Weblog Journal #3

Thinking about symbols and symbolism in my life, I feel as if I could write a book. So many of my posessions have meaning, have a story, and remind me of a past experience. Thus, I will focus on the material symbols in my life. I am currently on the road, somewhere I love to be. Every hour on the road means a new experience, meeting and connecting with people new and old. So I cannot look around my room and describe things that are most significant there, but I have realized that the things in my car can basically tell my story.

Let's start in the trunk. There lies two items that have consumed much of my time in recent years: my camera tripod and my climbing helmet. My tripod represents my camera, which is basically an extra appendage of my body. Wherever I go, my camera comes with me. With my camera, I am able to capture the images of experiences, people, and places that are important to me. I don't  journal, rather take photos. I feel that through photography I can represent my life with an alternative creative edge.

My climbing helmet represents a few things. First, the fact that I love rock climbing. I love climbing indoors and out, as it provides a physical and mental challenge, and always allows me to have an adventure. I love exploring, and rock climbing or outdoors adventures are a great way to experience the world and also offer an opportunity to escape from the stress of the world when it becomes a little too much.

As I move out of the trunk, theres a whole plethora of things that represent my life. I will just choose two more to tell you about. First, colored pens/markers. I have always enjoyed art, and having pens wherever I go is a good way to make sure I can always sketch, doodle, or jot down something that I want to remember in the creative sense. No matter what type or creativity I choose to engage in on a given day (sculpture, photography, drawing, writing) these pens can always come in handy.

And lastly, there is my music. I am NEVER in the car without music on. I have written about this before, so I will keep it brief, but music narrates my life. I love hearing a huge variety of genres, and whatever music I listen to on a given dy changes how I interact with other people and the world. So my music is a crucial part of being on the road.

Response Paper

Living Jerusalem                                                                                           Ethan Bennett

Final Response Paper

            After a semester of participating in the “Living Jerusalem” project by way of a class at Indiana University, I have a multitude of reactions. Overall, the class was incredible. I came to the class with quite a large expanse of knowledge on the topic of the Israeli and Palestinian conflict, with great interest in the politics, culture, and society of each entity. Though, while I lived in Jerusalem for 6 months, I did not have quite as specific familiarity with Jerusalem as I would’ve liked.

            The great thing about this class was that through learning in depth about Jerusalem, we engaged in discussion, academic discourse, and debate on the greater socio-political conflict. Jerusalem became the microcosm on which all other knowledge was understood, as the small city offers so much in terms of politics, culture, people, history, and more.

            Though despite the focus on Jerusalem, the class was very flexible and it was always exciting coming to class because the nature of the class allowed us, the students, to engage in discourse about a variety of topics amongst ourselves and with others, such as academics from around the world. We quickly found ourselves comfortable enough with each other and the nature of the class that we were able to diverge from outlined topics as we delved into specific elements of the Middle Eastern conflict in discussions from which our knowledge greatly benefitted and our beliefs were very frequently challenged.

            Overall, I am very happy with this class. This below sections will each outline reflections and suggestions that I have on specific parts of the class.

Blogging

            I have never kept a blog for a class before, and it was an interesting way of interacting with course material. It definitely was an effective way at forcing students to keep up with the reading, as each reading required a written response. I liked that I could add my very personal anecdotes as I responded to the readings, but I did feel quite overwhelmed with this aspect of the class, especially at the beginning of the semester.

            Taking into consideration the nature of a new type of homework, it was difficult to meet deadlines that were not in line with class times. In addition, while each time I was able to read other classmates’ blogs I was intrigued and challenged, the expectation to read a certain number of blogs per week AND comment was quite burdening. I would’ve rather had more opportunity to respond to blog posts in class and use ideas projected in blogs more often as class discussion triggers. When simply responding via the blogs comments section, I often felt like my comments went unnoticed, as did many other students. While the idea of holding discussions over the blogs is great, it was unrealistic for students to keep up with that many levels of blogging, responding, and responding again.

Readings

            I thought that the readings were a bit repetitive at times. While I found the book by Karen Armstrong to be complete and relatively unbiased, I felt that the immense focus on history might have been a little excessive. This may just be personal, as I tend to only take history into minor consideration and rather look at the present situation and conflict. Nonetheless, Armstrong’s book was just a little dry for my liking.

            Inversely, the supplemental readings such as those by Edward Said were a great addition to the readings. The smaller personal narratives that we read helped understand the emotion that stands behind so much of the opinion and conflict in Israel and Palestine. I also really enjoyed when we had the opportunity to watch videos in place of readings. Being a very visual person, I feel that when I am able to see what a person is talking about, I can much more easily place myself in that narrative, and further understand the emotion and feeling behind a story. I actually would have liked more videos, especially as we looked at the modern social situation and subjects such as gender and sexuality rights, as it would have helped the class better visualize the reality of Israel and Palestine in the modern day, as opposed to the images so beautifully portrayed by Karen Armstrong.

