Klein’s article did a really good job describing exactly what the wall was and its function. Along with that, reading about people’s reactions gave insight to how difficult it is for some to cope with the presence of the wall.
I found it really interesting that some people have such an easier time to get from one side of the wall to the other. There are some exceptions that are made that don’t completely consider everyone fairly. More than anything, I think that having a wall such as this one in a city is a shame. Being a Jewish girl raised in a rather reform family, I am a full supporter of Israel’s existence and I support almost everything they are doing in order to maintain a homeland for the Jewish people, because it is much required and deserved. But in addition to all that, I am someone who supports a peaceful environment for the three religions who have built a history in Jerusalem. They are all entitled to having a presence in the city in which they have such a deep connection to.
I can see why both sides would be opposed or supportive of the wall being put up. A lot of Israelis argue think and argue that it is necessary in order to protect Israeli citizens from any potential danger that could occur. By building the wall, the number of attacks has decreased substantially from the time when the Second Intifada occurred. So by building the wall, it serves as a protective barrier, protecting Israeli citizens.
Those that are against the wall tend to argue that it claims too much territory for Israel, when in reality they believe that land is Palestinian land. Essentially, it violates a code that was established after the 6-Day War. By building this wall, opponents of the wall have shown that it considerably limits their access to the restricted, protected parts of the city and this is true. But then again, I see it from the other side where they have no other choice but to build this wall for the safety of their own citizens.
How can this be resolved when there are such different, opposing viewpoints? By taking away the wall it puts innocent civilians lives in potential danger, but by keeping it, it’s just continuing this everlasting issue.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
An Item that Describes Me...
Looking around my apartment I find it rather difficult to find just one item that can sum up my entire person. There are quite a few things that my roommates and I share that define us all in different ways. Walking into my own room... I have a Hamsa hanging in the middle of one of my walls that I purchased in Israel, Jerusalem specifically. I love the fact that I purchased it in a place that's halfway across the world, also in a place that means to much to me. I've been to Israel twice now and going back to study for an extended period of time. I cannot wait to submerge myself in the culture and just experience life there. So, having an item hanging in my room (actually multiple things, but I just chose to pick the Hamsa...) from there reminds me of the connection I feel to to that land. It's special and unspoken, but I smile subconsciously every time I think about it or look at it.
There are so many different models and looks for a Hamsa. It can be ingraved, gold, silver, colorful, big or small. But it tends to have a common meaning for everybody.
More than anything, I like what a Hamsa represents. The Hamsa hand is popular in both Arabic and Jewish cultures; I like that fact because it brings the two different groups together with a common object. Hamsa translates to "five" which represents the five fingers that are on the hand. Most Hamsa's have an "eye" in the middle of them which represents a sort of protection against the "evil eye." I'm a strong believer in Karma and I try my absolute hardest to only treat people in the fairest and best way possible, just the way I would want to be treated. The Hamsa is a token item in the Middle East, for all cultures. I have a necklace with a Hamsa a poster with one, and this one that hangs in the middle of my wall.
Three Questions:
1. When you first became involved with this movement, what were people's perceptions of you? How did they react?
2. Has the environment improved at all? Have people responded to the efforts that are being made to make people more tolerant of different sexual orientations?
3. Has there every been a situation in which you personally were discriminated against?
Final Project
For my final paper, I think I've come to the conclusion that I'm going to research and put together as many different peace groups and organizations that have been developed to promote a peaceful solution in the conflict. After elaborating on numerous groups, I will talk about their effectiveness and what may need to change or stay the same in order to promote their main message. Honestly, I still haven't narrowed down exactly what I am doing. This is just one of my ideas. I'm trying to narrow my paper topic down to something more specific, I just haven't decided what I want to do yet.
There are so many different models and looks for a Hamsa. It can be ingraved, gold, silver, colorful, big or small. But it tends to have a common meaning for everybody.
More than anything, I like what a Hamsa represents. The Hamsa hand is popular in both Arabic and Jewish cultures; I like that fact because it brings the two different groups together with a common object. Hamsa translates to "five" which represents the five fingers that are on the hand. Most Hamsa's have an "eye" in the middle of them which represents a sort of protection against the "evil eye." I'm a strong believer in Karma and I try my absolute hardest to only treat people in the fairest and best way possible, just the way I would want to be treated. The Hamsa is a token item in the Middle East, for all cultures. I have a necklace with a Hamsa a poster with one, and this one that hangs in the middle of my wall.
Three Questions:
1. When you first became involved with this movement, what were people's perceptions of you? How did they react?
2. Has the environment improved at all? Have people responded to the efforts that are being made to make people more tolerant of different sexual orientations?
3. Has there every been a situation in which you personally were discriminated against?
Final Project
For my final paper, I think I've come to the conclusion that I'm going to research and put together as many different peace groups and organizations that have been developed to promote a peaceful solution in the conflict. After elaborating on numerous groups, I will talk about their effectiveness and what may need to change or stay the same in order to promote their main message. Honestly, I still haven't narrowed down exactly what I am doing. This is just one of my ideas. I'm trying to narrow my paper topic down to something more specific, I just haven't decided what I want to do yet.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Amiry and Hasan-Rokem Articles...
I thought that reading these excerpts for today allowed us to have a bit of a different and more optimistic perspective on the conflict. Some of the reading had subtle humor and language that a lot of our other articles did not have. It allowed us to view the article in a different light. I liked that about it. It was light-hearted, yet it still proved certain points through that kind of language. The fact that these stories were so much more personal than other historical accounts, really allowed the viewer to connect to the message that the author was trying to convey.
In “A Dogs Life” chapter, it really shows how being a dog in that society can be easier than being a citizen. The fact that the dog is able to attain a citizenship, where it’s owner is not, seems rather strange. The Jerusalem dog is able to pass through checkpoints way easier than a human is able to! How is it so easy for a dog to get across a border, but then when a human tries, they fail? The fact that it was so much easier for the dog to get the ID, just goes to show how divided Jerusalem has become. Israelis are making it incredibly difficult for Palestinians to make their way around Israel’s capital. It’s sad that the Palestinians are facing such issues in their daily life.
