Peace Work
January 08, 2009
The last company I worked for in Israel (and the one that relocated me and my family to the US a mere nine months before the high-tech bubble went POP! and POP! went my job) showcased cooperation between Arabs and Moslems and Israelis a lot better than the students in my graduate program in Conflict Studies, and certainly better than the current situation in Gaza and Israel showcases.
The company was an Israeli-based company with an office in Virginia. If I remember correctly, in the US office there was one Saudi (he was the vice president), three Afghani, one Dane, five Americans, and four Israelis (one of whom was the president and CEO). I’m sure I’m forgetting some people, but that is the core that I remember. And the company that produced the give-aways and tee-shirts for us was run by a Palestinian/Jordanian.
Granted, we never discussed politics and discussions were mostly work related. But if there had been any animosities between people, any simmerings of political or religious stew, they certainly would have come up in our interactions in our interminable meetings round the conference table, but they never did. It was always relaxed; we had some very good times around that very big conference table. We used to play word games, because, honestly, how much can you talk about Next Generation software and hardware? We were all hoping that together we could ride the high-tech boom to financial success for all. I mean why not work together if there is a tangible result you are all working towards, and one that has such great potential for all? We had our stock options, we had our hopes, and we had to trust in each other.
And there is the (okay, a) key. We weren’t working together because we had funding from some NGO (non-governmental organization) to foster cooperation between Arabs and Israelis, or to see how well Jews and Moslems get along once they get to know the individual and get beyond stereotyping the unknown “other.” We were working together not because of the group we were identified as belonging to, but rather we were individuals with the talents and skills that we brought to the table. We were each there, Jew, Christian, Moslem—and we thrived (relatively, we did go bust after all)—because we were not there as individuals who identified with certain religious and national groups, but as individuals whose identity was just a part of what determined who we became as individuals. Our identity was all the things that made us who we were, we were not typecast.
I know this is simplistic, but it makes me think that one of the requirements for peace between the Israelis and Palestinians can be found in the Hebrew word tachless, which is Hebrew for “what you have after you cut the crap.” Yes, I know, there are layers upon layers of problems, yes I got a degree in how tough it is to solve problems between intransigent groups, and yes I know how much the spoilers from each side can hijack any possibility of peace, and yes I know that the sides have dug mile-deep explanation bunkers and pity stories, but there must be a solution to every problem, or perhaps a number of solutions to every problem.
Human dignity. Don’t we all want to be honored and respected for who we are? Don’t we all want to be able to fulfill our potential and enable our children to fulfill theirs? And don’t we all want our neighbors and our neighbors’ children to do the same? And wouldn’t it be nice if we could do this not because we are obliged to by some external entity, but because it benefits us all. Because we value each other’s lives for what is within. Because my stock options go up when your stock options go up. Because my value as a person goes up when I value others, when I see them for their intrinsic qualities and not their identification. Maybe this train of thought reflects a cultural view that is counter to others’ cultural view, which dooms the whole kumbaya feeling and intent of cooperation that I am talking about, but I can’t help but feel that most people in the core of their core want their lives, this time around, to be worthy—in a good, positive—way.
Everything that is happening now between Israelis and Palestinians serves to sever any chance that they will see the other as a potential partner benefiting each other with stock options. If only we could create a series of partnerships based on skills and interests, and not competition based on fear and loathing. Partnerships based on compatibility, and not competition based on dictates.
Maybe we need different people round those big conference tables. Or maybe what we really need is people sitting round kitchen tables with pens and papers and the open minds of people looking to create a better future—together. But at least thinking of them, at least trying to find the humanity in each other and not just what divides.
This morning on my drive to work I heard a version of “Imagine,” which made me think that getting rid of divisions is counter to human nature, but using those divisions—our uniquenesses—might be the only way that we could eventually create peace. We cannot deny our external and internal differences, but we can use them to create something new. Something that might resemble understanding, which just might resemble peace.
Peace to all.
You offer the most positive and powerful solution I've heard. If only...
Posted by: April | January 08, 2009 at 09:30 AM
I'm almost 53 years old, and I can't remember a time when there was 'real' peace in the middle East. The issue is so much broader (even from my layman's perspective) than the mere clashing of 'differences'....
As I read your article (wonderfully written, btw), I couldn't help but think of a couple of things, like...
...how many generations of Isrealies and Palestinians have been taught - from the womb - to hate and fear each other? And when so much of their battle is wrapped up in religious doctrine, how do you go about changing that core mentality - if you can - and how long would it take?
Posted by: Grace | January 08, 2009 at 10:00 AM
I agree with Grace, wonderfully written. Yet I'm not sure the differences are strictly religious. I have two close friends who are Palestinian, and my understanding is that they want their homeland back--a land the UN (with help from the US and Britain) cleared of the native people to create the state of Israel in 1948.
I do know that in Gaza the people are at the mercy of the Israelis as far as opening and closing the borders and other things that the people there rely on to make a living. Thus one can see how the outrage grows.
