Who could be a better news analyst of the unfolding revolution in the Arab world than Dr Imad Karam? Imad is a 35-year-old Palestinian (in 2011), originally from Gaza, living in the UK. He’s got a PhD on the impact of the media on Arab youth identity—a key to understanding current events. He was in Egypt when the unrest started and has been there more recently.
‘The youth are the ones who start everything,’ he says. ‘They took to the streets, they mobilized for change. The speed of the revolution has taken me by surprise. Nobody could have imagined that Egypt would follow Tunisia in less than a month. There is a renewed sense of identity and pride: for the first time ever, the people feel that they own their country. Dignity and hope are restored, people are allowed to dream. I, as a Palestinian, could feel it; anyone from the region can feel it.’
The impact of these revolutions on the situation in Israel/Palestine could be equally dramatic. He said: “Unless it changes its policies regarding the Palestinians, Israel will be the biggest loser of the changes in the Middle East. The Palestinian people are inspired. They have already started revolting against their own divisions and will seek to end the occupation through a civil revolution. There will be crackdowns and more military interventions to maintain the status quo.’
Imad grew up in Gaza. He knows what the status quo means: ‘growing up in a conflict situation, growing up having to strive, knowing that you’re not free.’ While most of the other children of his age were leaving school to support their families or engage in the intifada, he was kept in school. ‘I was privileged to be in a family that appreciated education,’ he explains.
He studied English at university in Gaza; then worked as an English language editor for a daily newsletter. He won a scholarship to do postgraduate studies in media and communications in London, then applied to study for a PhD.
In London, Imad was introduced to the international NGO Initiatives of Change committed to building trust across the world’s divide. There he met David Channer, director of the For the Love of Tomorrow Films (FLTfilms), specializing in documentary films on conflict resolution, intercultural understanding and social renewal. Imad co-produced the award winning film, The Imam and the Pastor, the story of reconciliation between Imam Mohammed Ashafa and Pastor James Wuye from Nigeria, former enemies and militia leaders who became peacemakers. Imad’s Arabic version of the movie was broadcast by Al-Jazeera and he became the co-director of FLTfilms productions.
Through his work he is seeking inspiration about the kind of programme or initiative that would help and give a vision to the Middle East and the Arab region. When asked what his vision is for the Arab World, and more specifically the Middle East, Imad says: ‘Getting rid of a dictator is only the beginning. There is a long and hard road ahead still. It will take collective action to consolidate the changes and take these countries forward but I see a great potential.’
Today, Imad says he will continue to work on Christians/Muslims relationship. He explains: ‘It’s only going to become more important, whether it is the relationships within the West or the relationships within the East or the relationships between East and West. And I hope that one day I can contribute to bring peace to my people. If I had the magic I would want to see that everyone has peace in their hearts. If we have peace within ourselves, we would have peace around us. In Gaza, peace is what’s missing.’
It seems that the new context in the Arab world encourages Dr Karam to be more than just a news analyst. He wants to become an active peacemaker in the Arab World and more specifically in the Middle East.
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