PVLF 2025

Interview with Dr. Joseph K Thomas Author of Israel-Palestine War-Give Peace a Chance

In this interview, Dr. Joseph K. Thomas shares insights on writing about the Israel-Palestine conflict and its impact on peace, history, and humanity.
on Sep 27, 2024

Frontlist: Your book explores the complex and sensitive Israel-Palestine conflict in a clear and engaging way. How did you approach writing about such a multifaceted issue, and how did you ensure a fair and balanced perspective?

Joseph: Writing about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was one of the most daunting and humbling experiences of my life. This ancient land has witnessed centuries of strife, displacement, and human anguish on a scale that defies comprehension. The truth is, my initial instinct was a bit of fear. How could I, an outsider to this conflict, hope to shed light on the complexities that have bewildered generations of scholars, diplomats, and peacemakers? I questioned whether I had the fortitude to take on such an endeavor.

It was in that moment of doubt that I found my resolve. I realized that to approach this task with fear would be to do a disservice to the very essence of my mission - to bring clarity, understanding, and a path forward. And so, I immersed myself not just in the historical accounts and political analyses, but in the human stories that undergird this conflict.

In those moments, I realized that this conflict, as intractable as it may seem, is not a battle of absolutes but a struggle for belonging, for recognition, and for the fundamental human yearning to shape one's destiny. It was this complexity that I strived to capture in my writing, eschewing simplistic narratives in favor of a panoramic view that honored the depth of experiences on all sides.

To ensure a fair and balanced perspective, I watched videos of diverse array of voices - Israeli and Palestinian academics, policymakers, activists, and ordinary citizens. I sought out dissenting viewpoints, challenging my own assumptions and biases at every turn.

In my writing, I strived to honor the lived experiences of those who have borne the brunt of this conflict while also acknowledging the fears, aspirations, and grievances that fuel the opposing narratives. I sought to dismantle the false dichotomies that have ossified into dogma, replacing them with a recognition that truth often resides in the spaces between extremes.

Ultimately, my goal was not to offer a definitive solution, for such a task would be a fool's errand in a conflict as layered as this one. Instead, I aimed to provide a framework for understanding, a pathway towards empathy, and a vision for a future where the Israeli and Palestinian peoples can coexist with dignity, security, and mutual respect.

Frontlist: How have your experiences in humanitarian missions and your military service influenced your understanding of geopolitical conflicts and shaped your approach to writing about them?

Joseph : During my military service, I learned that war is not a game of chess played by generals and politicians. It is a brutal, visceral reality that leaves indelible scars on the human psyche and the very fabric of societies. I have seen the horrors of combat up close, the haunted eyes of soldiers returning from the front lines, their souls forever marred by the trauma of survival. I have held the hands of young soldiers as they drew their final breaths, their dreams of a peaceful future snuffed out in an instant.

The experiences that have shaped my understanding of geopolitical conflicts and my approach to writing about them are not confined to the realm of textbooks or academic discourse. They are deeply rooted in the soil of the battlefields and humanitarian crises I have witnessed, the tears and triumphs of those whose lives have been forever altered by the whim of conflict.

Through these experiences, I have come to understand that the true cost of conflict is not measured in dollars or territory, but in the shattered dreams, the fractured families, and the irretrievable losses that reverberate across generations. It is a cost that can never be fully quantified, for it is woven into the very tapestry of human suffering. I strive to amplify the voices of those who have borne the brunt of conflict, those whose stories are too often silenced or obscured by the din of geopolitical maneuvering.

In my writing, I strive to illuminate the shared humanity that binds us all, the common yearnings for security, dignity, and the freedom to shape our destinies that lie at the heart of every conflict.

Frontlist: Your books cover a range of topics, from India's New National Education Policy to India's potential as a superpower and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. What drives your interest in these geopolitical and policy issues, and how do you choose the topics you write about?

Joseph: My interest in these matters is rooted in a deep fascination with the human condition, and aspiration that governs the course of civilizations. From the corridors of power where decisions are made to the streets where their consequences are felt, I am endlessly captivated by the interplay between the grand narratives of history and the lived experiences of ordinary people.

My first book, INDIA: THE NEXT SUPERPOWER, I turn my gaze towards India's potential as a Superpower and not merely examining statistics and projections. I am endeavoring to understand the aspirations of a nation that has long been shackled by the chains of colonialism and poverty, a country that now stands poised to claim its rightful place on the global stage.

In my third book, India's New National Education Policy 2020, is a blueprint for shaping the minds and dreams of generations to come, that will influence the trajectory of the world's largest democracy. Through my book, I see the hopes and aspirations of parents longing to provide their children with the right tools and the ambitions of a nation striving to harness the power of knowledge to propel itself onto the world stage.

Similarly in my fifth book, Russia-Ukraine conflict, I am drawn not just to the geopolitical maneuvering and the clash of ideologies, but to the human stories that lie at its heart. I am compelled to understand the fears and aspirations of those caught in the crosshairs of this conflict, the mothers shielding their children from the thunder of artillery, the soldiers grappling with the weight of their choices, and the leaders navigating the treacherous waters of diplomacy and war.

So, the topics I choose to explore may span the breadth of the geopolitical landscape, from the halls of power to the battlefields of conflict, my true motivation lies in the enduring quest to illuminate the common threads that bind us all. It is a journey and a commitment to giving voice to the stories that have too often been silenced by the din of power and ideology.

