BEYOND RECOGNITION

For many Israelis and Palestinians, »peace« has become a contested notion – not because they reject a just and sustainable solution for both peoples, but because the language of peace can feel detached from the violent reality on the ground, as well as the pain, fear, and loss people carry. It is easy for analysts and decision-makers to look at the polls and conclude that the »peace camp« on both sides is a minority. The reality, however, is more complex. When we look more closely at the social realities within Israel and Palestine, it becomes clear that peace is not simply wishful thinking. It exists in the work of those who continue to meet, speak, organize, and imagine a different future, even when the political horizon seems closed. In this context, how can Europeans support this quest for peace through action rather than observation, how can it act beyond recognition? What role could — and should — Europe take? This question was at the heart of the encounters EPICON facilitated across all 27 EU member states in 2025-2026. Europeans are not short of influence, the Israeli and Palestinian participants believe, yet ask: Will Europeans live up to their good intentions? ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND NOTE ON REPRESENTATION Beyond Recognition offers only a glimpse into the work of peace practitioners in Palestine and Israel. The individuals featured in this film are a small number of the many peacebuilders, experts, and activists involved in this work. Their participation should not be understood as representative of all perspectives, experiences, or communities. Much of the EPICON project took place behind closed doors, with most meetings held under the Chatham House Rule. Moreover, the difficult circumstances—and, in particular, the risks associated with public visibility—meant that many voices could not be included in the film. Palestinian and female voices are underrepresented in this documentary, despite having been equally engaged throughout the project. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to this journey. There are hundreds of people whose ideas, experiences, and efforts shaped the project, but who do not appear in this documentary. We wish to acknowledge and thank them as well. FILM CREDITS Directors Robert Bohrer & Carsten Piefke Director of Photography Jean Schablin Producer Meryem-Lyn Oral Editor Carsten Piefke Colorist Studio Temno — David Holfelder Sound Mix Philip Hansmann Narrator Megan Gay A 2RABEN PRODUCTION This documentary film was produced in the scope of the European-Palestinian-Israeli Trilateral Dialogue Initiative (EPICON) – a project implemented by the Candid Foundation with the financial support of the European Union. Find out more about EPICON: https://linktr.ee/epicon.project