More than 4,000 people participated yesterday, Thursday, April 30, in the People’s Peace Conference held at the Expo Tel Aviv, initiated by the “It’s Time” coalition. Over 80 organizations, movements, and non-profits took part in the event, which was dedicated to building public support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel, ending the occupation, and achieving Israeli-Palestinian peace. This is the third annual conference organized by the coalition, following large-scale events held at the Tel Aviv Arena and the International Convention Center in Jerusalem in 2024 and 2025.
MK Ofer Cassif (Hadash-Ta’al), Secretary General of the Communist Party of Israel Adel Amer, MK Ahmad Tibi (Hadash-Ta’al) and former Hadash MK Dov Khenin during the People’s Peace Conference held at the Expo Tel Aviv, initiated by the “It’s Time coalition”, Thursday, April 30, 2026 (Photo: Zo Haderekh)
In one of the city’s largest conference centers, thousands gathered for the third annual People’s Peace Summit under the banner “It must be. It can be. It will be.” From morning until evening, discussions, lectures, and workshops open to the public were held on various topics, featuring activists and public figures. Among the sessions were: “Between Gaza and Tehran: Alternatives to the Security Concept of Eternal War;” “A Work Plan to Exit the Abyss: Short Lectures on Seven Breakthrough Ideas,” “It Is Possible: A Politicians’ Panel,” “Eyes on Gaza: Projects of Humanity and Hope in Days of Dehumanization and Despair,” and “Eyes on the Occupied West Bank: What Can Be Done Against Policies of Violence, Displacement, and Annexation.” Concurrently, a fair was held throughout the day, where dozens of peace organizations and movements, among them The Peace Partnership, Hadash, Zo Haderekh Communist weekly, presented their activities to the conference participants.
The conference’s keynote event featured speeches by prominent leaders of the peace camp. In his speech, MK Ayman Odeh (Hadash) referred to the union of Zionist politicians Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid: “They talk about a ‘covenant of those who serve’ [in the occupation army]; we are here to build a covenant of life. We will do everything to re-establish the Joint List.”
In his stirring speech, which was met with enthusiastic cheers and applause, Odeh emphasized: “War does not require Arab-Jewish partnership, but for peace, we must have Jewish-Arab partnership, and we are realizing it here. The last day of the occupation will be the first day of peace. Together, we will bring that day—the day when a child will no longer be afraid, a mother will no longer weep, and we will see each other as human beings.”
The key aspects of the Summit are: To end the war, occupation and conflict, promote a peace solution and promote a shared future of safety, dignity, and equality. The 2024 and 2025 events brought together thousands of participants, including Israeli and Palestinian activists, bereaved families, artists, and activists. It functions as a demonstration of strength for the Israeli peace camp, focusing on building a “reality of hope” through public mobilization.
Video: MK Ayman Odeh at the Peace Summit (Hebrew, Arabic and English):
https://x.com/i/status/2049948995691085846
Related: https://maki.org.il/en/?p=33415