Frontlist: Why do you believe discussing the Israel-Palestine conflict is important today, and how does understanding its cultural and historical narratives contribute to this relevance?

Joseph: The Israel-Palestine conflict is a festering wound in the heart of the Middle East, a seemingly intractable conflict that has defied resolution for decades. To understand the enduring importance of this conflict is to grapple with the very essence of what it means to be human, to confront the forces of identity, belonging, and the eternal quest for home. The Israel-Palestine conflict is a clash of narratives, a collision of worldviews and historical experiences that have shaped the aspirations and resentments of generations.

On one side, we have the Jewish narrative, a story forged in the crucible of diaspora, exile, and the spectre of genocide. It is a tale of a people scattered across the globe, their roots severed, their identity fractured, yearning for a homeland to call their own.

On the other side, we have the Palestinian narrative, a story of displacement, dispossession, and the bitter taste of exile. A narrative is woven from the threads of a people who have called this ancient land home for centuries, only to find themselves cast adrift, their villages razed, their olive groves uprooted, and their dreams of self-determination trampled underfoot.

It is in these stories, these acts of courage and empathy, that the true relevance of the Israel-Palestine conflict is revealed. For in grappling with this seemingly intractable conflict, we are forced to confront the very essence of our shared human experience, the struggle to forge a world where our differences can be celebrated rather than weaponized, where the wounds of history can be healed, and where the dream of a just and lasting peace can be realized.

Frontlist: Why do you believe discussing the Israel-Palestine conflict is important today, and how does understanding its cultural and historical narratives contribute to this relevance?

Frontlist: In your view, what would a successful peace process look like, not only in political terms but also in terms of cultural and social harmony for both Israelis and Palestinians?

Joseph : To envision a successful peace process between Israelis and Palestinians is to conjure a vision of hope, empathy, and a profound commitment to healing the wounds of history. It is a path lined with profound challenges, minefields of mistrust and resentment that have festered for generations.

A successful peace process would require a recognition of the validity and legitimacy of the narratives that have shaped the aspirations and resentments of both Israelis and Palestinians.

For the Israelis, a successful peace process would mean acknowledging the trauma of the diaspora, the spectre of genocide that haunted their ancestors, and the primal yearning for a homeland that could offer refuge and security. It would mean embracing the profound historical significance of the Jewish connection to the land of Israel, a bond forged in the crucible of exile and sustained through centuries of longing and prayer.

For the Palestinians, a successful peace process would entail a recognition of their indelible connection to the land, a bond forged through centuries of tilling the soil, tending the olive groves, and weaving the tapestry of a rich and vibrant culture. It would mean acknowledging the searing pain of displacement, the anguish of exile, and the enduring struggle to assert their right to self-determination on the land they have called home for generations.

A successful peace process would transcend the narrow confines of political agreements and territorial compromises. It would be a holistic endeavor, a journey towards cultural and social harmony that would require a concerted effort to dismantle the architecture of hatred and mistrust that has been erected over decades of conflict.

Above all, a successful peace process would require a profound act of moral courage, a willingness to transcend the boundaries of nation and creed, to embrace the shared humanity that binds us all, and to seek a path towards reconciliation that honors the aspirations and narratives of both Israelis and Palestinians.

Frontlist: In your view, what role can literature and writing play in advancing conflict resolution and diplomacy, particularly in complex issues like the Israel-Palestine conflict?

Joseph : Literature and writing have long served as powerful threads that bind people together, transcending boundaries of culture, geography, and even time itself. In the realm of conflict resolution and diplomacy, literature and writing can play a vital role as instruments of empathy, understanding, and, ultimately, agents of transformation. At their core, words have the power to bridge divides and create pathways of connection where once there were only walls of mistrust and resentment.

Through the lens of literature, the stories of Palestinian families displaced from their ancestral homes, the anguish of exile, and the enduring struggle for self-determination can be brought to life with clarity. The words of Palestinian writers can give voice to the echoes of pain and loss that have reverberated through generations, offering a glimpse into the depths of trauma that have shaped their collective experience.

Conversely, the works of Israeli authors can illuminate the existential fears and profound historical resonance that have underscored the Jewish yearning for a homeland, a sanctuary from the specter of genocide that haunted their ancestors. Through their words, the weight of the diaspora, the struggles and triumphs of nation-building, and the ever-present specter of insecurity can be rendered with potency.

Through poetry, memoirs, and other forms of literary expression, the painful legacies of the past can be confronted and acknowledged, creating a shared narrative of truth and accountability that can serve as a foundation for restorative justice and the collective work of rebuilding trust and fostering coexistence.

In the realm of education and youth engagement, literature and writing can serve as powerful instruments for cultivating a culture of peace and understanding from a young age. Through carefully curated curricula and reading materials, the stories and perspectives of both Israelis and Palestinians can be woven into the fabric of learning, challenging the monolithic narratives that have too often perpetuated cycles of hatred and mistrust.

By exposing young minds to the richness and diversity of these narratives, literature can plant the seeds of empathy and cross-cultural understanding, nurturing a generation that is better equipped to confront the complexities of the conflict with open minds and open hearts.

In these spaces, the power of the written word can serve as a catalyst for transformation, challenging preconceptions, dismantling barriers of mistrust, and fostering the kind of meaningful connections that are essential for building a foundation of lasting peace.