So finally, after all this time of hearing about Palestinian human rights, it was time to hear what the other side had to say. The two Pro-Israeli groups we listened to had lots to say, but pretty much the main argument, as anyone who "studies" this conflict would say, is religion. But the real question is, is this conflict entirely revolved around religion? Our group was challenged with this question earlier tonight. The answer? It can be said that religion connects and verifies the need for Israel to 1. be where it is (in the Kingdom of Israel according to the Bible) and 2. the need for Judea and Samaria to be occupied by God's chosen people (Jews). These are the basic arguments for those who truly believe that Israel has a right to occupy the West Bank (Palestine) and continue doing the things that it does.
We heard from the YESHA Council a day ago, along with Judy, an incredibly right-winged woman who is apart of the Likud party. For those who understand this conflict and or keep up with this, you can only imagine what it was like hearing what they had to say. Of course, the right to be here in Israel was the starter, but the ways that they went about arguing that there is no problem doing what they do because they feel fear. I can understand after thousands of years of persecution, an ethnic/religious group can feel like that. The reason I say ethnic/religious group is because there is such a misconception about the two. Judaism is the religion, but Jews have been considered an ethnic group for many years. When talking about the conflict, it is important to understand the differences between Jews, and those who are Israeli. Israelis are those who are citizens of Israel, while Jews can be anything from Jews by cultural connection such as having a Jewish family, or practicing religious Jews. One can still be an atheist and call themselves Jewish. So defining the differences plays a huge role.
I forgot to mention that we also talked to a man named Jared. He is from the United States and explained to us what it meant to have an identity and what Isreali identity is thought of as, according to him. He grew up not really understanding what it meant to be Jewish because his family was known as the Jews and everyone just went to them for prayer, Shabbat and what not. I forgot to mention that we participated in a Shabbat dinner last Friday. Daniel (another guy on our trip) and myself got to enter the house of an Orthodox Jewish family. Definitely not what I thought it was going to be like. Probably some of the most understanding people I have seen here so far. They really came to Israel more so for economic reasons than religious. They do follow religion as we participated in a Shabbat dinner, which means songs, hymns, and certain other parts that follow Judaism. They were very welcoming with open arms as we walked into a singing house and had an amazing dinner. The couple were both teachers and had children. One of their children actually got to sing in a choir for President Obama, I believe. Originally, the couple was from England so it was exciting hearing English accents. So thrilled! It was a smashing night. Of course, we were there to hear what they had to say about life, religion, and politics. It is almost impossible to not ask someone what they think of the conflict. Something that I have struggle with is coming forward and asking what these people think. It does not fit with my personality, I would rather respect a person and get to know a few basic things before diving into politics. Unless we are going to a briefing, I find it harder for me to get myself to ask a stranger about these things. Especially after we have been invited to enjoy a religious dinner with them.
Anyway, back to Jared. His main points included that Jews feel tension and paranoid all the time. So it makes sense the ways in which they act. He on the other hand 1. hates praying in synagogues and 2. wants to share the land with the Palestinians. He is incredibly religious, but is something we could consider the "exception" to the rule. He had a lot other things to say, but I really am too tired to keep typing about him. He talked A LOT. More like rambled.
We leave for Tel Aviv tomorrow, but we have spent our last day in Jerusalem looking at monuments such as Schindler's grave, going to the Mt. of Olives, and roaming around. I really have enjoyed my time in the Old City. I feel like there still is so much I could still study here, two weeks just is not enough. I remember leaving Vietnam feeling like a month was not even close to being enough. I really felt an emotional connection to Schindler's grave though. The book, and the movie, really moved me when I was younger. Studying the Holocaust and those who had the will to save others inspire me to be a better person and walk in similar footsteps as these brave souls did. I only can hope to be close to helping people as they once did.
I explored a little bit of my roots as well in the Armenian Quarter today. Crazy how just saying "Hi, how are you?" in the same language can create a simple relationship between two people. I got to speak Armenian (the little I know) to these merchants and purchased some really great things that I get to bring back. I really have learned a lot in the little time I have been in Jerusalem. Yes, I am here to study the conflict, but there is so much more to Israel that I always have wanted to know. I have had a fascination in Judaism since I was little. When I was younger, I was brought up pretty religiously attending St. Paul Armenian Church in Fresno, participating in Awana at New Covenant. I used to be really familiar with the Bible and stories, but as I got older a lot of that faded. I barley can remember some stories now, but my mom would remind me when I was little that I had a fascination with the Jews and their culture. That is something I do remember, even if its something so small. My time spent at FPU has helped me understand religion more so and the implications it can have on a person's life. Israel is a place where religion plays a dominate role. The first day I was here, we went to the Western Wall, aka the Wailing Wall and watched people just pray. Everyday since then I have seen so much praying and watching these people devote themselves to their religion. I don't know how to describe it. Some say it is beautiful, which it is. These people have such a deep passion for something so much bigger. I just could never imagine myself being that devoted to religion. Too much devotion in my opinion is incredibly dangerous. But, I know for a fact the Ultra-Orthodox Jews just want to pray all day and do nothing else, which is cool with me. I could go on and on about the dangerous and benefits of religion, but I will save that for another blog. Tel Aviv, here we come!
As always,
Alexa
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