Rev. Moon and Yahya Sinwar: Path to Peace

Welcome, everyone, to a truly transformative conversation. Today, we’re bringing together two powerful figures—Yahya Sinwar, a leader in the Palestinian resistance, and Reverend Sun Myung Moon, a global peacemaker known for bridging some of the world’s greatest divides. Reverend Moon played a key role in helping dissolve tensions in the Cold War, bringing East and West Germany closer, and even opening doors with North Korea by meeting Kim Il Sung. Now, we ask—what kind of breakthrough can be achieved if these two leaders sit down to discuss peace in the Middle East?

Reverend Moon’s core belief is that we are all children of God—brothers and sisters, no matter our differences. Imagine the possibilities if this spirit of unity, forgiveness, and love could be applied to one of the most enduring conflicts in modern history. In this conversation, you’ll witness an inspiring dialogue about reconciliation, breaking barriers, and the courage it takes to transform enemies into brothers. So, sit back and open your heart as we explore the path to peace.

Unity Under God’s Vision of Humanity

Rev. Moon: "Yahya, one of the core beliefs that has guided my life’s work is the understanding that we are all children of one God. Regardless of where we come from—our race, nationality, or religion—we share the same divine parent. This means we are all brothers and sisters. I believe that the root of any conflict, including the one between Palestinians and Israelis, can be healed if we come to understand this. Unity is not a matter of politics alone but a matter of spiritual realization. How do you see this vision of shared humanity fitting into the struggle your people face?"

Yahya Sinwar: "Reverend Moon, I agree that the idea of shared humanity is powerful, but in our situation, it's difficult for people to see beyond the immediate pain and suffering. Our people have been living under occupation, and many see those on the other side as enemies, not brothers. It’s hard to imagine that message resonating here when there’s so much distrust and anger. How do we help our people see this vision when they’ve lost so much?"

Rev. Moon: "I understand the deep pain your people have experienced, and it is not easy to shift hearts that are wounded by conflict. But it begins with leadership, Yahya. Just as a parent teaches their children to forgive and embrace each other, leaders must help their people see beyond the pain. I believe this is where you have a great role to play. You can show them that, while the struggle for justice is essential, the foundation of a true and lasting peace comes from recognizing that, despite the conflict, we are all children of God. It’s about building a sense of unity that transcends politics and taps into something deeper—a shared connection under God."

Yahya Sinwar: "But what do we do when the people on both sides feel that they’ve been wronged? When every new generation grows up with stories of loss and oppression? How do we bring about a message of unity in a situation like ours, where historical grievances run so deep?"

Rev. Moon: "This is where the concept of a parent’s heart becomes central. God, as our parent, grieves when His children fight. Just as a human parent would want to see their children reconcile, God wishes for us to transcend these divisions. The truth is, both Palestinians and Israelis have suffered, and that suffering has hardened hearts. But as leaders, you can begin to plant the seeds of reconciliation by promoting the idea that we are one family under God. It won’t be easy, but every great transformation starts with a few people who are willing to embrace a larger vision for humanity. I’ve seen it happen before—between North and South Korea, and even during the Cold War. The same is possible here."

Yahya Sinwar: "It sounds idealistic, but I can see how powerful it could be if people began to see each other as part of the same family. However, the political situation is complex, and many of our people feel that unity would mean giving up their fight for justice. How do we ensure that this message of unity doesn't dilute the struggle for our people’s rights and dignity?"

Rev. Moon: "Yahya, unity under God does not mean surrendering your rights or dignity. It means approaching the struggle for justice from a higher perspective. It’s about seeing your adversaries not as permanent enemies but as potential brothers and sisters, who are also capable of change. True justice is born from love and understanding. When we fight with hatred in our hearts, we perpetuate the cycle of pain. But when we seek justice from a place of love—love for humanity, love for peace—that’s when we begin to break the chains of conflict. This is not about giving up—it’s about transforming the way we seek justice, so that it leads to lasting peace for all."