In the article, “Not the Mother of All Cities,” it really stuck me in a different way and gave me a completely different perspective of Jerusalem. I’ve never really made the connection and realized that men seem to have the dominant hand in a city such as Jerusalem. In the article, the woman says that Jerusalem has been overpowered by men. Her husband has a sense of control over her and it is because of this that she is not completely able to show who she truly is. He is limiting her to what he views as the right way for a woman to act. But a husband’s relationship with his wife should not be like this in any way. If anything, he should be more supportive of his wife and allow her to show her true colors. Through this analogy, you can see how Jerusalem should be as a city. Jerusalem should be able to accept and provide for people of all different cultures, races, and religions. Everybody should be able to come together in harmony while expressing and practicing what they believe in a peaceful manner.
Questions:
1) In your opinion, what do you see for the future of Jerusalem? Within the next 2 years? 10 years?
2) Do you think your personal views regarding women and feminism affect your view of the conflict as a whole?
3) What should be the biggest change seen between Israeli/Palestinian women/relationships with men?
In “A Dogs Life” chapter, it really shows how being a dog in that society can be easier than being a citizen. The fact that the dog is able to attain a citizenship, where it’s owner is not, seems rather strange. The Jerusalem dog is able to pass through checkpoints way easier than a human is able to! How is it so easy for a dog to get across a border, but then when a human tries, they fail? The fact that it was so much easier for the dog to get the ID, just goes to show how divided Jerusalem has become. Israelis are making it incredibly difficult for Palestinians to make their way around Israel’s capital. It’s sad that the Palestinians are facing such issues in their daily life.
In the article, “Not the Mother of All Cities,” it really stuck me in a different way and gave me a completely different perspective of Jerusalem. I’ve never really made the connection and realized that men seem to have the dominant hand in a city such as Jerusalem. In the article, the woman says that Jerusalem has been overpowered by men. Her husband has a sense of control over her and it is because of this that she is not completely able to show who she truly is. He is limiting her to what he views as the right way for a woman to act. But a husband’s relationship with his wife should not be like this in any way. If anything, he should be more supportive of his wife and allow her to show her true colors. Through this analogy, you can see how Jerusalem should be as a city. Jerusalem should be able to accept and provide for people of all different cultures, races, and religions. Everybody should be able to come together in harmony while expressing and practicing what they believe in a peaceful manner.
Questions:
1) In your opinion, what do you see for the future of Jerusalem? Within the next 2 years? 10 years?
2) Do you think your personal views regarding women and feminism affect your view of the conflict as a whole?
3) What should be the biggest change seen between Israeli/Palestinian women/relationships with men?
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Music...The Heart Beat Project
If there could me more projects out there such as this one, it would really help bring the Israelis and Palestinians together. By drawing a common link we are able to bridge a gap between the two opposing groups of people. Right when I started reading about this project it reminded me a lot of the Orchestra that Barenboin and Said put together. Putting aside the logistics of the conflict, I think having projects such as this one can only help raise awareness and teach others about bringing together groups of people who have never been able to agree upon
I really respect the fact that the Jerusalem Music Center tries it's hardest to encompass both sides of the conflict yet I feel as if they fail to do so. I feel like they give an unequal opportunity to Israelis. They give them the opportunity to meet experienced musicians and learn from them in a way that will aid their musical careers. I feel like they may be excluding the Palestinian students/musicians, whether it is intentional or not. I think they need to be careful about how they word what they say about the Music Center and everything that it does and stands for.
The Heartbeat project serves to bring Palestinian and Israeli youth together in a great way. Once again, in this case, music serves to bring people together. It teaches other tolerance in a way that is different than anything else.
I really respect the fact that the Jerusalem Music Center tries it's hardest to encompass both sides of the conflict yet I feel as if they fail to do so. I feel like they give an unequal opportunity to Israelis. They give them the opportunity to meet experienced musicians and learn from them in a way that will aid their musical careers. I feel like they may be excluding the Palestinian students/musicians, whether it is intentional or not. I think they need to be careful about how they word what they say about the Music Center and everything that it does and stands for.
The Heartbeat project serves to bring Palestinian and Israeli youth together in a great way. Once again, in this case, music serves to bring people together. It teaches other tolerance in a way that is different than anything else.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Salim Tamari...
After reading the articles by Dr. Salim Tamari, I got a really got idea of his perspective of modern day Israel. I enjoyed it more than anything because he wasn't basing his writing off of anybody else's experience but his own. By chance, I ended up picking the first two articles: "Lepers, Lunatics, and Saints" and "Ishaq Shami and the Predicament of the Arab Jew in Palestine". His hand-on experience allowed me to see the situation from a different perspective. I am always so interested in reading other people's perspectives, even if they aren't ones that I agree with. No matter what, they have some kind of reason for their opinions and it's always interesting to see where others' are coming from.
Anyways, in the first article I read, "Lepers, Lunatics, and Saints," I found myself getting a little confused throughout the article; I wasn't confused because of what was being talked about, but because of the fact that I didn't know about a lot of the things that Tamari mentioned.
Prior to reading Tamari's article, I had heard of leprosy, but never really knew what it was. It was interesting to read about how it affected those people fighting for the same land at the same time. Leprosy has been around since biblical times, and the fact that it came back to the surface at such a crucial time is pretty fascinating yet paradoxical to me. I thought it was absolutely ridiculous that when this group of people came down with leprosy, they were still separated, as Jews and Palestinians. Even at this crucial time, they couldn't come together to try and cure their people. I wish that this had been a breaking point for the two groups of people in the way that they would have been able to set apart their differences and come to a common resolution--a resolution which would bring them together to try and cure this terrible disease that had spread to both of their "communities." That's all just wishful thinking though.