            One suggestion that I have with readings is that it would have been nice to offer readings more relevant to the end of semester group presentations. If our groups had more time to plan towards the first half of the semester, we could have even brought our own readings to the table and used class discussion and reactions to alternative, presentation related readings in order to better adapt and shape our presentations.

Guest Speakers

            I found the guests we spoke with to be an amazing addition to the class, one that very few other classes offer. The opportunity to hear the personal narratives of individuals who are directly involved in the matters about which we were learning allowed us to further relate to stories and emotions.

            One note is that I felt there was a Pro-Palestinian (for lack of a better word) bias when it came to guests of the Palestinian nature. While it was very beneficial to hear these voices, I felt that it tended to blame and criticize Israel more often than not, and portrayed a slightly unequal legal and political playing field. I would have loved to hear from figures on both sides, such as actual Political figures, who could offer (albeit possibly very biased) opinions that are directly representative of each group, rather than some who claim to be neutral but don’t actually come off that way.

            With this, I feel that eliminating some of US-based guests in order to allow more speakers from Israel and Palestinian would have been very interesting. In terms of hearing real life stories, this could help many formulate more direct opinions.

            On this note, I don’t have much to say about the videoconferencing with the OSU class other than I didn’t find it to benefit in any way and only added another technology barrier that frequently held us back from moving forward as a class.

Presentations

            The presentations were quite a treat at the end of the semester. I loved to learn from fellow students and see how each student really feels about specific topics for which they are passionate. I felt that all of the presentations were very well put together and informative, even if they were quite biased at times.

            One issue with these is that I would have loved to see more time for group presentations. I personally felt very rushed in my presentation, and felt that some of the presentations did not have time to fully present the topics. Maybe cutting the expectations and pushing groups to focus on tighter, more manageable topics would have helped with this. On this note, while we did have time for questions and responses to presentations days after all were finished, this hindered students’ responses and inquisition to presentations because the energy was no longer the same as during or right after the presentations and the information was not as fresh in our minds.

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    As started earlier, I absolutely loved participating in this class. The topics we discussed, the people we met, and the in class discussions challenged my views, pushed me to thing harder, and taught me a lot. I hope that along with the rest of the class, I will continue to move down the road of understanding we began in the class. While I am unsure if I will ever fully understand every detail, I hope to continue to ask and challenge others’ opinions while being questioned and challenged myself.

            

Web Journal

My position. I find this post difficult to write, because I never have been able to clearly define my position. Those who are strongly pro-Palestine often see me as biased for the pro-Israel side. Those who relate to the pro-Israel views have seen me as more neutral or even pro-Palestine before. But I hate these terms, pro-Palestine and pro-Israel. They make it seem that one can only pick one side. And no, I'm not going to go into the whole "pro-peace" thing either, because while it's a beautiful idea, I don't think it is going to get us anywhere.

So where was my position, and where is it now?

I used to say I supported Israel everything. I was an avid AIPAC supporter, and while I felt for the Palestinian people, I could care less for their political establishment. To some degree, this is what I was taught by a majority of the American and Jewish public. At least that's what I thought. But that was long ago.

I lived in Israel for a year. I was on a Zionist program. I wrestled with Zionism, and found that I could be a Zionist while also feeling compassion for the Palestinian situation. When the term "Zionist" is used in a negative context, I am disgusted. Because I see it as nationalism, and as pride. For what we do have, and the idea of what we want. I won't go into who I see as "we."

So I am a Zionist. But still, where do I stand? My views in fact became a bit jaded while living in Israel and learning and experiencing the reality of the situation. I began to feel a connection to both narratives, and felt sorry for the situation as a whole. But I didn't see it going anywhere.

This is where the position that I began the class with and I still have was born. I believe that until major changes are made in the political and social institutions that represent both parties in the conflict, there is no way we can achieve peace. I would love peace, but as I have stated numerous times previously, I don't see it happening. So I want to make the best of what we have. Create a status-quo that is habitable. Create stability until there is actual evidence that the two parties want change. That evidence is not yet transparent.

With this class, my position has in fact strengthened. I love the dialogue that we have engaged in, and I have thoroughly enjoyed hearing the opinions of others. This is good. It is step one. But, where do we go from here? I don't know. I feel that it is very hard to move on when we hear other opinions, but we still identify them as "other opinions."

This post is all a bit gloomy, but I think that is the reality I have come to accept. I love Israel. I love Palestine. I love politics. I want to learn more about them, experience them more, and continue to pursue a greater understanding, but I am not quite sure why other than the fact that I cannot stay away. It's too exciting. Maybe I'll find the answer in the next step of my journey.

March 28

One issue that I have had quite a bit this semester is the whole question of "so what?"

I thoroughly enjoy learning this material, and I think it is hugely important that we (as Jews, Christians, Muslims, pro-Palestinian, pro-Israeli, pro-peace, pro-security, neutral, etc) learn and understand the giant balagan of the situation. We may never understand, but we must try. What I have struggled with is   answering my questions. I am unable to find answers to the hard questions. Where are we moving on the matter by just learning it? What about peace negotiations? I have further set in stone my belief that there won't be 100% peace in the region, with the matter, so I keep asking myself why is this worth it?

