ISRAEL WRAP UP

     Today we wrapped up the case study about the Israeli and Palestinian conflict after we had our last arabic class (where we read part of the Qur'an in Arabic!). We talked about our thoughts about the issue and final comments. It was emotional for me because the issue is so important to me. When we were asked about what we should do with Palestinian refugees, it triggered alot of emotions. I talked about how I think the refugees should have a say in what happens, and they are important, but where was the support for the Jews when they were expelled from everywhere? Right now, everyone is so concerned with the Palestinian refugees, but no one was concerned with the Jewish refugees and how they were so mistreated. There was no outcry about that, but there's so much outcry about the Palestinian refugees. I guess I have some resentment and jealousy because my family didn't have the same/any support when they were refugees kicked out of their homes just because they were Jewish. Yes they would have liked to go back, but they couldn't. But a big concern for the world now is making sure Palestinians who are out of Israel can go back. The Jews were fair to the people in history. In Gaza, that's not always the case. It's ruled by Hamas (an Islamic extremist group) and there are many restrictions on women and human's rights issues. Why are they better than my family who were kicked out of their homes too? And hundreds of thousands of other Jews who went through the same situation throughout history.
    Noah could tell I was passionate about the Issue and it was a really personal for me. So he asked a follow up question something like, "Many would say that because of what the Jews have been through, they would know better than anyone not to mistreat refugees or displace refugees. And the Jews had the opportunity to rule fairly and they didn't. What would you say about this?" (This wasn't the exact question but something like it). I said in most or at least many cases the Israelis are fair. In the army they have training about civility and how to go about things without being unfair and causing destruction. But, the news is plagued with exceptions about Israeli soldiers who do undoubtedly horrible things, but they do not represent the status quo. They are the exceptions, not the rule. But because of the publicity of these people and situations, many people consider them to be the status quo, when in reality it's not. I also said I don't like how people say Israel had the "opportunity" to rule fairly and not displace refugees. The first day Israel was recognized, it was attacked by 6 different surrounding countries. I think that set the tone for the type of country Israel would need to be in order to survive. A country based on security, and over-protectiveness, rather than one that is completely friendly and "fair." Israel could have had the opportunity to govern differently had the Arab countries not provoked them right off the bat. When Arab countries complain about Israel's tactics, I feel they are hypocritical in ways, because their actions partially caused the actions of Israel originally. They set the tone for the country and the area, and they aren't happy about how it's turned out, but they should take some/alot of responsibility for it. I talked about how there are Israeli hospitals that treat the same people that try to kill them. I know of people who worked in Israeli hospitals that would treat Palestinian bombers, who had to quit because everytime there was something on the TV about a suicide bombing killing Israelis, they would all cheer, even though those Israelis are the same ones helping them. In history, the Jews have been peaceful, not trying to conquer, convert, or kill other people, but just try to live in peace with them (generally speaking). That did not work out for them time and time again. The Jews finally stood up for themselves and claimed a Jewish State, Israel, a safe home, and they get criticized for it. Although other countries that go in and conquer and kill thousands and millions don't get criticized. People forget that Jews had no home, so they turned to Israel. They are the victims, not the perpetrators as many would like to think. The Palestinians are victims too though, which makes the situation that much more complicated. I talked about other things too, but these are just some.
     It was very emotional for me to deal with this issue. In part because I was around people who did not support Israel at all, and thought of the Israelis as the perpetrators and abusers of human rights. This made it a lot harder to deal with.
     In this post, I am undoubtedly being biased and I completely understand that right now. Although, in general I can see and understand both sides. I see the side of the Palestinians, and the side of the Israelis. However, I cannot completely get rid of my resentment and feelings. I support security and safety for both the Palestinians and the Israelis, and this week I've learned alot about both sides, and I think I generally have not been being too biased this week, but I can't deny that the bias is there.