Its hard to write anything useful about Gaza. I carry such a deep sense of hopelessness and helplessness about the conflict. I have nothing useful to contribute, but it feels wrong to say nothing as the death toll mounts... Despite being thousands of miles away, the conflict feels close to home. I have lots of family in Israel, all of whom have served in the army. Ive been to Israel many times. As a Jew, growing up in Canada, I was taught about Israel in the same way that I was taught our own Canadian history. In both cases, the truth about cultural displacement and violence was pushed aside to make room for a simpler narrative of discovery and creation of a state. I was essentially taught that Israel was a barren dessert, until Jews came along and planted trees there. Of course, thats not the truth. But like our situation here in Canada, with our indigenous population still suffering from 500 years of occupation and colonisation, Im not sure what the answers are. One state solution, two-state solution, right of return, ..... these terms get thrown around, for decades, over and over, as the conflict only seems to get worse - not better. More illegal settlements are being built every year, more innocent people are killed, and the anger and frustration on both sides only grows with each passing day. I have trouble identifying with either side of the polarised political lines that are often drawn. Pro-Palestine on one side, Pro-Israel on the other. I have many friends in both camps. I am in both. But where does that leave me politically? What is my solution to offer? For the last few years, Ive subscribed to the e-mail list of a group called Jewish Voice for Peace. Heres a short video theyve made (below), trying to explain the history. I think it oversimplifies the situation, but its one of the better videos out there, which doesnt say much. The only authentic thing I can offer, is tears. That may sound like a pathetic copout, but its where I am nonetheless. I usually have very strong opinions about political situations, and Im very comfortable expressing them. And I usually feel confident and empowered to work towards change. But when it comes to Israel, I simply feel lost, small, and sad. There are days where I feel anger at the Israeli government, for perpetuating the inequality that drives the conflict and making the situation so much worse by building new illegal settlements. And there are days when I feel anger at Hamas, and there are days when I feel anger at progressive political movements here in Canada, for over-simplifying what I see as a complicated situation. So, this post is futile. I have nothing constructive to say, and the comments will likely fall into three categories: a) How can you not stand with Israel? Hamas wants to kill every Israeli, all of your cousins, and they are using their own citizens as human shields, and Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East, and we only have one small slice of land, and we need to protect our homeland, because during the Holocaust no country would let us in, and we need to have a safe place to go if that happens again.... b) How can you not stand with the Palestinians? The death toll reveals the imbalance of this war. Innocent children are dying every hour, because of this never-ending colonisation of Palestinian land, racist policies within Israel, repressive economic violence in the occupied territories, all funded by the US government, and fueled by the silence of Jews like you all across the world. c) I agree. I dont know what to do or say. Anyway... Im going to regret writing this as soon as I click post. But I think my regret would be larger if I didnt say anything at all. If I could put the leaders of Hamas and the leaders of Israel into prison, I would do it. I think both of these groups have blood on their hands. But I cant. And Im not sure it would accomplish anything. The hatred and fear, on both sides, runs so deep. And every innocent death feeds both. Im sorry for offering nothing. My thoughts are with the Palestinians tonight, and with my own family in Israel. I offer tears, and prayers. Thats all.
Posted on: Sun, 20 Jul 2014 21:37:26 +0000
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