It does seem they are taught to hate from the womb in addition. Because Israel has the upper hand, one would think the Palestinians could try a Gandhi sort of peace protest. That would certainly win them more sympathy. Still it's hard I suppose to feel anything peaceful when your daily life is always interrupted.
Your idea of using our differences to create something new is great. Wish I could do that in my marriage. ;)
Posted by: prefers her fantasy life | January 08, 2009 at 12:23 PM
April, if only...the moderates of the world were to rule and not the extremists. This "if only" goes not just to there, but all over, and for myriad issues.
Grace, I in no way even attempted here to go into the myriad issues that are involved in this conflict; I can't tell you how many PhDs wrote their dissertations on the conflict, and how many organizations are dedicated to resolving the conflict, and, of course, the books that have been written. I'm just thinking about what seems to be one thread that can be taken up. Granted, a look back needs to be taken, but at the same time people need to look ahead and this, perhaps, is one avenue.
Regarding generational time frame, in the late 1800's Jews started returning to Israel, what was then called Palestine. After that the War of Independence in 1948, and then the Six Day War in 1967 were the biggest catalysts for battle and conflict. So that makes it about two or three generations. The conflict may be religious but really it's about group identity. Religious fanatics or extremists (and not just regarding this conflict) seem more desirous of control and power than divinity.
Prefers, okay, I really don't want to go into competing visions of "in the beginning," let's just say that both sides have valid explanations for being where they are. Sometimes the reality on the ground is what needs to be addressed and not the "they did this" and "we did this" type of discussion which may make people feel good, but is not what's going to get people to stop trying to kill each other.
I remember when I lived in Israel we used to wish the Palestinians would take on a more Gandhiesque approach. Oh well. Each group gets the leader that suits its needs and personality, or not. Israel always gets this aggressive ex-generals. But it didn't happen. Now, though, there do seem to be real steps toward peace or peaceful coexistence between Israel and the West Bank, hopefully that will be a guide.
Gaza, Israel evacuated in September 2005. Interestingly, Jews are not allowed to live there (and there are some very important religious sites for Jews there which cannot be visited). For sure there have been many issues on which the Israelis can be chastised, but in those four years, which were supposed to be a showing the world that the Gazans can develop their own government systems and can be a viable state, this was not done. I know, this is patronizing, but sometimes you just need to do what you need to do to get what you want. But what is it that you want? That's the key here.
Posted by: Laura of Rebellious Thoughts of a Woman | January 08, 2009 at 05:48 PM
My brother and his wife just returned from living a few months in Israel. They have had some very interesting stories for us. I had a mission trip to Egypt planned for November but had to have hip surgery instead. I so wanted to go and to see this historic part of the world.
Very well written!
Posted by: Stepping Thru | January 08, 2009 at 06:04 PM
It is not simplistic, at all. There will never be peace until people see it as you (and I) do.
Posted by: Momo Fali | January 08, 2009 at 06:44 PM
Stepping, I hope you get to go there some time soon, then we can have some Egypt stories. I bet riding a camel in front of the Pyramids would require a well-working hip.
Posted by: Laura of Rebellious Thoughts of a Woman | January 08, 2009 at 06:51 PM
Momo Fali, I guess there can never be peace until people want it for both sides, and not just their own.
Posted by: Laura of Rebellious Thoughts of a Woman | January 08, 2009 at 06:58 PM
A very interesting and informative post. You have some great idea's and understanding of this whole situation. I think many of us really don't know all the details that make it what it is today so it's harder for outsiders to understand. I think most of us want peace between all people but there are still people on all sides, that find being "right", in control, having it all their way...ect. more important. I think both sides in this situation have their valid points. I think ignorance and arrogance are at the core of this hate that some people have for people outside of their "group". Great post!
Posted by: Lori | January 09, 2009 at 05:40 AM
What a great experience to work in an environment like that. Sorry it went bust but that was from a business standpoint and not a human one.
And I must agree with you, there are numerous solutions to the conflict but it is so easy for many to keep all the crap alive and sitting there instead of cutting through it. they want revenge or have some sort of agenda. the list goes on and on to not cut through it.
"Human dignity. Don’t we all want to be honored and respected for who we are? Don’t we all want to be able to fulfill our potential and enable our children to fulfill theirs? And don’t we all want our neighbors and our neighbors’ children to do the same? And wouldn’t it be nice if we could do this not because we are obliged to by some external entity, but because it benefits us all. Because we value each other’s lives for what is within. Because my stock options go up when your stock options go up. Because my value as a person goes up when I value others, when I see them for their intrinsic qualities and not their identification. Maybe this train of thought reflects a cultural view that is counter to others’ cultural view, which dooms the whole kumbaya feeling and intent of cooperation that I am talking about, but I can’t help but feel that most people in the core of their core want their lives, this time around, to be worthy—in a good, positive—way. "
I agree with everything here. I try to see people as people sans the labeling and have met some amazing people that I would have not met otherwise. You grow from these interactions as well. It is incredibly rewarding.
Posted by: Ricardo | January 09, 2009 at 01:09 PM