at TedxTelAviv

Posted via web from TEDx HolyLand