Yahya Sinwar: "Your words give me a lot to think about, Reverend Moon. The idea that justice and unity can coexist—that we can fight for our people’s rights while also seeking to build bridges—feels like a challenge, but one worth exploring. Perhaps this spiritual vision of shared humanity is a way forward, one that we haven’t yet fully considered."

Rev. Moon: "I believe it is, Yahya. The vision of unity under God is not just a dream—it is a reality that we can create, one step at a time. It begins with seeing each other through the eyes of a parent who loves all their children equally. When that realization takes root, even the most entrenched divisions can begin to soften, and a path toward true peace becomes visible."

Overcoming Historical Barriers and Division

Rev. Moon: "Yahya, one of the greatest challenges in any long-standing conflict is the weight of history. In the Middle East, the divide between Palestinians and Israelis has been built over decades of war, loss, and betrayal. But I have always believed that even the deepest divides can be healed. When I met with Kim Il Sung in North Korea, there was so much history between our two nations, so many years of hostility. Yet, when we met face-to-face, we found a way to bridge that gap. Similarly, I saw the walls of the Cold War begin to crumble when I engaged with Mikhail Gorbachev. What can be done in the Middle East to start overcoming the barriers of history?"

Yahya Sinwar: "Reverend Moon, I can appreciate what you’re saying, but our situation is unique. The history here is soaked in the blood of our people. The walls of division have been built not just by political agreements, but by decades of pain. How can we ask people to forget what has happened to them, what they’ve lost? And how can we find common ground when so much distrust still exists?"

Rev. Moon: "Yahya, I understand the depth of the pain—history cannot be erased, and the loss on both sides is undeniable. But overcoming historical barriers doesn’t mean forgetting what has happened. Instead, it means transforming how we relate to that history. The past will always be there, but the future doesn’t have to be a continuation of the same cycle. In my experience, healing begins when leaders, like yourself, decide to engage not as enemies, but as brothers seeking a common future. This doesn’t mean abandoning your cause or forgetting your history—it means building a new chapter, one that transcends the old divisions."

Yahya Sinwar: "But how do we make that leap? When I speak to my people, I can feel their anger and mistrust. They feel like every peace effort has failed them. It’s not just political anymore—it’s personal. How can we even begin to ask them to consider dialogue with those they see as their oppressors?"

Rev. Moon: "Yahya, the first step is to acknowledge the pain and validate the suffering. I did the same when I visited divided nations. We cannot build peace by ignoring the past, but by facing it with honesty and compassion. Start by acknowledging the wounds on both sides—your people’s pain, and theirs too. It is through empathy that we can begin to soften hearts. When I met leaders from nations divided by deep ideological and historical conflicts, I always led with the heart of reconciliation. I encouraged them to see their adversaries not only through the lens of history but through the lens of shared humanity. If the leaders can begin this dialogue, so too can the people."

Yahya Sinwar: "Reverend Moon, I respect your approach, but we live in a time where fear and anger often take precedence over dialogue. The people have lost faith in words. They want action, and many feel that dialogue will not lead to justice. What kind of action could demonstrate that this approach—this path of reconciliation—is something real, something that can lead to tangible results?"

Rev. Moon: "Yahya, action is indeed necessary. When I worked in Korea and Germany, we took steps to show people that reconciliation was more than just talk. We built programs that brought communities together, focusing on shared goals—whether it was education, community-building, or economic opportunities. Start small, with projects that require collaboration on neutral ground. Create opportunities for dialogue at the grassroots level, where people can come together not to discuss politics, but to work on common issues—clean water, education for children, health services. When people see that cooperation can lead to real, positive change, their hearts begin to open to the idea that peace is possible."

Yahya Sinwar: "So, you’re saying that the path to peace is not just through high-level negotiations, but by building bridges between ordinary people on the ground?"