What can we actually achieve by just discussing. Why aren't we acting? How can we act? I hope that this will all get better, but I honestly don't see it happening. So i return to my idea of idealizing the status quo.

I will say that I only see this politically. I try to look beyond the religion, because it won't actually define anything, and won't get us anywhere. Political boundaries shift more fluidly than do religious ones. So my issue is - why are we focusing so much on the culture? Does learning about gender and sexuality issues, or music (besides the politically themed songs) actually help us understand the already incredibly difficult to understand Israeli Palestinian conflict? Or does it just complicate matters.

I have loved learning all of these topics, but I wonder if we focused on just the greater issue and thought on the big scale, could we actually achieve greater things?

So often, with peace negotiations, we try to figure things out without discussing Jerusalem. The thought is to get everything else down, then talk Jerusalem. But maybe we should start with Jerusalem. You can't uproot a tree by pulling on it's leaves... you must start at the strongest (albeit most difficult to manage) part, and move on from there.

Interesting film

Check out this trailer for a documentary about J Street. It offers a glimpse into an AIPAC alternative. An alternative that I think will be better for Israel in the long term.

http://vimeo.com/53536053

(I don't have permission to embed the video here, sorry)

Reading Response

The websites of the different LGBTQ organizations were very intriguing. The cause of LGBTQ rights in Israel and Palestine is clearly an interest of the more liberal-leaning side of the political spectrum. And this alignment along the spectrum brings up an interesting thought. So often in Israel/Palestinian politics, we align ideas and issues along a 2 dimensional political spectrum. Yet as we dig deeper and deeper, I find it hard to see such a distinct spectrum. The left/right alignment of LGBTQ issues are not necessarily parallel to security issues, or humanitarian issues.

This idea is one which I tend to find myself struggling with quite often. Whereas in US politics, I find myself very left-aligned, when it comes to Israeli/Palestinian politics, I am all over the board. I find myself to be very pro-humanitarian issues (left) but more center-right when it comes to security. These two identifications don't necessarily agree with each other. But I think this way because to me, security is a short term issue, meaning that it is crucial that people are safe now. But, humanitarian concerns create a difficulty, because it is sometimes hard to protect people without appearing to be violating the rights of others.

But back to LGBTQ matters in Jerusalem. I think it is clear that the number of activists in this field are growing in Jerusalem, but because of the sheer nature of Jerusalem, as an incredibly religious city, I unfortunately do not see the LGBTQ community becoming as large or accepted as it is in Jerusalem. While I don't agree or necessarily understand why this issue is not as accepted by those following "traditional" or "religious" teachings, cultures, or lifestyles, the two just don't seem to fit together.

I was in Jerusalem during the 2011 Jerusalem pride festival. It was an interesting image. First, I did see Arab Palestinians as well as Israeli Jews. The colors of the parade did not quite seem to fit with the image of Jerusalem. Such an old image, with faded colors, mixed with the bright, progressive colors of the movement. It was a challenging image. It was exciting, but it made me wonder how far the activists could really get in Jerusalem. The work that LGBTQ activists are doing in Jerusalem is beginning to grow in Jerusalem, but where do they hope to get? The number of Ultra-Orthodox Haredi Jews who opposed, verbally and even violently, these movements, is saddening and challenging. If this group in becoming a growing majority, is the fight even worth it? Or should the efforts be focused on other locations where theres more possibility for success?

I don't necessarily agree with this idea of giving up, but in the grand scheme of things, I see it to be fairly similar to to the idea of a two-state solution. Can the proposed solution of an international Jerusalem be seen as giving up? This idea is often seen as the best (although proponents of this are lessening) choice for a solution, but I think the reason it won't ever work is because both sides would be winning, but also both would be losing.

So where do we stand on the conflict, and where do we stand on LGBTQ issues? What can we do for either? Can this ever be solved?

Reading Response

These stories were very insightful, as they allow the reader to hear and even imagine themselves to be part of a first hand account. Hearing of the life of a Palestinian, living in such hostile land, is really something that is not possible in other places. A few important things that I noticed.

Children. Throughout much of the readings, there are references to children. Whether family or just children in the neighborhood, they are always there. And I think this is important to notice, because so often, we look at a conflict as one between adults. Or maybe between nations or groups, but always fronted by adults. But the children are always there. And while the idea of using references to children is a tactic used in conflict argument (it is always possible to bring the general public to your side by mentioning the "work you are doing to better the lives of children"), it is also important to note that we cannot just treat them as a part of society when debating the future. They are a vital part, an individual part, and any negotiations and actions taken now, by adults, will affect their lives.

I also found it interesting how Saud used such an iconic image as the gas mask right from the start. This imagery brings into focus the reality, the immediate threat that the conflict poses. As the story builds, the image of families in gas masks remains, no matter what they are doing. because of this, the greater image of daily life is altered.