Growing up as a Jew, my opinion was that Jews all around the world had to be strong supporters of the Zionist movement, or else who would support them? We are the ones that should be the strongest supporters. Anwyways, it came as a really big surprise to me that there were Jews residing in Jerusalem/Israel who were not full supporters of the Zionist movement. It's a given that Palestinians would not be, but Jews?
Potential questions for Dr. Salim Tamari:
1) What is your opinion on how the United States portrays the conflict to the public? How different is it then the media coverage in the Middle East? What do you think makes this difference?
2)Has your opinion of the conflict changed over time? How do you see it progressing in the future?
3) Where do you stand politically?
Anyways, in the first article I read, "Lepers, Lunatics, and Saints," I found myself getting a little confused throughout the article; I wasn't confused because of what was being talked about, but because of the fact that I didn't know about a lot of the things that Tamari mentioned.
Prior to reading Tamari's article, I had heard of leprosy, but never really knew what it was. It was interesting to read about how it affected those people fighting for the same land at the same time. Leprosy has been around since biblical times, and the fact that it came back to the surface at such a crucial time is pretty fascinating yet paradoxical to me. I thought it was absolutely ridiculous that when this group of people came down with leprosy, they were still separated, as Jews and Palestinians. Even at this crucial time, they couldn't come together to try and cure their people. I wish that this had been a breaking point for the two groups of people in the way that they would have been able to set apart their differences and come to a common resolution--a resolution which would bring them together to try and cure this terrible disease that had spread to both of their "communities." That's all just wishful thinking though.
Growing up as a Jew, my opinion was that Jews all around the world had to be strong supporters of the Zionist movement, or else who would support them? We are the ones that should be the strongest supporters. Anwyways, it came as a really big surprise to me that there were Jews residing in Jerusalem/Israel who were not full supporters of the Zionist movement. It's a given that Palestinians would not be, but Jews?
Potential questions for Dr. Salim Tamari:
1) What is your opinion on how the United States portrays the conflict to the public? How different is it then the media coverage in the Middle East? What do you think makes this difference?
2)Has your opinion of the conflict changed over time? How do you see it progressing in the future?
3) Where do you stand politically?
Final project idea
For my final project, I'm planning on writing the 10 page paper-- I just can't decide what I want to write it about. Within the next couple days I'll figure out exactly what I want to write it about and post it in my blog for Tuesday night. I have a lot of friends who are very active in the Israel groups on campus and I am curious to see what they have to say about the conflict, along with other people. I'm thinking maybe I would be able to conduct some interviews making my paper a little more "hands on." I just need to figure out an actual focus for my paper... :)
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Steps to peace occurring in the Middle East...
At this point in time, I feel like it would be very difficult to propose any type of solution that would lead to a peaceful and successful resolution that fully satisfies both sides. Although I believe both sides of the conflict need to compromise in some way, the Palestinians have made it very difficult for the Israelis to make any type of compromise for peace.
Israel has signed independent peace treaties with both Egypt and Jordan on separate occasions. Each time they gave away either land, water, settlements, or strategic military advantage in order to achieve a peaceful agreement. Israel has given the Palestinian Authority land, money, weapons, training, and intelligence, all in the hope that the PA would reciprocate with an end to terror and incitement.
All in all, Israel wants peace and has proven it in so many different occasions by giving up land. They need to have a partner for peace in order to move forward in any way.
Once again, I am aware that both sides are not perfect. Israel has done it's fare share of harm yet they have spoken and reached out to prove that they have hope for some kind of peaceful future because they have actually taken some kind of actions. In 1917, 1937, 1947, 1956, and 1993 Israeli leaders established a pattern of accepting the handover of land in exchange for peace agreements with its Arab neighbors. These actions have proved to be measures that promote peace between the two conflicting groups of people.
Israel is the only real democracy in the Middle East. Hamas is the obstacle to peace. If Hamas and more Arab countries would adopt a democratic agenda like Israel has done, it allows for hope for a peaceful future. I am a strong supporter of Israel because it promotes these principles that the United States has worked so hard to implement to the point where it actually works! Israel and the United states share the fundamental principles of freedom and equality. Both of these nations were established by immigrants who sought freedom from oppression, and both are rooted in the tenets of democracy, human dignity and religious freedom.
Israel happens to be the only country in the entire Middle East where all citizens, INCLUDING Arabs, are able to have representation in the government, freedom of religion, freedom of speech and women's rights. By implementing some of these valued principles in an Arab Country, they have a chance to be able to live in a way that masks Israel's democratic government--which allows Israel to be a continuous ally to the United States by supporting their international policy.
There are some obstacles that need to be overcome in order for some kind of peace to be established: Israel needs to actually be recognized as a state, religious wars need to stop occurring, and support and glorification of terror and violence needs to end. There are actually Palestinian schools that are teaching their young students that Israel does not exist. Yes, they're actually showing them maps of the Middle East where the state of Israel is not included. How can that be spreading any type of tolerance and acceptance when they are being taught from a young age that Israel needs to be wiped out. All evidence of Israel and its cities has been eliminated and replaced by "Palestine." I have seen numerous Palestinian media where they celebrate terrorism by celebrating bombings which teach children to view death as martyrdom.
This website (http://www.memri.org/subject/en/331.htm) highlights so many instances in which young Palestinian children are succumbed to watching TV shows where the act of killing is glamorized. Which leads me to my next point--educating children with accurate and meaningful facts that establishes a sense of desired peace in their minds rather than continued war violence. The conflict will never improve if both sides are teaching their young children about the atrocities that the others may have committed. The situation will continue to be exactly as it is--never reaching a point where the conflict will improve in any way. Children cannot see the "opposing side" as enemies; they need to have empathy and realize that they are all people with emotions and desires. Acceptance needs to be preached.
I wish I could offer a direct solution but before that can even be thought about, there are changes that need to occur and I have only hit on a handful of them.
