Rapid Response: Lessons from Gaza & Israel, with World Central Kitchen’s Erin Gore and the Builders Movement's Daniel Lubetzky
Oct 29, 2024
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Erin Gore, CEO of World Central Kitchen, shares her insights on delivering crucial food relief in Gaza amidst escalating conflict, detailing the emotional toll on her team. Daniel Lubetzky, founder of Kind Snacks and leader of OneVoice Movement, discusses navigating the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with a focus on finding common ground. Both urge for compassion and constructive action, highlighting the importance of supportive humanitarian efforts and the need for hope and neutrality in challenging circumstances.
Erin Gore emphasizes the necessity of maintaining neutrality in crisis response to effectively provide humanitarian aid without political bias.
Daniel Lubetzky advocates for grassroots dialogues between Israelis and Palestinians to combat polarization and foster empathy for lasting peace.
Deep dives
Crisis Management in Humanitarian Work
World Central Kitchen operates in dire humanitarian situations, responding to crises with urgent food relief. Following the tragic loss of several team members in Gaza, CEO Aaron Gore reflects on the profound impact of such events on crisis leadership. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a focus on their mission despite the emotional toll and operational challenges. This commitment drives the organization to continue providing essential services even in the most dangerous environments.
Building Bridges Amidst Division
Daniel Lubetzky, founder of Kind Snacks and the One Voice Movement, stresses the need for grassroots efforts to promote understanding and cooperation between Israelis and Palestinians. With decades of experience in fostering dialogue, he highlights the dangers of polarization and how differing narratives can hinder empathy and mutual recognition of pain. Lubetzky urges individuals to challenge their own biases and engage with perspectives outside of their own to combat the rising tribalization in society. His mission underscores the necessity of finding common ground to work towards peace.
Emotional Challenges of Neutrality
Maintaining neutrality is crucial for World Central Kitchen's operations, as it allows them to reach those in need without political bias. However, this stance can lead to emotional hardships for team members who feel strongly about the situations they witness. Aaron Gore acknowledges the difficulties of balancing personal feelings with organizational mandates, particularly when team members resign over perceived inaction. Despite these challenges, he reiterates the necessity of focusing on humanitarian objectives to sustain their mission.
The Role of Determination in Conflict Resolution
Both Aaron Gore and Daniel Lubetzky highlight the importance of determination over optimism when addressing complex issues like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They argue that a builder's mindset—characterized by curiosity, compassion, creativity, and courage—is essential for overcoming divisive ideologies. By recognizing the humanity of both sides and working towards constructive solutions, they emphasize that lasting change is possible. Their efforts serve as a reminder that, even in the darkest times, commitment to purpose can provide hope for a better future.
As conflict in the Middle East continues to escalate, Rapid Response host Bob Safian led a discussion live on stage at the Masters of Scale Summit between two experienced leaders with close knowledge of the region. World Central Kitchen’s CEO Erin Gore has been providing food relief in Gaza and beyond, and Daniel Lubetzky leads the Builders Movement, an organization committed to overcoming extremist thinking and division around the world. (He’s also the founder of Kind Snacks.) Both share how their organizations are protecting people in harm’s way, and finding ways to stay motivated in an increasingly volatile climate.