In Saud's preface, an idea is mentioned that I agree with greatly. "I don't think I ever understood or, for that matter, forgave my parents, or the hundred of thousands of Palestinians who fled their homes in 1948, until my husband and I had to flee our home in Ramallah..." This idea is very important. While a huge part of the conflict, and the future of the conflict, is how those outside of it believe to understand it, we never can fully understand it unless we live it. On this thought, I think it is important to remember that a third party (the US, the UN) can play a role in trying to better the situation, but until both sides make great steps towards a solution, nothing will actually change.

Interesting Article

Here is a New York Times op-ed that I find interesting. It related somewhat to my response of "looking ahead" discussing solutions.

Zero Dark Zero

By ROGER COHEN

NEW YORK — A minister in the outgoing Israeli government put it to me bluntly during a recent visit to Israel: “For the first time in these elections, the Palestinians did not come into it.”

Israelis for the most part are comfortable enough to ignore their neighbors. If they are on the Titanic they prefer not to think about it.

It has become the received wisdom, in the White House and beyond, to suggest the current situation is unsustainable — the 46-year-old Israeli occupation of the West Bank, the undefined borders, the simmering conflict, the oppression. This may be no more than wishful thinking.

Israel’s situation feels sustainable. The economic miracle that makes swathes of the country feel like southern California can go on: Israel’s diplomatic loneliness does not amount to commercial isolation. Military domination will grow with U.S. support. A strong Israeli nationalist current — we won all the land on the battlefield, so it’s ours! — will prevail over the peace-talk fatigue among Israeli liberals and a splintered Palestinian movement.

Stepping across the wall-fence into the West Bank already feels like time travel back 30 years. Soon, given current momentum, it will feel like 40 years. Perhaps half a million Israelis living beyond the Green Line hardly know what it is: The two-state solution based around the 1967 borders, give or take agreed land swaps, is then a diplomatic and intellectual fiction.

Yes, Israel on all the land of Eretz Israel (a biblical term widely used to refer to the area between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River, encompassing all of the West Bank) is sustainable. The status quo is not static. On balance, despite demographic patterns that favor the Palestinians, power tilts Israel’s way. Vitality trumps demography.

“Many years will pass without anything,” Tom Segev, the distinguished Israeli historian, told me. “We will go on oppressing; they will go on trying to fight. Most Israelis now feel their security is assured without giving up anything. That is the problem. The oppression of Palestinians is appalling. But the situation is calm. So Israelis don’t realize this everyday oppression. Nobody believes in peace any more.”

On the Palestinian side, too, believers in a two-state peace agreement have become harder to find. Settlement expansion with U.S. acquiescence has led to the conviction that there will be no viable Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza.

“Israel is not interested in permitting one and the U.S., who is subsidizing this effort, is unable and unwilling to change that because of domestic politics,” Yousef Munayyer, the executive director of the Washington-based Palestine Center wrote in an e-mail. He said Palestinians had lost faith in American mediation. Palestinians were likely to “re-strategize away from a state-based separatist struggle toward a rights-based struggle (already happening)” as “Israeli colonization” had “destroyed the territorial integrity of a would-be state.”

In other words, Palestinians will seek their rights — including that of return — within one state, rather than pursuing the establishment of their own national state. The only trouble is that, as the Israeli novelist Amos Oz told me recently, “The right of return is a euphemism for the liquidation of Israel. Even for a dove like myself this is out of the question.”

As Omar Barghouti, a leader of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement against Israel, once put it: “If the refugees were to return, you would not have a two-state solution, you’d have a Palestine next to a Palestine.”

One state equals the end of Israel as a Jewish national state. It is not going to happen. It cannot be allowed to happen. Palestinian pursuit of that goal equals acceptance of eternal conflict. Jews, after the experience of the 20th century, are not going to give up the homeland they have battled so hard to build.

For any liberal Zionist — and I am one — convinced of the need for the two-state outcome envisaged in the United Nations resolution of 1947 establishing the modern state of Israel, both the religious-nationalist Israeli push to keep all the land and the Palestinian refusal to abandon the untenable, unacceptable “right of return” (there is no such right in history, just ask the Jews) are causes for deep despondency.

I said Israel’s situation is sustainable. It is in physical terms. It is not in ethical terms. This is a state whose Declaration of Independence in 1948 says it will “be founded on the principles of freedom, justice and peace in the spirit of the visions of the Prophets of Israel; will implement equality of complete social and national rights for all her citizens without distinction between religion, race and gender; will promise freedom of religion, conscience, language, education and culture.” The West Bank dominion over 2.6 million humiliated Palestinians runs counter to every word of this.

President Obama will soon visit Israel and the West Bank. He has zero cause for hope. Peace lies beyond the eye of a rusty needle. The limitlessness of Israeli strength and of Palestinian victimhood has narrowed the path to the well-known compromises needed to end the conflict.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/01/opinion/global/zero-dark-zero.html?_r=2&

Weblog #4

Let's talk about the beat of my life. Music follows me. Often times, I find that there is a song in the background that fits into whatever I am doing. While I sometimes am the cause of this, I seem to find myself in settings where the music presents itself.