Israel has signed independent peace treaties with both Egypt and Jordan on separate occasions. Each time they gave away either land, water, settlements, or strategic military advantage in order to achieve a peaceful agreement. Israel has given the Palestinian Authority land, money, weapons, training, and intelligence, all in the hope that the PA would reciprocate with an end to terror and incitement.
All in all, Israel wants peace and has proven it in so many different occasions by giving up land. They need to have a partner for peace in order to move forward in any way.
Once again, I am aware that both sides are not perfect. Israel has done it's fare share of harm yet they have spoken and reached out to prove that they have hope for some kind of peaceful future because they have actually taken some kind of actions. In 1917, 1937, 1947, 1956, and 1993 Israeli leaders established a pattern of accepting the handover of land in exchange for peace agreements with its Arab neighbors. These actions have proved to be measures that promote peace between the two conflicting groups of people.
Israel is the only real democracy in the Middle East. Hamas is the obstacle to peace. If Hamas and more Arab countries would adopt a democratic agenda like Israel has done, it allows for hope for a peaceful future. I am a strong supporter of Israel because it promotes these principles that the United States has worked so hard to implement to the point where it actually works! Israel and the United states share the fundamental principles of freedom and equality. Both of these nations were established by immigrants who sought freedom from oppression, and both are rooted in the tenets of democracy, human dignity and religious freedom.
Israel happens to be the only country in the entire Middle East where all citizens, INCLUDING Arabs, are able to have representation in the government, freedom of religion, freedom of speech and women's rights. By implementing some of these valued principles in an Arab Country, they have a chance to be able to live in a way that masks Israel's democratic government--which allows Israel to be a continuous ally to the United States by supporting their international policy.
There are some obstacles that need to be overcome in order for some kind of peace to be established: Israel needs to actually be recognized as a state, religious wars need to stop occurring, and support and glorification of terror and violence needs to end. There are actually Palestinian schools that are teaching their young students that Israel does not exist. Yes, they're actually showing them maps of the Middle East where the state of Israel is not included. How can that be spreading any type of tolerance and acceptance when they are being taught from a young age that Israel needs to be wiped out. All evidence of Israel and its cities has been eliminated and replaced by "Palestine." I have seen numerous Palestinian media where they celebrate terrorism by celebrating bombings which teach children to view death as martyrdom.
This website (http://www.memri.org/subject/en/331.htm) highlights so many instances in which young Palestinian children are succumbed to watching TV shows where the act of killing is glamorized. Which leads me to my next point--educating children with accurate and meaningful facts that establishes a sense of desired peace in their minds rather than continued war violence. The conflict will never improve if both sides are teaching their young children about the atrocities that the others may have committed. The situation will continue to be exactly as it is--never reaching a point where the conflict will improve in any way. Children cannot see the "opposing side" as enemies; they need to have empathy and realize that they are all people with emotions and desires. Acceptance needs to be preached.
I wish I could offer a direct solution but before that can even be thought about, there are changes that need to occur and I have only hit on a handful of them.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Final Chapters of the book...
Reaching the end of Karen Armstrong's book made me really look back and reflect on everything that we had already read. Some things were really easy to tie together and recall, while I was left questioning other things. As I read the last few chapters of Armstrong's book, I found myself a lot more confused than when I read previous chapters. Through all the intense and meticulous information, we are all able to safely come to the conclusion that the history of Jerusalem is not an easy one, nor does it have any plan to make peace with three conflicting groups of people. There are so many factors that play into the history of Jerusalem that it is difficult to make any type of summary statement. The people, events, and religion has shaped what the city has become today. Through the vast amount of atrocity that has occurred, the city still remains a holy land for so many people around the world.
I have come to the conclusion that religion plays a huge part in determining one's beliefs, both politically and non-politically, especially when it comes to this conflict. In my opinion, religion is a safe, meaningful place that everybody is able to relate to on some level. So in essence, almost all religions tend to preach similar things...in the end. Respect others, maintain peace, loving yourself and your loved ones...etc. How have we gotten to the point where religion dictates political agendas? The world has come to a point where it is not what it once was; sometimes I wish people could just take a step back and realize how similar we all really are. We all share common values, yet choose to go about accomplishing them in such different, difficult ways.
After reading about the Holocaust and the Zionist movement, it makes me an even stronger believer that the Jewish people deserve to have a homeland. At the time of the Holocaust, many Jewish people did not have anywhere to go because they were being persecuted and discriminated against in countries all around the world. Israel served as a safe haven to them, that welcomed any Jew with open arms. If it weren't for this terrible event, I believe that a lot of things would be different pertaining to the state of current Jerusalem.
Jerusalem is a city that will have a continuous struggle for peace and equality for all of those who deem it holy. How can a common resolution be reached where everybody is satisfied? I'm constantly left wondering.
I have come to the conclusion that religion plays a huge part in determining one's beliefs, both politically and non-politically, especially when it comes to this conflict. In my opinion, religion is a safe, meaningful place that everybody is able to relate to on some level. So in essence, almost all religions tend to preach similar things...in the end. Respect others, maintain peace, loving yourself and your loved ones...etc. How have we gotten to the point where religion dictates political agendas? The world has come to a point where it is not what it once was; sometimes I wish people could just take a step back and realize how similar we all really are. We all share common values, yet choose to go about accomplishing them in such different, difficult ways.
After reading about the Holocaust and the Zionist movement, it makes me an even stronger believer that the Jewish people deserve to have a homeland. At the time of the Holocaust, many Jewish people did not have anywhere to go because they were being persecuted and discriminated against in countries all around the world. Israel served as a safe haven to them, that welcomed any Jew with open arms. If it weren't for this terrible event, I believe that a lot of things would be different pertaining to the state of current Jerusalem.