Rev. Moon: "Exactly, Yahya. High-level negotiations are important, but they must be supported by the people. When the people see that peace is not just a dream but something that can improve their daily lives, the walls of division start to crack. When I worked in East and West Germany, it wasn’t just political leaders who made reunification possible—it was the people themselves, coming together to rebuild what had been lost. The same is true here. By creating opportunities for collaboration, even in small ways, you begin to show your people that peace is not only achievable but beneficial."

Yahya Sinwar: "I see your point, Reverend Moon. Perhaps we have been too focused on high-level agreements and have overlooked the power of grassroots efforts. If we can create these opportunities for cooperation, perhaps it will pave the way for a broader reconciliation."

Rev. Moon: "That’s exactly it, Yahya. The healing of historical wounds doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t happen through words alone. It happens when people begin to see each other not as adversaries but as partners in building a better future. By focusing on what unites you—whether that’s the well-being of children, the future of the land, or shared religious values—you can begin to bridge the divides that history has built. It is a slow process, but I’ve seen it work, and I believe it can work here too."

Spiritual Leadership in Conflict Resolution

Rev. Moon:"Yahya, throughout my life, I have seen that true leadership must be rooted in spirituality. Whether it was engaging with political leaders or guiding families, I always found that solutions to deep conflicts required more than political or military strategies—they needed spiritual wisdom. In places like Korea, where division ran deep, it was only through spiritual principles, like love, forgiveness, and understanding, that we could begin to heal. How do you see the role of spiritual leadership in your position? Can spirituality be a tool for resolving the conflict in Palestine?"

Yahya Sinwar: "Reverend Moon, spiritual leadership is something I have reflected on deeply. For many in our community, faith is the foundation of their resilience. It’s what keeps people hopeful, even in the darkest times. But the struggle here is deeply political, and while spirituality is important, many people believe that what we need now is tangible action—political and military solutions to secure our people’s future. How do we balance that with the idea of spiritual leadership?"

Rev. Moon: "Yahya, spiritual leadership and practical action are not separate. They are deeply intertwined. Spiritual leadership guides the heart and mind in the right direction, so that when action is taken, it is based on principles of justice, compassion, and love. Spiritual leaders have a responsibility to ground their communities in values that transcend conflict—values like forgiveness, peace, and unity. Without that foundation, any political or military solution will be temporary. True peace must come from a higher vision, one that sees both sides as part of God’s plan. In your leadership, you have the opportunity to inspire your people to see the conflict from a higher perspective."

Yahya Sinwar: "But the conflict here is so entrenched, and the suffering so widespread, that it’s hard for people to think in spiritual terms. They want justice for their pain, and many feel that spiritual ideas like forgiveness or peace are luxuries we can’t afford right now. How can we bring spirituality into such a heated, immediate situation?"

Rev. Moon: "I understand, Yahya. In times of suffering, it can seem impossible to talk about forgiveness or peace. But I have found that it is precisely in these moments—when anger and pain are at their highest—that spiritual leadership is most needed. Spirituality does not mean ignoring the need for justice, but it means guiding how we pursue that justice. If we seek justice from a place of hatred, we risk perpetuating the cycle of violence. But if we pursue it from a place of love and a desire for reconciliation, we open the door to lasting peace. The greatest leaders are those who can lead their people to higher ground, even in the most difficult times."

Yahya Sinwar: "That sounds ideal, but I worry that my people are not ready to hear that message. Many are too angry, too hurt. They see our struggle as a fight for survival, and spiritual ideals can feel distant from that reality. How do we introduce these ideas without alienating those who feel like their suffering has been ignored?"

Rev. Moon: "Yahya, introducing spirituality into conflict doesn’t mean dismissing the suffering of your people. In fact, it begins with acknowledging that pain. As a spiritual leader, your role is to help your people see that their suffering has meaning, and that through it, they can find a path to healing and transformation. You must help them understand that seeking peace, even in the midst of conflict, is not a weakness, but a strength. This doesn’t happen all at once. It begins with small steps—leading by example, offering words of comfort, and showing that even in war, the heart can still pursue peace."

