At the International Philosophy Day event, hosted by the New Acropolis Israel, we came together to explore the profound theme of hope as a driving force for change. The event, titled “Opening a Door to Hope”, brought inspiring individuals from diverse walks of life to share their stories and insights on working collectively towards a better future. The discussions emphasized the power of connection and collaboration, even in the face of adversity.

Maoz Yinon, an Israeli peace activist and entrepreneur, shared his journey of transforming personal tragedy into a commitment to action. Having endured a profound personal loss, Maoz channeled his pain into a mission for peace, illustrating how hope can serve as a force that empowers us to engage with complex realities.

Idit Ohel, the mother of Alon Ohel, who was kidnapped from the Nova Festival on October 7th, spoke about reclaiming control over our destiny, refusing to become victims of circumstances, and finding the strength to give to others even from the most challenging and painful places. Her story was a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of hope in action.

Amin Al-Jamel, an educator, enriched the discussion with his emphasis on Jewish-Arab dialogue as a bridge for connection and understanding. His perspective highlighted the role of education as a catalyst for building mutual respect and shared hope.

Racheli Reuven, a poet and thinker, brought her wisdom and personal reflections on navigating life’s challenges, emphasizing the power of resilience and creativity in fostering hope.
Ronen Halabi, the director of New Acropolis Israel, concluded the panel by connecting us to our role in the world. He spoke about the inner work we, as philosophers, are called to do—especially in these challenging times. His words were a call to action, grounded in resilience and a commitment to hope.

The voices from this evening were filled with hope, unity, and optimism. They reminded us of our important mission and strengthened our belief that together, with the beautiful diversity of humanity, we can rise to the challenge and create a better future.