In a world where headlines are dominated by conflict, three veterans from distinct wars remind us of war’s harsh reality and the urgent need for dialogue. An Israeli who served in the 1982 Lebanon War, an American Iraq War veteran, and an American Vietnam War veteran all share a common conviction: war destroys lives, not solves problems.
“Every war is brutal, and civilians are always paying the price. Every dead, injured and mentally or psychologically hurt person is a damage for generations, not just the person himself,” says Yair Bunzel, an Israeli army veteran and anti-war activist. His reflection captures the generational scars left by battle.
Despite the trauma and loss, these veterans hold onto hope. They believe true peace comes from engagement, not force. Bunzel puts it simply: “In the end, you have to shut down the fire. Putting down the fire means, you sit with your enemy and you really search for a solution.”
Their message resonates with young global citizens, entrepreneurs and changemakers seeking real-world impact. By sharing firsthand accounts, they challenge us to rethink conflict resolution—encouraging us to bridge divides through conversation and empathy.
As tensions continue in various parts of the world, these veterans' call to action is clear: the path to lasting peace starts when we dare to sit across the table from those we once called the enemy.
Reference(s):
Israeli Veteran: Sit with Your Enemy and Search for a Solution
cgtn.com
