The Paradox of change - Palestine brain
This is emotional post, as I found my self in internal conflict of what is the right way to act. and I believe that all of us familiar with this conflict especially when we think of the appropriate way to build relationship with the Other side.
recently I found the work of young Palestinian name Wael AlSaad who works to create Palestinian network that will enable more effective cooperation within Palestinian NGO groups. I think his approach and passion are valuable at this stage of the conflict as Palestinian society seek to find its own way to cooperate and manifest its human desire for Independence and freedom.
My dilemma appeared when I found a new group in face book Wael formed: Palestine Brain
I hold in parallel two perspective of the situation, from one side I recognize ethno-centric view that identify the social/national identity as separate from other "nations". Palestinian identity, as Israel Identity has this feature of preferring group interest over external groups. one need to acknowledge that component, so even if I think that there is something good in Israel fro the whole region, I recognize that many palestinians may intemperate such idea as aggressive marginalization of the Palestinian condition. same as many Israelis tend to prefer protection of Israeli citizens over improving Palestinian (WB and Gaza) life condition.
The other perspective I hold is world centric, this is a perspective that I can identify with any one, and its core values are in the health of the human tissue, from that prespective I can see how national/ethno-centric perspective shapes the lines of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. and also that this distinctions are paying against the children of the both side. we humans have same responsibility over every baby life condition, it does not matter in what side of the fence this baby born.
so I am seating here with my world centric perspective in the world-centric Facebook, reading this great idea and invitation and about to click myself into these discussion.
but I did not.
I need to respect the ethno-centric view of people, and as Israeli (no escape from that) getting into a group "Palestinian Brain" with all my good intention and experience that I can contribute it is not the right thing todo.
So at this point, I decided not to get in, and this is where we can see some of the advantage we have in MEPeace where it is open to all,
What would one have do in this situation, should I get in (assume I have capacity to positively add value to this group) or stay out and watch.
The minimum I can do is to extend the Invitation of "Palestine Brain" group and invite people who can contribute to Wael initiative. I also inviting people to bring some of the from "Palestine Brain" discussion to this Forum, so we the Israeli can relate to the process our neighbor's are going through.
Palestine Brain: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=12019304452
recently I found the work of young Palestinian name Wael AlSaad who works to create Palestinian network that will enable more effective cooperation within Palestinian NGO groups. I think his approach and passion are valuable at this stage of the conflict as Palestinian society seek to find its own way to cooperate and manifest its human desire for Independence and freedom.
My dilemma appeared when I found a new group in face book Wael formed: Palestine Brain
I hold in parallel two perspective of the situation, from one side I recognize ethno-centric view that identify the social/national identity as separate from other "nations". Palestinian identity, as Israel Identity has this feature of preferring group interest over external groups. one need to acknowledge that component, so even if I think that there is something good in Israel fro the whole region, I recognize that many palestinians may intemperate such idea as aggressive marginalization of the Palestinian condition. same as many Israelis tend to prefer protection of Israeli citizens over improving Palestinian (WB and Gaza) life condition.
The other perspective I hold is world centric, this is a perspective that I can identify with any one, and its core values are in the health of the human tissue, from that prespective I can see how national/ethno-centric perspective shapes the lines of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. and also that this distinctions are paying against the children of the both side. we humans have same responsibility over every baby life condition, it does not matter in what side of the fence this baby born.
so I am seating here with my world centric perspective in the world-centric Facebook, reading this great idea and invitation and about to click myself into these discussion.
but I did not.
I need to respect the ethno-centric view of people, and as Israeli (no escape from that) getting into a group "Palestinian Brain" with all my good intention and experience that I can contribute it is not the right thing todo.
So at this point, I decided not to get in, and this is where we can see some of the advantage we have in MEPeace where it is open to all,
What would one have do in this situation, should I get in (assume I have capacity to positively add value to this group) or stay out and watch.
The minimum I can do is to extend the Invitation of "Palestine Brain" group and invite people who can contribute to Wael initiative. I also inviting people to bring some of the from "Palestine Brain" discussion to this Forum, so we the Israeli can relate to the process our neighbor's are going through.
