A Rare Bridge: Syrian Activist Delivers Direct Message from Damascus to Israel’s Parliament
In an unusual and historic move, Syrian political activist Shadi Martini stepped into Israel’s parliament this week with a message from deep inside Damascus — one he says came straight from Syria’s transitional President Ahmed al-Sharaa himself. This wasn’t just any message. It was a call to action wrapped in urgency and opportunity.
“We have an opportunity like this only once in a hundred years,” Martini quoted al-Sharaa as saying during a recent meeting at the presidential palace. “The window will not remain open forever.”
That line alone set the tone for what many are now calling a rare moment of possibility between two longtime adversaries. Martini, who wears many hats as the CEO of Multifaith Alliance and a passionate advocate for humanitarian ties between Syrians and Israelis, shared this message in a candid interview with Fox News Digital.
Behind Closed Doors in Damascus: A Conversation About Peace and Tensions
Martini’s meeting with al-Sharaa took place just after the Eid al-Adha celebrations in June, a time of hope shadowed by renewed Israeli airstrikes inside Syrian territory. The atmosphere was tense, and the talks reflected that reality.
“We talked a lot about Israel,” Martini said. “There was significant concern about Israeli incursions in Syria. The president was clear: How can we seriously discuss a peace deal while violations continue?”
Despite the friction, Martini sensed genuine hope bubbling beneath the surface.
“It’s not just al-Sharaa personally pushing for this — there’s growing recognition across Syria,” he explained. “People want investment, prosperity, and stability. If that’s going to happen, things have to change.”
The message was straightforward: The opportunity for normalization is fleeting, and Syria’s leadership is sending a direct signal to Israel and the region to act — now.
Bringing Damascus to Jerusalem: A Historic Address to Israeli Lawmakers
Back in Israel, Martini took this message to the Knesset during a first-of-its-kind regional security caucus committee meeting. This session was led by Israeli lawmakers and featured voices from across the Middle East, including a Saudi analyst and government officials.
“Syria is watching Saudi Arabia closely,” Martini noted, pointing to Riyadh’s recent signals of openness toward ties with Israel under certain conditions.
He stressed that the economic possibilities emerging from the region—especially those related to initiatives pushed by former President Donald Trump—are sparking interest.
“Both Syria and Saudi Arabia are eyeing these opportunities. The question now is: Will Israel seize the moment? Because if not, that prosperity could just pass them by.”
This candid address, coming from a Syrian exile who once ran a hospital in war-torn Aleppo, marked a historic moment of dialogue rarely seen between the two countries.
Behind the Headlines: Could Syria-Israel Peace Be on the Horizon?
The timing of these developments is particularly intriguing given recent diplomatic activity in Washington. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with former President Trump twice in the White House amid swirling speculation about a U.S.-brokered agreement between Syria and Israel.
Anna Kelly, a White House spokesperson, underscored this hope, telling Fox News Digital:
“President Trump welcomes any effort toward a greater peace in the Middle East and around the world.”
When asked directly on Fox Business whether a non-aggression pact with Syria was in the works, Netanyahu was deliberately vague but optimistic:
“I think there are opportunities now,” he said, referencing a famous quote by President Woodrow Wilson about transparent agreements. “I have a slight variation: I believe in open covenants secretly arrived at. So whatever we can do in diplomacy, I think we should do discreetly—and then surprise people.”
Reflecting on the Abraham Accords, Netanyahu highlighted the power of quietly building peace:
“We worked for three years on the Abraham Accords and then surprised the world with four peace treaties. I think more are coming.”
The Hard Issues: Gaza, the Golan Heights, and Ceasefires
Even as the dialogue opens, Martini was quick to acknowledge that key sticking points remain.
“There’s Gaza, the need for a ceasefire, and the pathway to a Palestinian state,” he said. “And from Syria’s side, the Golan Heights issue remains critical.”
But above all, Martini emphasized a practical first step, one that could lay groundwork for future talks:
“The first and most important step is returning to the 1974 armistice line.”
This reminder underlines just how complex and fraught the peace process will be, requiring patience and compromise on all sides.
Shifting Public Opinion: Syrians’ Changing Attitudes Toward Peace
Calls for peace with Israel remain controversial in Syria. The scars of decades of conflict, political propaganda, and deep-seated mistrust have shaped public opinion in powerful ways.
Yet Martini believes the tide is turning.
“More Syrians now understand that peace with Israel is what Syria needs,” he said.
The country’s desire for stability and economic opportunity may be starting to outweigh old hostilities, creating a new dynamic in Syrian politics and society.
Israeli Lawmakers Listen, But What’s Next?
Martini described a receptive audience in the Knesset.
“I felt the Israeli lawmakers were genuinely listening,” he said. “Having a direct message from Syria should help clear up confusion and build trust.”
Still, Martini is aware the road ahead will be challenging.
“This isn’t going to be easy or fast, but the fact that these conversations are happening openly is historic in itself.”
He envisions this as the first step in a long process of regional reconciliation that could bring lasting peace to a fractured region.
Key Takeaways & What to Watch Next
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A historic message from Syria’s transitional president urges Israel to act fast — a once-in-a-century opportunity for peace.
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Syria’s concerns over Israeli incursions remain a major hurdle, but so does the need for a ceasefire and Palestinian statehood progress.
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Economic incentives, championed by former President Trump, are a major motivator for regional actors like Syria and Saudi Arabia to consider normalization.
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Diplomacy is expected to proceed discreetly, following the pattern of the Abraham Accords.
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Public opinion in Syria is shifting, with more people recognizing peace with Israel as necessary.
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Israeli lawmakers appear open to listening, signaling potential for future talks and agreements.
Why This Matters
This development is more than just another news story about the Middle East. It’s a glimpse at a potentially transformative moment in a region long defined by conflict and division. When a Syrian activist can stand in Israel’s parliament and deliver a direct plea from Damascus, it signals that even the most entrenched conflicts might be moving toward resolution.
For decades, Syria and Israel have been locked in hostility — with wars, proxy battles, and deep mistrust. But beneath that surface, economic pressures, security concerns, and shifting political realities are pushing leaders to consider peace where it once seemed impossible.
As this story unfolds, it’s important to watch not only the official diplomatic channels but also how grassroots voices, public opinion, and regional powers like Saudi Arabia shape the outcome.
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