Jerusalem is a city that will have a continuous struggle for peace and equality for all of those who deem it holy. How can a common resolution be reached where everybody is satisfied? I'm constantly left wondering.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
chapters 11-13
I'm sorry that I have these in so late.. Pesach Seder ran way too late last night :)
Anyways,
Not being a part of the Islamic religion, I barely had any knowledge of what it entailed or what events in history have made Islam the religion that it is today. Chapters 11-13 were a whirlwind of new information. They served to explain what the Islamic religion stands for and how it has evolved through the course of history. Throughout these chapters, Armstrong did not speak very highly of Christianity. Some of the acts that the Christians did that were discussed in the book were pretty cruel. The Crusaders were terrible people and swept through an entire city and killed so many people. Anything that was left over was used for their own personal behalf and they claimed the city as their own after committing all those acts. "Crusader rule had damaged relations between Islam and the Christian West at a fundamental level" (294). It is unfortunate that this was the "Muslims' first experience of the Western world, and it has not been forgotten to this day" (294). This all acted to completely change the Muslims' view of their Holy City.
Aside from these events, I noticed throughout the chapters that there was a point in history when all three religions that I have mentioned had lived side by side where they did respect one another. It's amazing to me that this has happened through the course of history; it just goes to say that it is possible. It is just a matter of accepting one another regardless of one's beliefs.
It's so interesting for me to see the Islamic side of the story. Reading and learning about the prophet Mohammad and how my ignorant negative associations with the Islamic religion are quite false. He is a very similar message--much like my own God. Worshiping one God and only one God. I found it interesting that Mohammad did not intend to create a new religion, he just wanted to restore and potentially expand the old one. Living with others of the same faith is so important in order to maintain peace but if those of differing faiths just realized that in the end, most religions preach the same thing. By realizing this, peace can be achieved and maintained, knowing that different faiths have different reasons that Jerusalem is a holy city.
Before reading this chapters, I really knew nothing about the Muslim faith or Islamic religion. Being exposed to their ideas and beliefs have led me to a more open minded viewpoint believing in the harmony and coexistence of more than one religion together, in the same place.
Anyways,
Not being a part of the Islamic religion, I barely had any knowledge of what it entailed or what events in history have made Islam the religion that it is today. Chapters 11-13 were a whirlwind of new information. They served to explain what the Islamic religion stands for and how it has evolved through the course of history. Throughout these chapters, Armstrong did not speak very highly of Christianity. Some of the acts that the Christians did that were discussed in the book were pretty cruel. The Crusaders were terrible people and swept through an entire city and killed so many people. Anything that was left over was used for their own personal behalf and they claimed the city as their own after committing all those acts. "Crusader rule had damaged relations between Islam and the Christian West at a fundamental level" (294). It is unfortunate that this was the "Muslims' first experience of the Western world, and it has not been forgotten to this day" (294). This all acted to completely change the Muslims' view of their Holy City.
Aside from these events, I noticed throughout the chapters that there was a point in history when all three religions that I have mentioned had lived side by side where they did respect one another. It's amazing to me that this has happened through the course of history; it just goes to say that it is possible. It is just a matter of accepting one another regardless of one's beliefs.
It's so interesting for me to see the Islamic side of the story. Reading and learning about the prophet Mohammad and how my ignorant negative associations with the Islamic religion are quite false. He is a very similar message--much like my own God. Worshiping one God and only one God. I found it interesting that Mohammad did not intend to create a new religion, he just wanted to restore and potentially expand the old one. Living with others of the same faith is so important in order to maintain peace but if those of differing faiths just realized that in the end, most religions preach the same thing. By realizing this, peace can be achieved and maintained, knowing that different faiths have different reasons that Jerusalem is a holy city.
Before reading this chapters, I really knew nothing about the Muslim faith or Islamic religion. Being exposed to their ideas and beliefs have led me to a more open minded viewpoint believing in the harmony and coexistence of more than one religion together, in the same place.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
The Power of Music
Questions for Mariam Said:
1. What has been the most dramatic change in the process for the struggle for peace that you have witnessed throughout your work?
2. How have your perspectives changed from the beginning, when you first started on the project, compared to where you stand now?
The Power of Music...
It is amazing to be how this exchange between two very important figures in today’s culture is so carefully documented. Barnboim, being an Israeli from Argentina, and Said who is a Palestinian American—are able to be such close friends and relate to one another in such a unique way. I think it’s a beautiful idea that people from such opposing viewpoints can come together and find a commonplace in the art of music; on the other hand, I don’t think this can be any type of solution. It is a very temporary attempt at a solution to an argument that has been going on for way too long. If for some reason this shared passion has to be taken away, what are they left with? How can one translate their thoughts through something more concrete? Don’t get me wrong, the fact that they are doing something together such as this is so beautiful and meaningful, yet it is not something that has the capability to withstand direct conflict that is happening in the area. Music is something that all types of cultures enjoy—and if it is only the beginning to the path for peace, so be it. I’ll take that over anything else. Music does have the capability to bring people together.
With that being said, this conflict runs so much deeper than anything that music would ever have the ability to solve. It’s going to take a lot more than organized workshops to solve a conflict that’s been going on for so long. I am not sure I am optimistic to there ever being a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but I can only hope.
In Noura’s article, "Homeland Redefined: Spaces of National Belonging", it was made clear to the reader the difference between Israelis and Palestinians was made very clear; I think that’s important because it allows somebody who doesn’t know a lot about the conflict to really understand more. The article makes it very clear to the reader that both groups of people are fighting over something that they both want; in doing so, it describes various definitions and perceptions of a homeland, holiness, and sacred space. The article also does a very good job of highlighting information about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and in doing so, we are able to see the conflict presented in a different way. After reading this article, I can definitely say that anybody who wasn’t familiar with the conflict prior to reading it, will have a decent idea of what is going on. Of course there is so much more to the conflict, but it does a great job of sorting through the main points.
1. What has been the most dramatic change in the process for the struggle for peace that you have witnessed throughout your work?
