Up until January, I had a very vague idea of Israel and the conflict, but did not realize the extent and depth of the issue. I had had several friends growing up that were either Israeli or had lived there for some time, and they were normal kids. I didn't think twice about it. It was a place with problems, but every place has problems. So what?
Now, I know what. I realize the conflict began not in 1967 or 1948, but that the land has been a place of contention for thousands of years. I realize the extent of the occupation and how it affects daily lives, but I also still remember that life goes on, as it always has.
In this spirit, I want to leave you with a video I found about Israeli and Palestinian views on Iran. For me, sums up what has been most important for me in this course and what I will take with me into my life: people are people. That is all.
Time really has flown by, hasn't it? Saying this again reminds me again that I really need to start my project...
ReplyDeleteBut I digress. I really have enjoyed learning about Israel, Palestine, Jerusalem, and the Conflict in this class. The learning process has been really rewarding, but in a way I feel like it's a lot different than my experiences in all my other classes. It's like I've become more aware and conscious about how I learn, what I'm learning, and my own biases. I think a lot of this has to do with the variety of perspectives presented in our texts, and the critical discussions we have in class. I don't think we could've gotten a more supportive, thoughtful, and open-minded bunch of people gathered in a single room to talk about one of the most important regions in the world. A plus for everyone!!
Also, thanks for sharing the video. I really liked it, and I think it touched a lot on our recurrent discussions about the importance of knowledge and education and just going beyond the simple soundbites we hear in the news--to really get to know and understand the people we are studying. Below was probably my favorite quote from the clip:
"To meet each other as people, not as representatives of countries."
Really eloquently said, Kellie. If there is something that I've taken away from the class, it is also that the conflict is much deeper than the average understanding and that it can't consume you, but rather it becomes a part of your everyday function and life goes on, regardless of political agendas.
ReplyDeleteKellie, thanks so much for a great recap of your thoughts on this semester it been great getting to learn from your perspectives. I loved the video you included in your, post it was touching and shared an honest truth, we are all humans on one shared earth so why would we ever hurt another group. Unfortunately politics and state policies are extremely influential in how we think about others, and serve to unite groups of specific people for all the wrong reasons. I think its best put in this quote from Chris Hedge's, 'War is a Force that Gives us Meaning'.
ReplyDelete“The enduring attraction of war is this: Even with its destruction and carnage it can give us what we long for in life. It can give us purpose, meaning, a reason for living.”
If more people could just sit down and have coffee together this world would surely be a different place.
I agree! I grew up around a lot of people involved both directly and indirectly in the conflict, and I still did not really understand it in all its complexity until this class. Better integration into the school system would surely be a great way to encourage thoughtful debate and discussion and promote dialogue on a touchy subject.
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