This sounds extremely out there, but its not some statement with a higher meaning. When I listen for it, there is a soundtrack to my life. It defines me. I don't listen to just the newest fad, or any one genre for that matter. I listen to whatever I want. Sometimes the familiar, sometimes completely new and unknown. A situation that I often run into is getting an alert on my computer telling me my iPhone is full... of music. I am grateful for technology, because it has allowed me to carry the equivalent of hundreds, even thousands, of CD's or records, in my pocket on a daily basis. The music that I choose every morning on my walk to class often sticks with me for the whole day. A result of my mood, how tired I am, even the weather, that early morning music choice affects my whole day. 

The beat of my music transforms the beat of my steps. Music can change the way I interact with others, and the way I interact with memories. Often, I will use music to stay in touch with something, someone, or somewhere I have interacted with in the past. I think this is interesting with relevence to conflict, because music can keep us tied to the past, or mix together with other styles and help us progress. It can set the pace for the future. It definitely helps us communicate with each other, because music is an easier way to express emotion than simple words. Can music actually change the future, the Israeli/Palestinian situation, or the world? I don't know. But can it change how people feel about one another? Without a doubt. 

Rap/Channels of Rage Response

Channels of Rage seems like an interesting portrayal of the conflict. I am familiar with Subliminal's music, and while I have not heard Tamer Nafar's music, I have listened to a variety of other Palestinian-Israeli artists who use music to express their view of the political situation.

I think that, just as I have previously discussed on the topic of photography, music is an incredible way to express one's self, especially in regards to political conflict. I think it's very interesting how within the Israeli/Palestinian realm, there are many similarities when it comes to music with opposing viewpoints. Much of the music has similar rhythms, instruments, and generally sounds the same. I find it very intriguing how modern Israeli and Palestinian musicians (and musical activists- a term that I think properly represents many of these people) often use current music styles, such as rock and rap, but intertwine them with traditional regional instruments and melodies.


In the 2nd Channels of Rage article, it mentioned something that "Violence wasn’t the only reason that the two close friends came to blows; the media also created fireworks. As the rappers gained prominence, different media outlets capitalized on the controversy. Media outlets have agendas, and controversial figures, whether venerated or vilified, can be exploited to serve those agendas. Leftist newspapers ran headlines such as “Subliminal against the left wing,” categorizing his songs as “racist hate music,” while right-wing magazines claimed he “symbolizes patriotism.” " I find this point interesting and something that we need to focus on. This movie documents something through somebody's eyes. We are not able to see the situation for ourselves, and while I am very excited to view the film, I plan to take it, as I do everything else focused on this matter, as something that expresses an opinion. It is important to not let one source or one opinion form our own opinions.

In the first Channels of Rage article, we read that "This movie is different from the other movies covered in this guide in two respects: it is a documentary, and it relies heavily on music and lyrics for character development, narration of a historical period, and representation of ideological beliefs and social realities." I think this concept is very interesting because we are able to read into the situation as we wish, as an interpretation of music and lyrics rather than biased statements. This idea is similar to the idea of leaving controversial photographs without captions.

My last comments will focus on the UN:Women article about the DAM song entitled: If I Could Go Back in Time. This song is meaningful, but the video is quite disturbing. As I watched the video, the imagery was something that I cannot imagine would pass in other music circles. The chorus itself is actually quite soft and even touching, saying "If I could go back in time/‏I would smile/Fall in love/Sing/If I could go back in time/‏I would draw/Write/Sing." This song can serve an important role in lots of circles. Within the Palestinian activism realm, it shows that the Israeli situation is not the only issue. Within the Women's rights realm, it shows that there are similar issues around the world. And within the realm of the United Nations, the fact that UN: Women made a statement on this song means that the role Palestine plays in global affairs is constantly changing. I think its interesting how a song can portray such a variety of meanings when we look at it with an open mind, and recognize that everyone just wants to be heard, and as band member Tamer Nafar said at a press conference held in Ramallah... “We wrote this song because we think that everyone should have this opportunity to do what he/she aspires and be allowed to dream." That is a beautiful message that everyone should take home, independent of their views on the greater conflict.

Reading Response - Writing on the Wall

This article was incredibly interesting for me because I have always found special interest in the way that society expresses its views and interests visually. The article mentions that, "As a cultural device in a communicative process, graffiti fashioned and spoke to multiple audiences."

I think this is interesting, because, just as we discussed on the topic of photography, people can interpret the visual expression in many different manners.

The most interesting thing to me though, is the numerous varying forms of graffiti. There can be two pieces of graffiti that appear completely different, and raise different emotions, and yet are based on the same idea. I have some photos of graffiti that I took while in Israel and the West Bank that I would like to share.

Here we see a depiction most likely of an Israeli (designated by the sandals) holding up a gun. This was taken in Bethlehem. I see anger and can picture the action of such an individual upon simple viewing. 

I find this humorous, how a popular culture reference has been appropriated to the political issue at hand.

Then there are people who just are mad at everything, at anybody who is passing by. Taken in Abu Tor, just South of the Old City.

