In an unprecedented visit to Israel’s parliament this week, Shadi Martini, a Syrian political activist, conveyed a message from Damascus, which he attributed directly to Syria’s transitional President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
Martini recounted al-Sharaa’s words from a recent meeting at the presidential palace: “We have a chance like this only once every century. This opportunity won’t last forever.”
During an interview with Fox News Digital, Martini, who is the CEO of Multifaith Alliance and has long championed humanitarian cooperation between Syrians and Israelis, discussed how the dialogue with al-Sharaa revolved around the possibilities for normalization and enhancing regional security, while also hinting at some existing tensions.
He also confirmed that President al-Sharaa knew his message might be conveyed in Israel. “It wasn’t off the record. It was honest and accurate – and the message was, ‘Act now.’”
“So whatever we can do in diplomacy, I think we should do discreetly – and then surprise people. We worked for three years on the Abraham Accords, and then all of a sudden we surprised people with four peace treaties. And I think more are coming.”
Martini stressed that al-Sharra said some issues remain unresolved. “There’s Gaza, there’s the need for a ceasefire, and a pathway to a Palestinian state,” he said. “And from Syria’s side, there’s the issue of the Golan Heights. But the first and most important step is returning to the 1974 armistice line.”
Martini acknowledged that calls for peace with Israel remain controversial in Damascus. “But more Syrians now understand this is what Syria needs.”
According to Martini, Israeli lawmakers responded positively. “I felt they were genuinely listening,” he said. “And I hope that having a message come directly from Syria will help clarify things.”
