This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. TEDxJaffa partnered with The British Council [http://www.britishcouncil.org.il/en], which connects people with learning opportunities and creative ideas from the UK. BIRAX [http://www.britishcouncil.org.il/en/p...] (the Britain Israel Research and Academic Exchange Partnership) is a £10 million initiative of the British Council and British Embassy in Israel that funds cutting-edge research using stem cell therapies to tackle some of the world’s most dreadful diseases.

Bashar Iraqi was born and raised in the town of Tira, in central Israel; he is a Palestinian Arab citizen of Israel, a leader in his community and a social and political activist. Bashar founded Darna, a non-profit organization that works to empower the Palestinian youth among the Arab minority. He also works as an Advisor at the Knesset promoting social justice and fighting racism.

Bashar tells the story of his personal journey, growing up as a minority in Israel, experiencing a tragic loss in his teens, participating in Seeds of Peace, running from his tumultuous hometown to pursue education in the United States and his decision to return home to foment change. While pursuing a career in politics, Bashar also founded a youth movement in his town, aimed at empowering young Arab Palestinians like himself to create change in their lives and pursue their dreams regardless of the political situation in which they live.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)