Gershon Baskin reveals the story behind the secret backchannel that took place between Hamas and Israel leading to the prisoner’s exchange and Shalit’s release in October 2011. The role of Israeli academic and Co-Director of the Israel Palestine Centre for Research and Information Gershon Baskin was crucial in facilitating a trustworthy and ‘human’ channel of communication between the two parties that took years of relentless efforts to foster and achieve its final goals.
In this informal interview conducted by Israeli journalist Nathan Jaffay, Baskin discusses how he went from being a “stupid, naïve American” that made aliyah in the 70s, to becoming an advocate for peace through his work at the Israeli Ministry, the foundation of a groundbreaking joint Israeli-Palestinian think tank, and ultimately his role in mediating a prisoners deal between the two rivals Hamas and Israel.
Working as a ‘free agent’, Baskin explains the setbacks he encountered during his unofficial talks with Hamas spokespersons; from dealing with Israeli negligence and unwillingness to negotiate with ‘terrorists’, finding creative ways to meet Hamas and Israeli demands, maintaining an open line of communication, seeking recognition and legitimacy to proceed with a deal, and overcoming personal and emotional obstacles.
Embraced by a broad spectrum of Israeli political and ideological fractions upon the conclusion of the prisoner’s swap, Baskin’s persistence and good faith brought back to surface the important role peace mediators and academics play in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
This event was supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands.
