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Israel Miko Peled, an Israeli-American activist, author, and martial arts instructor, advocates for human rights and a single democratic state in historic Palestine.
Miko Peled uses Patreon to gather support for his work, enabling him to produce exclusive videos, podcasts, and interviews focused on under-reported Palestinian experiences and human rights.
Miko Peled actively promotes and supports the Palestine Children's Relief Fund, urging his audience to donate to provide urgent humanitarian care for children in Gaza, particularly during times of conflict.
Just World Books published Miko Peled's book, "The General's Son: Journey of an Israeli in Palestine."
Through the Elbanna-Peled Foundation, Miko Peled has worked closely with Rotary International on projects, including sending 1000 wheelchairs to Palestinian and Israeli children.
Miko Peled was born in Jerusalem on December 10, 1961, into a prominent Zionist family. His grandfather, Avraham Katznelson, was a signatory to Israel’s Declaration of Independence. His father, Mattityahu Peled, served as a general in the Six-Day War (1967) and later became a proponent of Israeli dialogue with the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). Following his father’s footsteps, Miko Peled initially joined Israel’s Special Forces after high school, earning a red beret. However, he soon grew disillusioned and left military service, becoming a medic. By 1982, disgusted by the Lebanon War, he distanced himself from military involvement, ultimately burying his service pin.
After leaving military service, Miko Peled pursued martial arts, becoming a sixth-degree black belt in karate. He owned and operated Martial Arts America in Coronado, California, from May 28, 1989, a school dedicated to teaching leadership skills and non-violent conflict resolution. A significant turning point in his activism came in 1997 when his 13-year-old niece, Smadar, was killed in a Palestinian attack in Jerusalem. This tragedy, coupled with his sister Nurit’s perspective that the occupation was the root cause, propelled him into deeper activism. He recognized shortcomings in the two-state solution and began to advocate for a single democratic state that ensures equal rights for Israelis and Palestinians. He sold Martial Arts America in October 2012 to focus on his advocacy work and writing.
Peled is the author of “The General’s Son: Journey of an Israeli in Palestine” (2012), which chronicles his shift from a Zionist upbringing to a critical stance on Israeli policies. He also authored “Injustice: The Story of the Holy Land Foundation Five” (2018). His work includes contributions to online publications such as the Electronic Intifada and the Palestine Chronicle. He travels globally, speaking out against the occupation and supporting movements like Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS). He co-founded the Elbanna-Peled Foundation in 2010, which aims to provide humanitarian aid and support reconciliation efforts in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He is also the founder and director of the Palestine House of Freedom in Washington D.C., working to shift perceptions and advocate for a free democratic Palestine.
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