It’s been awhile since I’ve written anything related to the Middle East, but to be honest, I haven’t been keeping up to speed. I had the privilege of having lunch with two people a few weeks ago, one who has lived in Palestine, and loved having the opportunity to share stories, experiences and talk about mutual friends in East Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Beit Sahour (I also have put some photos up on Flickr from my trip there 2 summers ago). It’s always times like these that help me remember…which is one of the most important things I can do, as one who has traveled and seen travesties and heard stories.
It’s important to remember.
I am encouraged by recent news as well, especially that there is a Palestinian Unity Deal under way. Prime Minister Ismail Haniya (leader of Hamas) stepped down as Prime Minister and is now working with Fatah’s Mahmoud Abbas to work on forming a new Palestinian unity government.
Will it work? I don’t know. With such a tense and fragile situation as is the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, sometimes it seems easier not to hope, because then it stops you from getting let down. Yet, however difficult it becomes, however many obstacles seem to stand in the way of peace, of unity, of acceptance…it’s important to not give up hope. Hope is what keeps the conversation breathing and allows for the possibility of peace.
I really liked your post but I really can’t appreciate your “American Aid, Israeli apartheid” picture. THe fact remains Israel has a right to exist and when certain groups say ALL of Israel should be Palestine in light of Scripture I just can’t accept that. However, I am pleased that Hamas and Fatah are discussing together. I just hope it isn’t Fatah “bowing down” to Hamas pressure. I think what is doing more to promote violence in the region are Hezbollah and Hamas (known terrorist organizations) bribing and promoting violence in the region; as well as promoting an anti-Isral as a nation attitude.
I like everything you said in the post and it wasn’t said with any bias or scandolous way. I just didn’t like the “little picture” you has next to your post.