Yahya Sinwar: "But how do we balance that with the need to defend ourselves? Many feel that without resistance, our people’s rights will continue to be trampled. Can spiritual leadership coexist with the necessity of resistance?"

Rev. Moon: "Spiritual leadership does not mean abandoning the defense of your people. It means leading with wisdom, compassion, and foresight. Resistance is sometimes necessary, but it should always be guided by the principles of justice and love. There is a time for defense, but even in defense, the ultimate goal must be peace. If the heart behind the resistance is pure, if it seeks not vengeance but protection and justice for all, then spiritual leadership can guide that process. The greatest leaders in history have shown that you can be strong in defense while still holding onto a vision of peace."

Yahya Sinwar: "So, you’re saying that spiritual leadership is not about choosing between resistance and peace, but about guiding resistance toward a higher purpose?"

Rev. Moon: "Exactly, Yahya. Spiritual leadership means leading with a vision that goes beyond the immediate conflict. It means understanding that the ultimate goal of resistance is not endless fighting, but the creation of a world where peace and justice can flourish. You can help your people see that their struggle has a higher purpose—one that seeks not just victory in battle, but the victory of the heart. This kind of leadership can transform even the most entrenched conflict, because it touches on the deepest truths of who we are as human beings and as children of God."

Yahya Sinwar: "Your perspective is unique, Reverend Moon. It gives me something to consider—how to integrate spiritual guidance into our struggle for justice. Perhaps there is a way to balance both, and to lead with a vision that goes beyond the immediate conflict."

Rev. Moon: "Yahya, I believe you have the power to be that kind of leader. By grounding your actions in spiritual principles, you can guide your people toward not only defending their rights but building a future where peace is possible. It begins with you—leading by example, offering hope in times of despair, and showing that true strength lies not just in resistance, but in the heart’s capacity to love and forgive."

A Vision for the Future of Palestine and Israel

 Rev. Moon: "Yahya, when I look at the conflict between Palestine and Israel, I see a future that could be radically different from what has been experienced for so long. My life’s work has always been about building a vision for the future—one where enemies become brothers and where long-standing conflicts give way to unity. I’ve seen this happen between divided nations, and I believe it’s possible in the Middle East too. What is your vision for the future of Palestine and Israel? How do you see the next generation moving beyond the cycle of violence?"

Yahya Sinwar:
"Reverend Moon, my vision for the future is one where our people can live in dignity, free from occupation and oppression. I want to see a future where Palestinians have control over their own land, where our children don’t have to grow up under constant threat. But the reality right now feels far from that. Every effort for peace seems to fail, and each generation inherits the same conflict. How do we break this cycle? How do we ensure that the next generation doesn’t repeat the same struggles?"

Rev. Moon:
"Yahya, your desire for your people’s dignity and freedom is noble. It’s what every parent wants for their children. But to achieve a different future, we must envision a different path forward. The next generation cannot carry the burden of hatred and division that has existed for so long. If we truly want to break the cycle of violence, we must plant the seeds of reconciliation and cooperation. I’ve always believed that the future lies in building relationships, even with those we see as enemies. It’s about moving beyond the past and showing the next generation that peace is not just possible, but essential."

Yahya Sinwar:
"That sounds idealistic, Reverend Moon, but in our region, there is so much mistrust and history of broken promises. How do we inspire our youth to believe in peace when they’ve seen so much failure? How can we convince them that dialogue and reconciliation will lead to the freedom they desire?"

Rev. Moon: "It begins with leadership, Yahya. The next generation will follow the example set by their leaders. If you show them that peace and dialogue are not signs of weakness, but paths to lasting freedom, they will listen. One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that the future depends on what we teach the youth today. If we only teach them to hate and to fear, then that’s the world they will create. But if we show them that there is strength in cooperation, that dignity comes not only from resistance but from building a future where all can thrive, then they will follow that path."

