Journalist from Syria Champions Israel-Arab World Peace

Hayvi Bouzo, a Syrian journalist and cofounder of the podcast Yalla, is using her platform to bridge the gap between Israel and the Arab world, advocating for peace amidst ongoing conflict. Now based in the United States, Bouzo has become a vocal critic of antisemitism and terrorism, leveraging her weekly broadcasts to share the Israeli perspective with her audience of over 750,000 followers.

The atrocities committed by Hamas during its October 7 attack on Israel served as a turning point for Bouzo, galvanizing her to bring attention to the plight of Israeli victims. Through her interviews, she has highlighted stories that are rarely, if ever, presented on Arab media outlets. “There are hundreds of TV channels in the Arab world, none of which present the Israeli side,” Bouzo remarked.

One of the stories that resonated deeply with her was the kidnapping of Shiri and Yarden Bibas and their young children, Ariel and nine-month-old Kfir, the youngest hostages still in Hamas captivity. “I thought of my own two children,” Bouzo said, reflecting on her personal connection to the pain endured by the Bibas family. Despite venomous backlash and death threats, she remains committed to her mission.

Bouzo’s journey has not been without sacrifice. In 2012, she and her family fled Syria after receiving threats for exposing atrocities committed by the Assad regime. Now in the U.S., she continues her advocacy, describing Israel’s fight against Hezbollah and Hamas as battles for justice. “His [Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar’s] assassination conveys a message to anyone seeking to disseminate terror,” she said, praising Israel’s efforts to combat terrorism.

While critical of terrorist groups, Bouzo also emphasizes the importance of peace initiatives. She believes most Palestinians desire peace and that Israel, as the stronger side, must take the first steps toward fostering dialogue. Her podcast, Yalla, serves as a space to promote empathy and understanding between Israelis, Palestinians, and the broader Arab community. “By bringing attention to shared histories and modern realities, Yalla fosters empathy and dialogue, striving for a future where humanization and mutual respect prevail,” she explained.

Through her courageous work, Hayvi Bouzo exemplifies the power of journalism to challenge narratives, promote peace, and bridge divides in one of the world’s most turbulent regions.

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