Norman Hanson

Norm is passionate about Israel and its place in the world, believes strongly in the critical need for a just and peaceful solution as a path to true security for Israelis, as well as to self-determination, dignity, and security for Palestinians, and dares to dream about what could be accomplished in Israel-Palestine if those two vibrant, tough and wonderfully engaging peoples were able to build connections across the chasm.

Since his first trip to Israel in 1976 at the age of 18, Norm has made about 30 trips to Israel, most recently in 2023 when he participated in a tour led by Palestinians, to have the opportunity to see the place through the Palestinian lens.

Norm is functionally fluent in Hebrew, and has taken the first steps in learning Palestinian Arabic, in the hopes of one day being able to speak with Palestinians in their own language.