On the humanity of the grieving - Emily L. Hauser

[azurnoir]

I understand that Israelis are frightened. That they are steeped in an existential fear that they are told, over and over again, is the only thing keeping them alive. I understand that to let go of that fear just enough to see the fear and devastation on the other side would require letting go of decades of lived experience, powerful beliefs taught as knowledge, a constructed narrative that is felt to be truth. I understand that such change is tremendously difficult. Fear is often the safest place we can find.

But for all that understanding, I still can’t understand. How can Israelis not recognize Palestinian fear, so like our own — only more so? How can they not recognize the blood and the grief — so like our own, only in greater numbers? How can they not understand that when one side wages war, the other tends to fight back, even if our side doesn’t think they should?

How can we not see that Palestinians are as human as we are?

The woman killed Wednesday by a Palestinian’s hand is gone forever. Never to shop for birthday presents again, never to talk with friends over coffee. Never to hold a loved one, never to smile, or cry, again. The 11-year-old boy killed Tuesday by Israel’s hands — by my hands — will never learn geometry, never fall in love, never hold his own child, never smile, or cry, again. The pain is bottomless and endless. And it is the same.


http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=372079

[oberliner]

1. Would you like to learn more about the author?

Here is her take on "the basics" of the I/P conflict and history:

http://emilylhauserinmyhead.wordpress.com/2009/09/10/israelpalestine-the-basics/

Edit to add: Her spiritual journey is also quite interesting - born nominally Protestant, became a Born Again Christian as a youth, and converted to Judaism after moving to Israel (and then moved back to the US).

[azurnoir]

3. Interesting stuff thank you n/t

[LeftishBrit]

2. Thank you. Wish I could recommend.

[azurnoir]

4. your very welcome n/t