Biblical scholar in Hebrew and Hebrew Bible: special interest in translation textual plurality, (Septuagint, Dead Seas Scrolls, Samaritan Pentateuch, Aleppo Codex, Leningrad Codex); feminist, womanist and post-colonial biblical interpretation; prophets and prophecy in the Ancient Near East and ancient Israel
Episcopal priest, product of the Black Church, author, blogger, preacher, teacher, lecturer, public speaker
An interesting reflection. When I went, the story/stories told to us were through Palestinians. I felt an immediate connection with the Palestinians and empathy for their predicament because it felt so much like the story of African Americans. That the Israeli settlers feel pain and anger really didn’t bubble up in my consciousness and I find that, reading your reflection, I am still experiencing my own anger at what I perceive as the gross injustice perpetrated against the Palestinians. Much, much to grapple with .
Thanks for sharing.
I am glad to hear that you have been as open minded as you are about hearing and trying to understand the Israeli narrative. Zionism is a very emotionally tied religion which has ties back of over 3000 years. This does not eliminate the inhumanities done to those who are not Jewish. I am very intrigued to see if/ how a peaceful negotiation can happen concerning the 1 state versus 2 states.
When I toured Israel a couple of years back my professors were the contouring voice regarding Palestinians. Our guide gave as well rounded of a voice concerning Palestinian occupation as a Zionist could, but I often was left wondering “but, what does the Torah say regarding the foreigner residing among you?” My professors would remind us that the stories of houses “coming up overnight” and “media bias” need to be heard with a grain of salt.
Thanks for this reflection. One of my trips to Israel/Palestine was through a George Mason class on conflict resolution, and we visited with the settlers at Har Homa and Ma’adele Adumim. One visit was utterly chilling– the Israeli-American guide talked of Rabin as being the next Hitler, ready to sell out his people, and mentioned offhandedly how she had contemplated removing a Palestinian baby from life support in the NICU.
The other visit was easier to empathize with. The families spoke of forming relationships with the Palestinians who lived near-by, and how they had moved there primarily for the cheap housing, since Israel’s internal economy had done a number on the middle class. They denied being zealots in any sense; but still suffered being grouped in the same category as the Frightening Tour Guide.
I’ve struggled with the settlers and what they represent ever since.
Susan K Smith
August 10, 2017 12:20 amAn interesting reflection. When I went, the story/stories told to us were through Palestinians. I felt an immediate connection with the Palestinians and empathy for their predicament because it felt so much like the story of African Americans. That the Israeli settlers feel pain and anger really didn’t bubble up in my consciousness and I find that, reading your reflection, I am still experiencing my own anger at what I perceive as the gross injustice perpetrated against the Palestinians. Much, much to grapple with .
Thanks for sharing.
Donna
August 10, 2017 9:15 amThank you for sharing. Your words express so well many of my questions and draw me to a place of deeper reflection. I look forward to your next blog.
Benjamin Murray
August 10, 2017 10:44 amI am glad to hear that you have been as open minded as you are about hearing and trying to understand the Israeli narrative. Zionism is a very emotionally tied religion which has ties back of over 3000 years. This does not eliminate the inhumanities done to those who are not Jewish. I am very intrigued to see if/ how a peaceful negotiation can happen concerning the 1 state versus 2 states.
When I toured Israel a couple of years back my professors were the contouring voice regarding Palestinians. Our guide gave as well rounded of a voice concerning Palestinian occupation as a Zionist could, but I often was left wondering “but, what does the Torah say regarding the foreigner residing among you?” My professors would remind us that the stories of houses “coming up overnight” and “media bias” need to be heard with a grain of salt.
Megan Castellan
August 10, 2017 10:48 amThanks for this reflection. One of my trips to Israel/Palestine was through a George Mason class on conflict resolution, and we visited with the settlers at Har Homa and Ma’adele Adumim. One visit was utterly chilling– the Israeli-American guide talked of Rabin as being the next Hitler, ready to sell out his people, and mentioned offhandedly how she had contemplated removing a Palestinian baby from life support in the NICU.
The other visit was easier to empathize with. The families spoke of forming relationships with the Palestinians who lived near-by, and how they had moved there primarily for the cheap housing, since Israel’s internal economy had done a number on the middle class. They denied being zealots in any sense; but still suffered being grouped in the same category as the Frightening Tour Guide.
I’ve struggled with the settlers and what they represent ever since.