Connecting Divides, Inspiring Empathy
At InterAct, we are dedicated to building bridges, fostering understanding, and creating a future where coexistence and peace are possible. InterAct’s journey is a testament to the power of connection and the belief that humanity can transcend division. Through education, dialogue, and shared experiences, we strive to inspire resilience, empathy, and a brighter future for generations to come.
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Our leadership team brings together individuals who have turned personal loss into a powerful commitment to unity. Co-CEOs Aziz Abu Sarah and Maoz Inon carry the weight of personal tragedies inflicted by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Aziz lost his brother during the First Intifada, and Maoz lost both his parents during the October 7th attacks.
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Rather than succumbing to bitterness, Aziz and Maoz transformed their pain into a shared commitment to peace. Their bond symbolizes hope amid loss, underscoring the power of human connection and the potential to overcome cycles of violence. Through InterAct, they have amplified efforts to promote dialogue, empathy, and mutual understanding, working toward a future where Israelis and Palestinians can coexist in peace and dignity.
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In May 2024, Aziz and Maoz attended the “Arena of Peace” event in the northern Italian city of Verona, where they received the personal embrace and support of the late Pope Francis, who spoke of their shared vision of peace:​ "In front of the suffering of these brothers, which is the suffering of two peoples, nothing can be said. They had the courage to embrace each other, which is not only a testimony but also a project for the future. Both have lost family members. The family is broken because of this war. What good is in war? We make a space of silence because one cannot talk too much. We need to hear."
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History
InterAct was initially founded in 2018 as a U.S. nonprofit organization (501(c)(3)), by Aziz and Jewish-American Scott Cooper, whose longstanding dedication to peacebuilding played an integral role in the organization. Their goal was to bridge divides and foster empathy through innovative workshops on conflict resolution, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and intercultural understanding for schools, businesses, faith organizations, and nonprofits.
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Nearly twenty years ago, Aziz and Scott began their journey as co-directors of a peacebuilding center at George Mason University, the world’s oldest conflict resolution school. They created transformative social change programs across the globe and co-founded MEJDI Tours, a socially conscious travel company that pioneered dual and multi-narrative tours worldwide. Their groundbreaking work earned international recognition from organizations such as the United Nations, The New York Times, National Geographic, and CNN.
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Since October 7th, and following Maoz’s integration into InterAct, the organization has pivoted to focus on the Israeli-Palestinian context and the leadership example of Aziz and Maoz in turning pain into action and action into hope.
Team
Michal Amir
Chief of Staff
Michal Amir is an Israeli professional based in Lausanne, Switzerland, specializing in digital marketing, strategic development, and public relations. She supports the Inon family's peace advocacy efforts as their strategic and public relations manager, focusing on event organization, community engagement, and media outreach. Michal has led impactful initiatives like the "It's Time" coalition's event in Tel Aviv and the PeaceTalks project, which fosters dialogue through media platforms. She also coordinated a significant meeting between peacebuilders Aziz Abu Sarah and Maoz Inon with Pope Francis, promoting reconciliation and understanding. Michal is dedicated to advancing peacebuilding locally and internationally.
Emili Ghraiyib
Programs Manager
Emili is a Palestinian peace activist, with an MA in Public Policy and Political Action from the University of Franche-Comté. As the Programs Manager at InterAct International, she spearheads initiatives promoting dialogue and peacebuilding while empowering communities to address socio-political challenges. A licensed tour guide specializing in geopolitical tours of Palestine and Israel, Emili highlights the region’s complexities. Her career spans roles in local and international NGOs, focusing on organizational development, project planning, and women’s empowerment in tourism. Emili remains a passionate advocate for coexistence and collaborative solutions.
With a communications career that has included on-air broadcasting, a syndicated newspaper column, and corporate public relations for multiple national brands. Most recently Susan has focused on creative relationship building for both Fortune 500 companies as well as in the nonprofit world. She started her peacebuilding work in 2018 with Aziz Abu Sarah and MEJDI Tours and was an unofficial brand ambassador long before joining that team. At Interact, she wears many hats inspired to serve the mission and to help amplify the urgent message of peace.
Susan Holmer
Strategic Partnership and Communications
Anas Maraqa
Tech Manager
Anas is a seasoned professional from Hebron, Palestine, with extensive experience in NGO work and international business. He has held diverse roles such as Office Manager, Fundraiser, and Project Coordinator, where he contributed to organizational development and community-focused initiatives. Currently, Anas serves as the Tech Manager at InterAct, leveraging his expertise to support impactful projects and operations. He also specializes in creating authentic visitor experiences in the Holy Land, blending strategic insight with his deep knowledge of the region. Anas is dedicated to fostering meaningful connections and driving solutions that benefit both his community and broader audiences.