Listen to their conversation: Malka and Aziza
This morning, Michigan Public Radio's Speaking of Faith covered the story of a group of people living in LA, called NewGround, who are working to build understanding in the heart of political conflict. Two girls participating in the program, Malka and Aziza, were chosen for a radio interview. Malka, a Jew and Aziza, a Palestinian discuss their persistence in attempting to understand one another and develop a friendship.
They claim that the key is realizing your similarities and constantly trying to tackle the "elephant in the room." For them the word "Zionism" is one of the hardest to overcome. To Malka the word means salvation and community and to Aziza it means oppression and exclusion. By continuing to ask questions, the two girls say they have been able to reach a deeper understanding of conflict and resolution.
"Bringing people together for hummus and hugs"! I want to join! First, I just want to say how much I love this story (which looks to be part of a series). It seems that our failure to understand the religious beliefs of one another leads to further complications since all of our actions are influenced by these beliefs. This organization's notion that "we are better in this than apart" truly offers a new approach to bridging the conflict. Unless we are willing to forsake our own convictions in order to understand the other side's, no solution for peace will ever be found.
ReplyDeleteThis just goes to show you how different cultures and beliefs really do come into play when trying to understand someone and resolve things. Although it is hard for people to really look into what another religion says, it is always good for people to have an idea of what is going on and that will lead to a better discussion and understanding. Being open to other ideas will allow others to be open to your beliefs as well, and by this people can really start to understand each other and not feel so strongly against one but be able to see what they are talking about.
ReplyDeleteWe need more of this. Is there really such a wide gap between Israel and Palestine, or do too many powerful people benefit from oppression and division? People on both sides need to learn to look beyond their hatred and their national mythos to understand the humanity of their "enemies".
ReplyDeleteVery cool. It's good to know that conversations like this, however small time, are taking place.
ReplyDeleteAs far as we have seen through the movies and books etc that we have read related to Israel and Palestine, there are sooo many similarities between the two groups. Of course that is not enough to forget about the pain on both sides, but I think it's a start in moving on.
ReplyDeleteI am part the Peace Jam organization who might be hosting a group called "OneVoice Movement." Their e-mail stated that, "OneVoice aims to amplify the voice of the
overwhelming majority of Israelis and Palestinians who wish for peace and prosperity,empowering them to demand accountability from elected representatives and work toward a two-state solution, guaranteeing an end to the occupation and all forms of violence, and achieving a viable, independent Palestinian state at peace and in security with Israel." Hopefully everything works out and we can see them here.