
Israel vs. Palestine
I received this request on 8/24/14 but needed to spend some time thinking and reading more about it. The original question: “What perspective can you add to what’s going on in Israel/Palestine? It seems horrible to me from either perspective, and I’m […]
I received this request on 8/24/14 but needed to spend some time thinking and reading more about it. The original question: “What perspective can you add to what’s going on in Israel/Palestine? It seems horrible to me from either perspective, and I’m often confused when people like my grandmother mindlessly “support Israel” while denying that their actions have a genocidal flavor. And yet, with Hamas shooting rockets, building tunnels, using human shields, I have a hard time sympathizing and I feel that, yes, Israel has the right to protect itself – and yet, Israel has been, arguably, a colonizer for the past 60 years, and not one with a light tread. It’s hard for me to understand what’s going on. Can you shed some light?”
That’s a doozy. First, I’ll say that I agree that it seems horrible from both sides and that it’s hard for *most* people to understand what’s really going on, given, among other things, that the mainstream media in America is beholden to powerful and monied special interests that ostensibly do not include keeping the public informed. And this is precisely why I would caution against blindly supporting anyone. The Middle East has been a volatile region for a long, long time; the conflicts there are deep, entrenched and nuanced. In other words, this is not a new issue; it takes work and study to understand what’s happening. No one should support anyone or anything without educating themselves on the multiple perspectives involved (rather than seeking information that only supports a preconceived opinion) and considering the sources of their information. Rather than using ignorance as an excuse, though, it is my position that we need to learn at least enough to know our part in this – if and how we’re contributing to bloodshed and suffering. As Christians, we cannot stand for this no matter what “side” it’s coming from. (more…)
Related Posts