2. How have your perspectives changed from the beginning, when you first started on the project, compared to where you stand now?
The Power of Music...
It is amazing to be how this exchange between two very important figures in today’s culture is so carefully documented. Barnboim, being an Israeli from Argentina, and Said who is a Palestinian American—are able to be such close friends and relate to one another in such a unique way. I think it’s a beautiful idea that people from such opposing viewpoints can come together and find a commonplace in the art of music; on the other hand, I don’t think this can be any type of solution. It is a very temporary attempt at a solution to an argument that has been going on for way too long. If for some reason this shared passion has to be taken away, what are they left with? How can one translate their thoughts through something more concrete? Don’t get me wrong, the fact that they are doing something together such as this is so beautiful and meaningful, yet it is not something that has the capability to withstand direct conflict that is happening in the area. Music is something that all types of cultures enjoy—and if it is only the beginning to the path for peace, so be it. I’ll take that over anything else. Music does have the capability to bring people together.
With that being said, this conflict runs so much deeper than anything that music would ever have the ability to solve. It’s going to take a lot more than organized workshops to solve a conflict that’s been going on for so long. I am not sure I am optimistic to there ever being a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but I can only hope.
In Noura’s article, "Homeland Redefined: Spaces of National Belonging", it was made clear to the reader the difference between Israelis and Palestinians was made very clear; I think that’s important because it allows somebody who doesn’t know a lot about the conflict to really understand more. The article makes it very clear to the reader that both groups of people are fighting over something that they both want; in doing so, it describes various definitions and perceptions of a homeland, holiness, and sacred space. The article also does a very good job of highlighting information about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and in doing so, we are able to see the conflict presented in a different way. After reading this article, I can definitely say that anybody who wasn’t familiar with the conflict prior to reading it, will have a decent idea of what is going on. Of course there is so much more to the conflict, but it does a great job of sorting through the main points.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Chapters 8-9
In the next couple chapters I have Armstrong goes into the aftermath of the destruction of the temple. The Romans were very brutal in accomplishing their task-which they did. After the destruction of the temple, life for the Jews "had neither value nor significance, and it seems that in these dark days many Jews lost their faith" (155). Jerusalem was central to their religion and they were not on a quest to give it up. They had to muster up "all their creativity to survive this devastating loss" (155). They didn't give up hope, because after all, the last time the temple had been destroyed, it was miraculously restored and rebuilt, against all odds.
Not only did the Roman occupation destroy the temple and force many Jews out, it didn't allow and inevitably persecuted any of the Christians that would inhabit the land later on. Christians had their own connection to the land and the Romans tried to come in between that. In chapter 9, Armstrong really focused on the spread of Christianity and it's impact on the land and the people. There were so many different arguments and disputes that arose as a result but they continued on in the way that they thought was right, regardless of the Romans efforts to stop them. It's amazing to me how seperate religions interpret the same events in such different ways. When the Christians gained a more prevalent power in the area, they "called themselves the new Israel" (193). They took the land away from the Jews that was rightfully theirs by "annexing the Jews' Holy City through an imperially funded building program" (193).
Not only did the Roman occupation destroy the temple and force many Jews out, it didn't allow and inevitably persecuted any of the Christians that would inhabit the land later on. Christians had their own connection to the land and the Romans tried to come in between that. In chapter 9, Armstrong really focused on the spread of Christianity and it's impact on the land and the people. There were so many different arguments and disputes that arose as a result but they continued on in the way that they thought was right, regardless of the Romans efforts to stop them. It's amazing to me how seperate religions interpret the same events in such different ways. When the Christians gained a more prevalent power in the area, they "called themselves the new Israel" (193). They took the land away from the Jews that was rightfully theirs by "annexing the Jews' Holy City through an imperially funded building program" (193).
Chapters 5-7
I don't know how this happened but I logged on to post for chapters 8-10 and I realized that my previous post for chapters 5-7 never made it on here! Anyways, here it is:
In these three chapters, Karen Armstrong breaks down Jerusalem's history in even more detail by talking about it before Jesus came into the picture and even during his appearance. God was present, but in so many different ways and in so many different faiths. The destruction of the temple marked a period in which there wasn't a sense of God and more than anything, the people had lost their sense of faith and hope. Chapter 5 highlights a lot of the Jews' experience and how their return was anticipated where Yahweh's presence was still felt. Not only in Chapter 5, but in the rest of the chapters for this sections reading, the Jews had a continuous effort to protect their land, essentially fighting for their temple. By protecting their beloved temple, they were able to show their undeniable love for it. During this time, other Jewish religious sites were destroyed. Towards the end of the reading, it highlights the invasion of the temple by the Romans. The Jews acted in a gracious manner and did everything they could to protect their temple.
It's amazing to me how rich this history really is. I can't believe that there is so much that I just had no idea about. Reading this book has let me delve into Jerusalem's incredible history but I can't wait until I am able to apply some of this knowledge to what is currently going on in that part of the world.
In these three chapters, Karen Armstrong breaks down Jerusalem's history in even more detail by talking about it before Jesus came into the picture and even during his appearance. God was present, but in so many different ways and in so many different faiths. The destruction of the temple marked a period in which there wasn't a sense of God and more than anything, the people had lost their sense of faith and hope. Chapter 5 highlights a lot of the Jews' experience and how their return was anticipated where Yahweh's presence was still felt. Not only in Chapter 5, but in the rest of the chapters for this sections reading, the Jews had a continuous effort to protect their land, essentially fighting for their temple. By protecting their beloved temple, they were able to show their undeniable love for it. During this time, other Jewish religious sites were destroyed. Towards the end of the reading, it highlights the invasion of the temple by the Romans. The Jews acted in a gracious manner and did everything they could to protect their temple.
