The Future Is Peace by Aziz Abu Sarah and Maoz Inon

5 stars

Date of review: July 27, 2026

A new favourite, albeit an absolutely heartbreaking one. The Future Is Peace is written by two peace activists – Aziz Abu Sarah and Maoz Inon – who have become like brothers despite growing up on opposite sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Both have lost family members to the ongoing conflict, and they write with immense honesty, grief, compassion, and courage.

The book unfolds as a journey across the region, reflecting the dual-narrative tours they lead together.
Along the way, they weave together politics, personal and family histories, mythology, religion, biblical stories, and the complex historical narratives that continue to shape this part of the world. Rather than offering simple answers, they invite the reader to sit with complexity while never losing sight of the humanity of the people living it.

What struck me most was their unwavering conviction that violence can never be the path to peace. Instead, they make a compelling case for empathy and dialogue. Coming from two people who have endured unimaginable personal losses, those arguments carry a particularly poignant weight.

This is not an easy read. At times I found it incredibly difficult and emotionally overwhelming, as this book continually confronted me with realities I hadn’t previously understood in their full depth. But I also think it’s one of the most important books I’ve read in a long time, and I urge people not to shy away from it if they can. It’s heartbreaking, but it also offers a vision of what a different future could look like and makes a powerful case that individuals still have a role to play in building peace, challenging the sense of collective hopelessness that so many of us feel.

I listened to the audiobook, and hearing Aziz narrate alongside Maoz’s brother made the experience even more powerful.

A remarkable, unforgettable book that has strengthened my desire to contribute, however modestly, to peacebuilding.