This is harmless, but gets the message across. I like it.

This is a wonderful quote that I loved immediately when I saw it. The great thing about graffiti is that it is illegal, but can push across such a beautiful message sometimes.

This angers me. This is the barrier/fence/wall outside of Bethlehem. Banksy's work is just a few meters to the right of this graffiti. But it is troubling that signs and words representing the Holocaust are being used in this situation. While I can see the conflict from both sides of view, I cannot imagine or put up with the idea that it is anything like the Holocaust. Honestly, this is insulting.

An interesting call to action. Very troubling. 

I support this idea. We will not get anywhere if we don't try.

The world is a canvas. And some will use it however they wish I guess!

Reading Response: Parallels and Paradoxes

I want to first start out by commenting on the preface written by Ara Guzelimain. It mentions that "Edward Said had the gift of conversation." It is a beautiful manner in which conversation is portrayed as a gift. Many say that the dialogue and relationship formed by Daniel Barenboim and Edward Said was a model for individuals and communities from related backgrounds in the future. It is important to note that nothing could have been initiated if not for conversation. Wars dont solve problems, and neither do isolation from one another. Conversation does.  So let's keep the dialogue going and show others how it can be done just like Said and Barenboim have done before us.

Later in the reading, Guzelimain asks about differences between Said and Barenboim. Said responds by mentioning historical narratives. He argues that one problem with the current situation is that negotiations are apolitical. When I read this, I started to feel as if I was going to disagree, but I read on. Said mentions the idea of historical tolerance. We don't need to assume each others history, but just recognize the fact that different historical narratives exist.

I think this is important, because we can never agree on everything, but if we respect and recognize our differences, rather than closing off to anything but our own interests, then there is more platform for peaceful and potentially successful negotiation.

He mentions the importance of intertwined but different histories in discussion. Guzelimain agrees with this point by mentioning that one of the pleasures of the dialogue is to observe the wresting with parallels and paradoxes. It is important that throughout all of this discussion and dialogue and argument, we continue to wrestle with our own ideas and the ideas of others.

Final Project Ideas

I'll be looking at Palestinian representation of the political situation. I hope to do this through a variety of sources.

Movies I want to pull clips from:
“5 Broken Cameras” http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2125423/
“Encounter Point” http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0783517/
“This Narrow Place” http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1587353/
Top 10 Israeli/Palestinian Conflict Movies: http://blogs.miaminewtimes.com/cultist/2011/07/top_10_films_about_the_israeli.php

I want to look into the claims of apartheid in the region. Here is an interesting article that I may start with. http://electronicintifada.net/content/oscar-nominated-films-prove-israel-apartheid-state/12168

 Photographs from local photographers: how do they see it? (reality) 

-I know of a few Palestinian photographers and hope to look at more, such as photojournalists, who will be able to represent the reality of the political situation and life.

News (Palestinian) (reality) 

-Newspapers in West Bank cities (Bethlehem has English publications, I believe also Ramallah and Hebron. I hope to find news sources from cities such as Nablus and Janin)

"Facts" shown in educational materials in public school: what are kids learning when they learn history and government in public school? (reality or representation?)

Politically charged art
Al-Mammal Foundation
Poster art: http://electronicintifada.net/content/review-poster-art-israeli-palestinian-conflict/3457
“Made in Palestine” exhibit: http://aljissergroup.org/nymip/made-in-palestine.html 

Reading Response- Prep for Mariam Said

The two videos we watched for this week were quite interesting and captivating, and caused me to think in a new manner.

I want to point out three ideas mentioned by Daniel Barenboim in the Al-Jazeera interview.

1. Barenboim mentions the idea of human solidarity. This is in context to bringing the orchestra to Gaza, but the idea of human solidarity is a very strong one that is often pushed to the side. Much like the United Nations, we should sometimes take a step back and look beyond personal interests and agendas to observe the treatment of humans. In the Israeli and Palestinian conflict, there exists a mistreatment of humans on both sides. Neither Israelis nor Palestinians should be forced to live in a hostile region where they are frequently fearing for their own lives and the lives of their loved ones, and where they never know what tomorrow will be. The instability of the region is unfit for human lives, and this is the point on which we should work towards a solution. Put a hold on the "who is right/ who is wrong" conversation, and worry about the people. The humans who are unable to live normal lives like you and me.

2. He mentions that Israeli security will be measured by acceptance by Palestinians. This shows a few things. First, security is not a process that can be achieved unilaterally. While steps can be made by either side, and have varying degrees of success, we can not reach complete security without cooperation. The security wall/fence/barrier put in place in recent years has taken great steps to increasing the security of Israeli human lives (Christian, Muslim, and Jewish individuals of Middle East/Arab, European, and African descent). It has proven to be successful in some places by stopping the bombings, terrorist attacks, and retaliations during times such as the First and Second Intifadas during which lives were lost on both sides. For the time being, this has worked. My greatest hope is that the security apparatus does not become permanent. And it will not be if we work to create communication and acceptance of the existence of one another. This is an interesting and fitting way to view security which can lead to peace.

