In 2000, when I started my first masters (in international relations at the LSE), the second infitada started between the Israelis and Palestinians. It was the first time I felt seriously disturbed and slightly obsessed with following a political situation. The current rise in tensions - bombings and very sad death tolls included - reminds me of this feeling, although this time around I also feel that the situation is hopeless and that the stalemate will simply continue.
There is so much poverty, so much hopelessness in Gaza. There is hate. And there is so much fear - and hate - in Israel. I don't believe that it is intrinsic to the people (individual), to the peoples (Israeli/Palestian), or to the religions (Jewish/Muslim). I don't believe that it is an inevitable conclusion to history. Silly, naive or idealistic as it may be, these days when Conductor/Pianist Daniel Baremboim, who tours the world with his Israeli-Palestinian orchestra, turns 70 and this "success story" is constantly being told, there should be hope. But the situation as it currently stands - with separation, segregation, lack of access to development, basic structures, leading to lack of hope - this is simply crazy.
This region needs so much tolerance. So much hope. This current craziness must end.
I know... I find it infuriating and sickening how many of the victims, now and it seems always, there and elsewhere, are not only civilians but children. It's just so dirty. It's true that often negative images of the other fade or at least diminish when you meet a member of that group. Situations are so much more complex in reality than 'us' or 'them,' there's a lot of variation in thought and behavior within groups themselves. I wish people would see that, see beyond the surface, look beyond negativity, and let go of hatred.
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