It's amazing to me how rich this history really is. I can't believe that there is so much that I just had no idea about. Reading this book has let me delve into Jerusalem's incredible history but I can't wait until I am able to apply some of this knowledge to what is currently going on in that part of the world.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
History - chapters 1-4 reactions
After reading about the history of Jerusalem in Karen Armstrong's first four chapters, I felt very informed yet still confused. I found myself re-reading the same paragraph over and over again because I just couldn't remember all the different names, places, and events that were talked about. I really liked how Armstrong started off her chapters (especially in the Index), where she refers to Jerusalem as place that is holy and sacred to so many different people. The fact that she mentions that Israel is a "holy" place for both Israelis and for Palestinians is key. This point needs to be recognized. It's unfortunate that holy is defined completely differently to both groups, but that just goes without say. I liked that when the word holy was mentioned, it almost always pertained to god. God is the one and only that has the ability to make something Holy. Religion starts with an experience, and only after that is there an explanation. I really liked that part of the reading.
I need to go back and read the chapters over again and take notes to really make sense out of them. I am honestly overwhelmed with all the history that was provided in these four chapters. It has given me a better understanding of where we are coming from when we talk about the history of Jerusalem. While reading, it was hard to recognize who controlled what part of land at a specific time, but Karen Armstrong allows the reader to grasp onto something they hadn't known previously. To me, most of this was new information-at least from the Palestinian part. I knew only some of the references she made when she referred to the Israelis/Jews. She does a very good job of summarizing key events while still maintaining a time order so as to not confuse the reader. For me, my main problem was the enormous amount of information. It was just a little difficult to keep track of everything! Overall though, I really enjoyed immersing myself completely into Jerusalem's history and it has given me insight and reference for future information that may be thrown my way.
I need to go back and read the chapters over again and take notes to really make sense out of them. I am honestly overwhelmed with all the history that was provided in these four chapters. It has given me a better understanding of where we are coming from when we talk about the history of Jerusalem. While reading, it was hard to recognize who controlled what part of land at a specific time, but Karen Armstrong allows the reader to grasp onto something they hadn't known previously. To me, most of this was new information-at least from the Palestinian part. I knew only some of the references she made when she referred to the Israelis/Jews. She does a very good job of summarizing key events while still maintaining a time order so as to not confuse the reader. For me, my main problem was the enormous amount of information. It was just a little difficult to keep track of everything! Overall though, I really enjoyed immersing myself completely into Jerusalem's history and it has given me insight and reference for future information that may be thrown my way.
Monday, April 4, 2011
History of Jerusalem (Second week)
Although I would have liked to begin talking about the conflict right away because that is what interests me the most, I deem it necessary to work to understand the history of Jerusalem. After all, one must understand the history and what brought it to the place where it is now, before they can understand what is going on in the present day.
In Mick Dumper’s, “Jerusalem Then and Now,” makes the point that Jerusalem doesn’t really have any significant resources that make it so problematic; it is the fact that it holds the history and people of 3 very different and sometimes conflicting faiths. All three must be considered and valued when analyzing Jerusalem’s history. It serves as a holy city that also stands as a type of political symbol. In the first two articles it is often noted that Jerusalem’s history is often challenged and contested. Different religious groups see the city derived from different historical origins; Rhashid Khalidi writes this article from the perspective of an Arab Muslim. From the Arab population’s perspective, east Jerusalem is occupied territory. It is their hope that after a peace process occurs—east Jerusalem can become the capital of the Palestinian state. They hope to do this while still maintaining “religious freedom for everyone at the holy sites sacred to the three Abrahamic faiths.” I’m personally not quite sure how they intend to this, considering Israel has negotiated peace on so many different occasions now, and the Palestinians are continuously showing violence. This violence is pushing them farther and farther away from acquiring any type of Arab capital.
In the article written by Rehav Rubin, it gives a very detailed account of the tedious history of Jerusalem. This article includes all of the events and stages that Jerusalem went through and how it was divided all throughout the years, even in the earliest of days. Throughout each period in history, Jerusalem was going through a different tribulation pertaining to one of the three religions. Through all of it’s archaeology, we are able to see how unique Jerusalem’s history really is and how this city really is a sacred one to the three religions of Judaism, Islam, and Christianity.
The fourth paper presented to us in the readings mainly on the Palestinian Conflict while including Jerusalem as a main part of it. It gave so much information about the conflict and provided a lot of detail and important history. It’s so long and so detailed that it was quite difficult for me to keep track of everything that was said by the time the article was wrapping up. It gave detailed accounts of many peace efforts that were attempted to be put into place by a lot of different important people. Through this lens, one is really able to familiarize themselves with the main people and events that are directly associated with the conflict.
In Mick Dumper’s, “Jerusalem Then and Now,” makes the point that Jerusalem doesn’t really have any significant resources that make it so problematic; it is the fact that it holds the history and people of 3 very different and sometimes conflicting faiths. All three must be considered and valued when analyzing Jerusalem’s history. It serves as a holy city that also stands as a type of political symbol. In the first two articles it is often noted that Jerusalem’s history is often challenged and contested. Different religious groups see the city derived from different historical origins; Rhashid Khalidi writes this article from the perspective of an Arab Muslim. From the Arab population’s perspective, east Jerusalem is occupied territory. It is their hope that after a peace process occurs—east Jerusalem can become the capital of the Palestinian state. They hope to do this while still maintaining “religious freedom for everyone at the holy sites sacred to the three Abrahamic faiths.” I’m personally not quite sure how they intend to this, considering Israel has negotiated peace on so many different occasions now, and the Palestinians are continuously showing violence. This violence is pushing them farther and farther away from acquiring any type of Arab capital.
In the article written by Rehav Rubin, it gives a very detailed account of the tedious history of Jerusalem. This article includes all of the events and stages that Jerusalem went through and how it was divided all throughout the years, even in the earliest of days. Throughout each period in history, Jerusalem was going through a different tribulation pertaining to one of the three religions. Through all of it’s archaeology, we are able to see how unique Jerusalem’s history really is and how this city really is a sacred one to the three religions of Judaism, Islam, and Christianity.