3. Lastly, he talks about the division of East and West Jerusalem as political capitals of both entities. Then he mentions that despite this, Jerusalem will forever belong to the World on the base of culture, intellect  religion, and emotion. This is a beautiful way to view Jerusalem and one which I wish more political and religious figures could understand.

Reading Response- Nassar Reading

This reading was very intriguing to me. As someone who 1: has spent a lot of time in Israel/ Palestinian Territories and 2: is a photographer, the ideas in Nasser's writing hit home for me.

He mentions that "Photography bought 'the past into the present more than ever before, changing the way people experienced their personal past and the collective past of history'" This made me think, because while I fully agree with the personal past idea, the idea of collective past is a little out of focus for me. As I believe I have mentioned in past blog posts, the idea of the collective is very vague. The way in which individuals identify with a collective interest or narrative is determined by each individual, and so I am not quite convinced that photographs are able to properly project the images of collective past.

Furthermore, Nassar mentions that "Not only do photographers manipulate reality through the use of special settings, effects  techniques, lighting and positions, but the photograph itself acquires various meaning depending on the viewer's previous knowledge of its subject and his/her reaction to it." This statement is loaded with ideas. First, I agree that there is a level of creative license that each photographer takes in displaying the images which he/she sees with their own eyes. Nonetheless, the subjects are still the same. In the world of socio-political photography, there could be two photos of the same subject, for instance a protestor at a large rally, that could portray the individual in two different manners. The subject is still the same. To an individual viewing the photo, the photo could either be taken at face value as they see just the individual, or could be seen by either opposing viewpoint, as the background and other subjects in the photo are taken into consideration. So while the image documented by a photo is largely up to the portrayal of the photographer as well as the viewer, the subject always stays the same. Furthermore, I think that the work on the photographers side largely effects how "good" the photo is, rather than how viewers read into such photo.

Nassar later brings up the idea of captions. I'll be completely candid and say that, while photos that I have taken are frequently published in the newspaper and various websites, I often disregard the captions. Yes, I have to write captions for my own photos, but when I am viewing the photos of others, I most often focus strictly on the image itself. This may be a result of my background in art, which led me to photography, rather than a foundation in journalism, but viewing photos this way also allows me to create my own interpretation.

When I choose not to read captions, I am able to visualize myself in the photo, and create my own experience and interaction with the subject(s) rather than attempt to understand the experience of the photographer. I think that captions are extremely limiting, and in many cases, even when not opinionated, can alter one's view of the photo.

That's my two cents, I'll leave you with a few photos that I took in Israel and the West Bank. I will not caption these in order to leave them up to your own interpretation, but if you want the backstory, leave a comment and I will try to give you the most unbiased story as possible.

Response- Tamari Readings

These readings were different. Joni Mitchell's "Big Yellow Taxi" comes to mind..."You don't know what you've got till its gone"

 I'm not saying that I'd prefer Armstrong, but I think the concise history was sometimes easier to process with relevance to my political thinking on Jerusalem, the region, and the conflict.

Nonetheless, I found  “Lepers, Lunatics and Saints" to be most interesting. I was really intrigued by Tamari's analysis of the idea of nationalism and nativism. He mentions that "Much of Palestinian nationalist revivalist writings of this period was a reaction to Zionist attempts at establishing their own putative claims to the Israelite and biblical heritage."

The idea of nationalism, Israeli or Palestinian, is very complex. If we look at Palestinian nationalism, it has long been contested by proponents of Israeli nationalism or Zionism. One could argue that Palestinian nationalist agendas have less of a base when compared to the basis of Zionism. Palestinian identity is not formed off of the need for a religious home, for there is not even a uniform religion among them, opposed to Jews, many of whom were oppressed in the diaspora, creating the need for a place for Jews to prosper and live out religious lives in freedom.

Yet if we look at recent Palestinian identity, there are more and more individuals who are passing as Palestinian and assuming such identity as a result of more recent oppression from Israel. So as time passes- is the need for nationalism and nationalist states for both peoples growing?

In another class, I am learning about racial and ethnic identification. One trend we study is the idea of self-identification. Many modern Zionists who have moved to Israel to live out a Jewish life were doing perfectly fine in diaspora countries such as the UK and the USA. Some could argue they don't need Israel for the same reasons on which it was founded. Similarly, many individuals who assume Palestinian nationality are originally of Jordanian or other Middle Eastern descent. So the question arises: what is the role of self-identification and self-recognition of a need for a nationalist state in contrast to the identification and recognition as performed by the international community?

This is all very confusing, and my analyses only lead to more questions, but I would like to hear more on the issue. I understand and relate to many forms of Zionism, but many extreme actions taken by others who identify as Zionist often deter me and make me wary of classifying myself in the same group in them. Similarly, as I have learned first hand of the Palestinian narrative, while I find it hard to see relevance to their cause based in history, I am very sympathetic for the current situation. I believe that the Palestinian nationalist agenda deserves more recognition and appreciation, even if only to protect the welfare of human beings.

