Terry Gross from NPR interviewed two individuals last night who used to fight against each other and who are now trying to end the violence between Israel and Palestine by bringing together people who, like themselves, used to fight each other.
I have heard other noble stories (both political, humanitarian or anything else in between) in the past about various efforts that Isralies and Palestinians are making to try and move towards peace. For some reason, this story really struck me to the core and really moved me. Partly because I agree with the sentiment and attitude these two have about how people should approach peace between Israel and Palestine; partly because of the way these two individuals who seem so down-to-earth talk in plain English with words that any child can understand yet their words are so heart-wrenching, vivid, and powerful.
Hearing their story about how they came to meet with each other, what event helped them really bond with each other, and how they envision the peace process in the Middle East makes me once again remind myself that peace between these two countries are only possible when enough of people from both sides of the isle are able to recognize each other - willing to understand that, deep down, in the basic human level, we all are the same. We really aren't that different from each other. It is the ordinary people, not outside aids or powerful politicians, that will bring peace in this region but they just have to get down to the human level.
The story starts out a bit slow but you will catch on (like I did). I hope that you take the time to listen to their stories. I truly believe that there are a lot more people between these two countries who share their sentiments. I am optimistic that in time more of these people will move the needle for the peaceful Middle East.
Terry Gross from NPR interviewed two individuals last night who used to fight against each other and who are now trying to end the violence between Israel and Palestine by bringing together people who, like themselves, used to fight each other.
I have heard other noble stories (both political, humanitarian or anything else in between) in the past about various efforts that Isralies and Palestinians are making to try and move towards peace. For some reason, this story really struck me to the core and really moved me. Partly because I agree with the sentiment and attitude these two have about how people should approach peace between Israel and Palestine; partly because of the way these two individuals who seem so down-to-earth talk in plain English with words that any child can understand yet their words are so heart-wrenching, vivid, and powerful.
Hearing their story about how they came to meet with each other, what event helped them really bond with each other, and how they envision the peace process in the Middle East makes me once again remind myself that peace between these two countries are only possible when enough of people from both sides of the isle are able to recognize each other - willing to understand that, deep down, in the basic human level, we all are the same. We really aren't that different from each other. It is the ordinary people, not outside aids or powerful politicians, that will bring peace in this region but they just have to get down to the human level.
The story starts out a bit slow but you will catch on (like I did). I hope that you take the time to listen to their stories. I truly believe that there are a lot more people between these two countries who share their sentiments. I am optimistic that in time more of these people will move the needle for the peaceful Middle East.