tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664821601466952220.post4827084020182177785..comments2023-08-12T02:27:12.548-07:00Comments on Pennmanship: Israel, Palestinians, and QuakersBrad Ogilvie/The William Penn House/The Mosaic Initiativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17229228501877444698noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664821601466952220.post-34162777539154129482011-10-03T08:09:53.664-07:002011-10-03T08:09:53.664-07:00Brad, thank you for this alternative perspective. ...Brad, thank you for this alternative perspective. I, too, read the Op-Ed in the Washington Post by the founding chairman of Human Rights Watch (Robert Bernstein), and was struck by this paragraph:<br /><br />"The real obstacle to long-term peace is the endless and overwhelming words of hate and incitement to genocide effectively spread to Arabs and Palestinians. One example is the textbooks given to millions of children in Saudi Arabia, distributed in the Arab world and beyond, that label Jews "monkeys" and "pigs." This continues to foment discord, radicalism and violence."<br /><br />History shows us that dehumanization can lead to violence, but I agree with Suzanne that the continued building of settlements in what would likely be a potential Palestinian state is also intensely provocative.<br /><br />I think this issue may the toughest one in the world to find shared ground on. There is a tremendous need for strong, moderate voices on both sides. Extremists from both ends are likely to consider (even their own) moderates as enemies, which complicates it all further.Kathrynhttp://www.stoppolarizingtalk.orgnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664821601466952220.post-21967296132396458662011-09-28T09:07:11.389-07:002011-09-28T09:07:11.389-07:00Thank you for your thoughtful comments, Brad. I sh...Thank you for your thoughtful comments, Brad. I share concern about the expressed wish of some in Palestine to do away with Israel. On the other hand, Israeli insistence on continuing to build and support settlements makes me think that Israel has little desire for peace with Palestinians. Each side seems to wave the "red flag" at the other. I shall hope that quiet private talks between Israelis and Palestinians at a high level - or at any level - might provide an opening for both sides.Suzannenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5664821601466952220.post-46372475424824071542011-09-28T08:32:06.799-07:002011-09-28T08:32:06.799-07:00Well stated.
It would seem that our efforts as Fr...Well stated.<br /><br />It would seem that our efforts as Friends might best be focussed in three areas:<br />(1) educating ourselves and maintaining this clarity in the face of so much politicizing<br />(2) using it to educate others and<br />(3) supporting those we think are actually working towards peace and reconciliation.<br /><br />I was especially struck by the admonition not to arm those who are persectued lest it lead to further violence and escalation.Rich_Thayerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13350521627897841599noreply@blogger.com