Yahya Sinwar: "But there are so many practical barriers. Even if we wanted to pursue peace, how do we address the deep political and territorial issues? How do we ensure that peace doesn’t come at the expense of our people’s rights and justice?"

Rev. Moon: "Yahya, peace and justice must go hand in hand. A vision for the future cannot ignore the need for justice, but it also cannot be held back by the political barriers of today. The greatest breakthroughs I’ve seen happen when people focus on a shared vision that transcends politics. For instance, in Korea, the division between North and South seemed impossible to overcome, but by focusing on the people’s shared heritage, culture, and hopes, we found a way to begin rebuilding trust. In Palestine and Israel, the path to peace will also involve recognizing the shared humanity and dreams of both peoples. It’s about showing that justice can be achieved through cooperation, not just conflict."

Yahya Sinwar:
 "Many of our people see peace talks as a betrayal, as compromising on our struggle for freedom. How do we shift that mindset? How do we convince people that peace is not giving up on justice?"

Rev. Moon: "Yahya, peace is not the absence of struggle—it is the fulfillment of it. The ultimate goal of any struggle is to create a world where people can live freely, without fear. That is what peace brings. It is not about giving up, but about finding a way to achieve justice through means that don’t perpetuate violence. When people see that peace is the way to secure their future, their land, and their dignity, they will understand that it is not a compromise—it is the highest form of victory. Your role as a leader is to show them this vision, to inspire them to see beyond the present and to believe in a future where peace and justice coexist."

Yahya Sinwar: "I can see that. But what does that future look like in practical terms? What steps do we need to take to begin creating that kind of future?"

Rev. Moon: "Practically, it begins with building trust—small steps that show both sides that peace is not just words, but actions. Start with collaborative projects that benefit both Palestinians and Israelis, such as education initiatives, economic partnerships, or environmental programs. These shared efforts help build a foundation of trust. As people begin to work together on common goals, they will start to see each other not as enemies, but as partners. At the same time, leaders must continue to engage in dialogue, pushing for political solutions that honor the dignity and rights of both peoples. It’s not an overnight process, but it is the only way to build a lasting peace."

Yahya Sinwar: "I understand now that the vision for the future cannot just be about one side winning. It has to be about creating a future where both sides can live in peace and dignity. I still have concerns, but perhaps there is a way to inspire the next generation to believe in a future that’s different from what we’ve known."

Rev. Moon: "That’s the spirit, Yahya. The future of Palestine and Israel depends on leaders like you who are willing to imagine a different world—one where conflict doesn’t define the lives of the next generation. By focusing on unity, cooperation, and shared humanity, you can create a future where peace and justice are not only possible but inevitable."

The Role of Forgiveness and Healing Wounds of War

Rev. Moon: "Yahya, forgiveness is one of the most powerful forces for healing. I’ve seen it transform lives, communities, and even nations. In the context of war, where the wounds run deep and seem insurmountable, forgiveness can be the key to unlocking a new future. When I met Kim Il Sung, we both knew the past was filled with pain, but we also knew that holding onto that pain would prevent any progress. In the Middle East, the suffering on both sides has created immense scars. How do you see forgiveness playing a role in healing these wounds, not just for Palestinians, but also for Israelis?"

Yahya Sinwar: "Reverend Moon, forgiveness is a difficult concept for many of our people to accept. The pain and loss are so raw. Many feel that forgiving means forgetting the injustices we’ve endured, and they worry that it would mean accepting a future without justice. How can we ask people to forgive when the wounds are still open?"

Rev. Moon: "Yahya, I understand that hesitation. Forgiveness does not mean forgetting, nor does it mean ignoring the need for justice. In fact, forgiveness and justice must work hand in hand. Forgiving someone does not absolve them of accountability, but it does free the heart from hatred. When people hold on to anger and resentment, it weighs down their souls and keeps them trapped in the past. For true healing to happen, people need to forgive not only for the sake of the other, but for their own peace. This is a path to freedom—freedom from the cycle of pain and revenge."

