Released Hostage Moran Stella Yanai in civil discussion with UCLA Encampment leader

There are dozens of posts here today about this stunning The Gr8 Debate production of released hostage Moran Stella who went through hell for 54 days in Gaza, explaining to UCLA encampment leader how it all felt from her side.

Unbelievable how someone who went through all that can sit and have a civil discussion with people fully supporting those who kidnapped her.

But that's exactly what she did.

She's one of the bravest souls I've ever seen in my life.

Not only making it out of there alive but now so dedicated to shifting the hate to something more productive.

Let me break down what she did really briefly.

>> She told him some personal things about herself so he would see her as a fellow human

>> She wasn't reading off a script - she spoke from the heart

>> She detailed her experience not in a self-pitying way to get our support - but rather in a way that would serve the greater good

>> She explains how she respects others - even her kidnappers - and how she wants to hear what the leader has to say

>> She's not just talking at him but constantly trying to engage him in a civil discussion

>> She gently reminds him that it's okay to have different opinions, but recommends checking the facts on both sides.

My Commentary

As incredible as she is and all the amazing events like this bringing Jews and Israelis to speak up like never before - she is a shining example of resilience and bravery. There are simply no words.

But are we actually shifting the hate?

The problem with this format of having a few speakers engaging with one another on stage is that it's one ego to another - so it doesn't accomplish very much except the wow/viral post factor, and all the commentary to go with it.

For us to really shift things we need to sit down in a circle together - Jews and Arabs - and go through a process that will help us remember that we're all human - and we all want the same things in life.

I've experienced many circles like that here in Israel, and at the end everyone got up and hugged each other. No one wanted to leave the circle.

So as amazing as all these new speakers we have representing Israel abroad are - hopefully soon we'll understand that everyone needs to actively participate in the discussion.

We really need to get over this panel business where a room full of people listen to the speakers engaging with each other instead of engaging with the people around them.

We need to learn how to generate the positive forces in nature and that mainly comes from discussions with a diverse group of people going through a very specific process that helps us remember our common bonds.

That's what the new era is all about.

That's what the future is all about.