The fourth paper presented to us in the readings mainly on the Palestinian Conflict while including Jerusalem as a main part of it. It gave so much information about the conflict and provided a lot of detail and important history. It’s so long and so detailed that it was quite difficult for me to keep track of everything that was said by the time the article was wrapping up. It gave detailed accounts of many peace efforts that were attempted to be put into place by a lot of different important people. Through this lens, one is really able to familiarize themselves with the main people and events that are directly associated with the conflict.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Introduction/First week readings
Hi everyone,
My name is Veronica and I am a junior studying here at Ohio State. I am majoring in International relations and diplomacy and Sociology, with a minor in Russian. I apologize that it has taken me so long to post; I have been trying to get accustomed to the blog while delving into all the various technicalities. As you can see, I’m still having trouble making it look exactly the way I want.
After spending a week in class already, I can honestly say that I am excited to learn more about this conflict along with the history of Jerusalem, from both sides. It’s important to have a good understanding of what is going on by being aware of both sides.
Coming into this class as a Jewish American, with Russian parents, I have an uncontrollable bias towards this conflict. I am a Zionist and I will always, no matter what the circumstances may be, believe that there should be a home for the Jewish people – the state of Israel. Through all the years of learning about this, and actually witnessing the issue through my numerous times to Israel, it is a conflict that has been going on for too long. It is rather unfortunate that this conflict seems to be never-ending, and no matter how many peace talks or peace offerings there are, nothing is resolved. Israel wants peace and has proven it in so many different times in history; they just do not have a partner for peace.
I thought the first article, “Researching East Jerusalem,” did a great job of highlighting a couple of the main things that need to be taken into account when studying Jerusalem. The festival attempted to promote respect and understanding between two very opposing groups of people. It said “at the root of the Jerusalem Festival was the principle of equal representation, parity, and mutuality between Israelis and Palestinians…only through equity and mutual recognition can the human race live peacefully together; only through creative thinking can we deal with such sensitive, emotionally charged, and beloved places as Jerusalem.” These values and character traits actually need to be taken to heart and practiced to attain a Jerusalem where everyone can be happy. The last paragraph of the article really touched me and hit home with what I believe. It touches on the fact that every single person and community has some kind of history and cultural past. It is just a matter of respecting others’ pasts and cultures; if this can surpass all the issues we are facing, then maybe a resolution can be found. Unfortunately, that is so much easier said, than done.
In the second article, titled “Representing Jerusalem,” Suad Amiry talks about Jerusalem and it’s relationship to the Muslims. He is trying to distinguish the different sectors of Jerusalem, where East Jerusalem is the Arab City, and the Western part is the Jewish-Israeli part. The article spoke about the Festival and the different aspects of it.
I think this class is going to be extremely interesting in the fact that I will be able to hear and experience firsthand accounts from Palestinian students who have actually lived in Israel. Meeting and talking to Palestinian students will be extremely difficult at times, but I would like to maintain a calm and accepting nature—where I myself try to keep an open mind to others’ thoughts and ideas.
Through this class I hope to attain more knowledge from the opposing side, along with a better understanding of how technology can be used. The fact that this class utilizes such advanced technology is amazing and I can’t wait to witness it all in the confines of our little class.
My name is Veronica and I am a junior studying here at Ohio State. I am majoring in International relations and diplomacy and Sociology, with a minor in Russian. I apologize that it has taken me so long to post; I have been trying to get accustomed to the blog while delving into all the various technicalities. As you can see, I’m still having trouble making it look exactly the way I want.
After spending a week in class already, I can honestly say that I am excited to learn more about this conflict along with the history of Jerusalem, from both sides. It’s important to have a good understanding of what is going on by being aware of both sides.
Coming into this class as a Jewish American, with Russian parents, I have an uncontrollable bias towards this conflict. I am a Zionist and I will always, no matter what the circumstances may be, believe that there should be a home for the Jewish people – the state of Israel. Through all the years of learning about this, and actually witnessing the issue through my numerous times to Israel, it is a conflict that has been going on for too long. It is rather unfortunate that this conflict seems to be never-ending, and no matter how many peace talks or peace offerings there are, nothing is resolved. Israel wants peace and has proven it in so many different times in history; they just do not have a partner for peace.
I thought the first article, “Researching East Jerusalem,” did a great job of highlighting a couple of the main things that need to be taken into account when studying Jerusalem. The festival attempted to promote respect and understanding between two very opposing groups of people. It said “at the root of the Jerusalem Festival was the principle of equal representation, parity, and mutuality between Israelis and Palestinians…only through equity and mutual recognition can the human race live peacefully together; only through creative thinking can we deal with such sensitive, emotionally charged, and beloved places as Jerusalem.” These values and character traits actually need to be taken to heart and practiced to attain a Jerusalem where everyone can be happy. The last paragraph of the article really touched me and hit home with what I believe. It touches on the fact that every single person and community has some kind of history and cultural past. It is just a matter of respecting others’ pasts and cultures; if this can surpass all the issues we are facing, then maybe a resolution can be found. Unfortunately, that is so much easier said, than done.
In the second article, titled “Representing Jerusalem,” Suad Amiry talks about Jerusalem and it’s relationship to the Muslims. He is trying to distinguish the different sectors of Jerusalem, where East Jerusalem is the Arab City, and the Western part is the Jewish-Israeli part. The article spoke about the Festival and the different aspects of it.
I think this class is going to be extremely interesting in the fact that I will be able to hear and experience firsthand accounts from Palestinian students who have actually lived in Israel. Meeting and talking to Palestinian students will be extremely difficult at times, but I would like to maintain a calm and accepting nature—where I myself try to keep an open mind to others’ thoughts and ideas.
Through this class I hope to attain more knowledge from the opposing side, along with a better understanding of how technology can be used. The fact that this class utilizes such advanced technology is amazing and I can’t wait to witness it all in the confines of our little class.
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