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.
I like how you point out how Barenboim said Jerusalem belongs to the World. (Also, did you mean to capitalize that? If so, I like that too.) It is a beautiful way to view the city, and if more people had this attitude and feeling it might be something political and religious figures are willing to accept. I also like how you pointed out that solving to conflict is more about ensuring safety and quality living for the people in Jerusalem. It is more important to save lives and create a safe atmosphere than determining who is right and who is wrong. It sounds so simple to us, over here. "Stop trying to decide who is right, and worry about saving lives," we think. But to them, maybe it is about more than saving lives. Maybe as an insider, determining a right and wrong is more important than living a normal life. I of course do no think this, but after years and years of conflict, maybe that's the way they see it.
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