Amir S. Abu-El-Hawa, Undergraduate Student
Amir S. Abu-El-Hawa, an undergraduate student at Mason, recently returned to the U.S. after taking part in an international security study in Switzerland. He said, “This opportunity gave me access to organizations such as the United Nations in Geneva, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization headquarters in Brussels, The International Criminal Court at the Hague, and the Council of Europe in France.” At these organizations, Amir interacted with policy makers and experts in the fields of nonproliferation, and human rights laws among others. According to him, this experience was a “phenomenal opportunity” that changed his perceptions on how these organizations operate within their respective regions and the world at large.
Amir, who was born and raised in Virginia, but whose family immigrated from East Jerusalem, came to study conflict resolution at Mason because he wanted to "do his part." Growing up with family in East Jerusalem, as well as, my parents having grown up there, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict has always been apart of my life, so it felt natural for me to enroll at S-CAR. The hope is to contribute, as small as it may be, in ending the pain and suffering Palestinians and Israelis alike endure, while focusing on nonviolence.”
On November 10, 2016, Amir helped to organize a symposium that focused on nonviolence and its role in conflict in the 21st century. The event was hosted by S-CAR and was supported by The Drum Major Institute and Communities Without Boundaries International, with Martin Luther King III as the keynote speaker. He said, “Implementing nonviolence measures as a means of resolving conflicts around the globe is vital if peace is truly sought. Violence only creates new wounds, opens old and perpetuates conflict I am a firm believer that we shape the world in our image. And as it stands today, we, as a human race, are faced with issues and conflicts that will impact our world for generations to come. I am very hopeful that not only will we overcome these issues but we will genuinely make strides in leaving a better world for those who follow. From the professors I have had the honor to learn from here at S-CAR thus far, to my fellow students and those already in the field, there is no shortage of dedication, will, and drive to take on these issues and conflicts. That being said, I am extremely hopeful of what lies ahead not just for myself but all of us."
After completing his degree, Amir plans on getting involved with organizations that focus on nonviolence and peace building and to also pursue his Masters at S-CAR.