Yahya Sinwar: "I hear what you’re saying, but our people want justice for the suffering they’ve endured. They want to see accountability. Is it possible to have both? Can we forgive while still demanding justice for what we’ve lost?"

Rev. Moon: "Absolutely, Yahya. Forgiveness and justice are not opposites; they are complementary. Justice ensures that wrongs are addressed and that people are held accountable, but forgiveness is what allows a society to heal. When I met with political leaders who had fought bitterly for years, the first step toward peace was always forgiveness. Without it, justice can become distorted into revenge, and that prolongs the suffering. True justice is restorative—it aims to rebuild and repair, not to destroy. When people are able to forgive, they open the door to reconciliation, and that makes true justice possible."

Yahya Sinwar: "But how do we begin to introduce forgiveness when so many people feel that their suffering has been ignored or overlooked? Many Palestinians feel that forgiving means giving up on their struggle for justice. How do we show them that it’s not about giving up but about moving forward?"

Rev. Moon: "Forgiveness is not about giving up on justice—it’s about letting go of hatred so that you can pursue justice with a clear heart. The first step is acknowledging the pain and suffering on both sides. People need to feel that their pain has been seen and understood. That’s where forgiveness begins—not by asking people to forget their past, but by recognizing it and then choosing to move forward without the burden of hatred. You, as a leader, have the power to demonstrate this. When you lead with forgiveness in your heart, your people will follow. Over time, they will see that forgiveness doesn’t weaken the struggle—it strengthens it by focusing on what truly matters: the future."

Yahya Sinwar: "I can see the importance of releasing hatred, but I worry that many people are too consumed by anger and loss to even consider forgiveness. How do we begin this process when emotions are so high and the wounds so fresh?"

Rev. Moon: "It begins with small steps, Yahya. Forgiveness doesn’t happen all at once. It starts with moments of compassion and understanding. Encourage your people to look at the shared humanity of those on the other side, even if it’s difficult. Show them that there is strength in letting go of the desire for revenge. Forgiveness doesn’t mean you don’t fight for your people’s rights—it means you do so with a heart focused on healing, not destruction. When I worked in divided nations, we began with dialogue—small moments of connection where people could express their pain and begin to see the possibility of reconciliation. This is where healing starts."

Yahya Sinwar: "I see your point. Perhaps if we start with encouraging dialogue, we can slowly introduce the idea that forgiveness is not about weakness, but about finding strength in moving forward. But what about the other side? How do we ask for forgiveness when there’s so much mistrust and fear?"

Rev. Moon: "Yahya, forgiveness is a two-way street, but someone must take the first step. In every conflict I’ve worked in, there has always been one side that made the courageous decision to reach out first. It’s not easy, but when you extend a hand in forgiveness, it opens the door for the other side to respond in kind. You can start by acknowledging the pain of your own people and then showing empathy for the suffering on the other side. This doesn’t diminish your cause—it strengthens it by showing that you are committed to a future where all can heal. True leadership is about leading with the heart and inspiring others to follow."

Yahya Sinwar: "It’s a challenging path, but I see now that forgiveness doesn’t mean giving up on our rights or our future. It means finding a way to heal without letting anger consume us. If we can begin to introduce this idea, maybe we can break the cycle of hatred that has lasted for so long."

Rev. Moon: "Exactly, Yahya. Forgiveness is not a sign of weakness—it is the greatest strength. It is what allows societies to rebuild after years of conflict. When people see that they can let go of hatred without giving up their dignity or their struggle for justice, they begin to see the possibility of peace. I believe that you can lead your people toward this realization, one step at a time."

Short Bios:

Yahya Sinwar is a key leader of Hamas in the Gaza Strip, known for his role in the Palestinian resistance. He has been a central figure in shaping the political and military strategies of Hamas.

Reverend Sun Myung Moon was a global spiritual leader and founder of the Unification Church. Known for his efforts in bridging divides, he played a pivotal role in fostering dialogue during the Cold War, between East and West Germany, and with North Korea.