Back from Israel

[elorden]

I'm back from my trip. I'll be posting some reflections on all that happened, but, that will have to wait until I get the 15 or so rolls of film developed an put on CDs. Trip was good, except for a few hiccups. Even got a chance to see Bethlehem.

Comments

[imbri6]

Welcome back!

So... what was your favorite moment of the trip? Among all that wonder and amazement, what one thing stood out the most or affected you the most?

Soapbox (Sorry Becky......)

[elorden]

The tihng that stood out most was the attitude of the Israeli Jews about the security wall that is being erected between Jewish parts of Israel and the West Bank. We went to the Yad Vashem, the Holocaust mesuem near Jerusalem. When asked how the Israeli Jews could support their governement's treatment of the Palestinians, given the events of between 75 and 60 years ago, our guide responded that they saw no moral equivalance between the ghettos of Nazi Gernany and the current dehumaniznation of Palestinians in Israel because the Israelis are not trying attempting genocide aganist the Palestinians.

Yet, the Palestinians have a good portion of the blame they can shoulder as well. The militant side of Hamas is still wanting to wipe the state of Israel off the map. Peace will be a long time in coming until both sides begin looking at each other as human beings instead of demonized enemies.

Re: Soapbox (Sorry Becky......)

[beckyzoole]

I agree with them. What's wrong with securing the borders? Surely the very presence of the fence (it is a fence along most of the length, not a wall, although the wall portions are more likely to be photographed) -- surely the very presence of the fence confirms for the Palestinians that Israelis no longer hope to peacefully annex the West Bank. They consider it a separate territory, and don't want the foreigners living there to enter Israel without visas.

Re: Soapbox (Sorry Becky......)

[elorden]

That is all well and good, except for some items that jump out for me

[rogue461]

Welcome back. I'm looking forward to hearing all about it!