Who is more legitimate? Who's nationalism is more nationalist than the other? Who knows...

Reading Response- Armstrong 14-18

So we have reached the end of Armstrong, and I have mixed feelings. I have begun to gain a better understanding of the history, especially from the Palestinian narrative, but my opinions on the matter have remained fairly constant. I am eager to delve into the upcoming readings and hopefully challenge my views rather than just learn a history.

I have decided to write about one very little thing that I noticed in Chapter 18. On pg. 405, the following map is shown:

The one element of this map that piqued my interest was surprisingly the Jerusalem airport at the northernmost point. I have lived in Jerusalem, and travelled quite a bit around it, and never have seen or even heard of this airport. So I decided to look into the matter a bit.

I found that "Atarot Airport... has been closed during the intifada; the thousands of rocks covering the now-idle runway explain why." The airport, which has been known as Kalandia Airport, Qalandia Airport, and Jerusalem Airport, was closed due to violence during the second intifada. The airport was the first airport in the British mandate for Palestine and was used for commercial and military air traffic. It's abandonment is representative of the surrounding city of Atarot, which like so many others, was deserted because of its dangerous proximity to the West Bank during the second intifada. 

A recent photo of the overgrown and abandoned Jerusalem airport

I'm not an airport buff to any degree, but as I was reading into the Jerusalem airport, I found another interesting story. The Yasser Arafat International Airport is another closed and abandoned airport in Gaza just north of the Egyptian border. Similarly linked to the Israeli/Paestinan struggle, this airport was closed in 2001 following significant damage by the Israeli Air Force in retaliation to the Al-Aqsa Intifada. Years later, the runway was ruined by locals hoping to sell the recycled stone and cement on the black market for construction. Here's an interesting video showing what happened. 

I am unsure what relevance this all has to the greater situation, but I will mention two ideas. 1: It is sad to realize the vast amount of ruined infrastructure that has resulted from the conflict. 2: In many ways, both sides are equally hurt by the violence. This makes it much more difficult to "choose a side" in the issue. I find that it is often easier to observe and strategize for the future by optimizing what we have now rather than play the blame game.

Initial Ideas for Project

There is a whole dissertations' worth of ideas that have been discussed in the politics group.

The group I will be working with is going to focus on the embargo and supply chain. I am very interested to look into how the different institutions involved in the conflict play a part in this matter. I am particularly interested in looking into political interests on both the Israeli and Palestinian side. The embargo on the Palestinian territories is a big political conflict - (let's also maybe look at this idea within refugee camps?) - I would be interested in seeing how different political groups and institutions within Israel and Palestine, as well as around the world, play into this matter.

Response- Armstrong 11-13

"Nasir suggests that there were about 20,000 families living in the city  which would put the overall population at about 100,000. He was impressed by Jerusalem's excellent markets and high building. Each craft has its own sūq, the town had many excellent craftsmen, and good were plentiful and cheap"

This quote from Ch. 12 of Armstrong's "Jerusalem" really hit home for me. It pinpointed two ideas for me. 1: There are so many people living in Jerusalem who have a rich history in the city. This is valid on both the Jewish and Palestinian side of the matter. People don't want to be forced out of their homes, and Jerusalem is, in a way, a home to all.

2: There is a rich culture in Jerusalem that is rooted in historical tradition and is what really makes Jerusalem special. I am a White Jew from the United States. When I am deep in the sūq, I stand out. Yet as I used to wander through, talking with people, hearing their stories, and debating politics, sports, or anything else with strangers. My favorite time to go was thursday afternoons- the market was always calm, and I could always make a friend. Sometimes I would use my camera to become friends with kids- they loved to smile for photos and then look at them with me. The kids had not yet been exposed to the negative stigmas that often exist among peoples within the city, and so we were friends. I also used to sit with shop owners, and learn of their lives. One time, I sat for 3 hours hearing about Hassan's desire to move into the city, because it was too much struggle to commute from Ramallah every day. Ramallah to Jerusalem is not close, and I was blown away to see what a gentleman would do to work in a city that was so important to he and his family.

As I read about the market, and the people who have such long histories in the city, I read something familiar. Not all that much has changed. The images, smells, sounds, and people are much the same. Yet the conflict has grown.

In another class, I am learning about the intergroup contact theory. This is to basically say that people will begin to find they are more similar to one another and begin to respect each other once they interact on greater levels. Keeping this in mind, I must rant for a moment.

A huge part of Israel's economy is based off of tourism. Yet these tours, take Birthright for example, or many other Jewish-life heavy tours, shield participants from the reality. Many people will at most walk through the market, and maybe haggle for a shirt or something. What they aren't open to is the idea that the merchant from whom they just saved 3 shekels has a story. They don't see the Jerusalem that Armstrong described in Ch. 12. We read of history, but not much has changed.

Maybe we need to understand each other before we can judge. Maybe we will learn that all the peoples who fight for Jerusalem are really not that different after all. Maybe if we interact on higher levels than 3 shekels, we can boil the conflict down to something simpler, and maybe even agree to work towards a solution.