Palestine Brain: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=12019304452
Tags: AlSaad, Palestin, Wael, brain, centric, change, ethno-centric, palestine, world
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Catherine on -
What Eva says is very true. Personal connections are so important. This is the most radical action you can make for peace - to look in to the eyes of the other - to eat with them - work along side them - hold their children. The time I spent with Palestinians and Israelis working for reconciliation and peace was the most significant experience of my life. I walk this uncomfortable line of an American trying not to assume too much in either direction. What I mean is that I know now that I shouldn't assume that all, or even many, Israelis have been in the OPT as civilians and gotten to meet the Palestinians whose lives they control; but I don't want o make the opposite assumption either. If you have not made that trip, I strongly urge you to go. Maybe if I am able to get back there this fall, we can arrange a MEPeace gathering to pick olives?.... Until I can go back this electronic medium has to do. Most of the conversations I have here help me to feel connected and keep hope alive for me.
To get back to the original post - I do understand your hesitancy Neri. As important as it is to connect across the lines, there is a place for a space where a person can connect with others that KNOW their common experience. Neri, as an Israeli do you ever feel like you need to talk with other Israelis that struggle with the same internal conflicts you do, without someone like me on the 'outside' analyzing or challenging what you say? In the best situation those kind of spaces fill us up and give us the strength to reach out, at their worst they help us remain isolated. It is good for you to extend the invitation, and I hope they join us.
Be Well,
Catherine
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Permalink Reply by varda gershon on -
Catherine,
I really liked your writing. It is very true that the first necessary step toward meanningfull and trustworthy peace is to establish good relationship and understanding between the two people.
Presently there is very little trust and the peace negotiation needs to be based on trust.
Hopefully there will be more meetings and lots of personal connections that will create good feelings and real substance for the much needed peace.
Hope to read more of your delightfull and enlightening writings,
take care, varda
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Permalink Reply by Neri Bar-On on -
Thank you Eva,
I really agree with you that personal contact is essential. I do have close friend that I trust here in Israel, In Gaza and WB and in the US. There is nothing that can replace the human bond we can create. This is a very important relationship.
You said that you do not talk politics over the phone, and I connected to that sentiment of respect of the other, and this is where I find the paradox I think we should include while there is some tendency to ignore.
For example I can bring back our discussion about Human Rights, where you presented a world view that recognize th attribute of Human rights as borderless, while I presented a different view that claim that Human rights are function of life condition and we cannot demand/expect/criticize community that do not have conditions for supporting Human rights.
While you not need to agree with my view, you can recognize that many Palestinians would like their nation to be example for Human rights manifestation. But if they will act against the current violent forces within the Palestinian society we may find them dead. Not because some thing wrong with Palestinians or Arabs, it is due their life condition.
So I share with you the call for universal Human Rights manifestation, but I think (different from you) that we ought not to force it and the maximum we can do is to work to improve Palestinian life condition so they can make the needed resources for creating a Human Right society.
This is the Paradox, from one side my "world centric" prespective call to recognize my self as Palestinian we seek Palestinian freedom because they are my people - the Humanity on this planet. From the Other side I have to respect the fact that Palestinians will see me as Israeli and outsider and the concept I ring from the "outside" (me and you living in western culture accessing western resources of Health, social security and strong economy).
When I encounter Paradox I try to include it, since paradoxes are signs of realty. World centric is a view that negate national identity. But the Palestinians are now in the stage of investigating and creating their national state and identity. I can want to be included, but I need to keep myself excluded for some level. it is not easy but necessary for supporting the Palestinian as autonomous nationality to grew and get stronger.
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Permalink Reply by Wael_ on -
Dear Neri,
it honers me so much that you wrote about me and my activities. It is the first time one did.
You are very honest with you thoughts and their we have again something common. I believe being honest is the most efficient way to move forward for you challenges.
It took me couple of days till I've decided to join this group. To be with may Israeli is a new experience for me. Even one of the most important moments on my consciousness development journey was meeting Keren Assaf from New-Profile in Munich.
OK. Do you see the difference between saying "Palestine" and "Palestinian" Brain?
Can we apply the same on Israel and build "Israel Brain"-Group is a peace&justice-seeking group?
Look, The question about the identity is paradox one. Do you know why? Because the people are not willing to BE, what they pretend to be.
What does it mean to be Palestinian? Ask 1000 people and collect the answer, check the reality, you will see that it is paradox.
Or the same for "What does it mean to be Moslem?" People lose the connection to Islam on the next station of personal and material needs and advantage.
People does not like to face their truth: They are "humans" in all positive and negative meanings.
I've just finished a book of Dr. Ali Harb "The primitive Human" highlights this point. Now I feel driven to write about "The Paradox of Identity"
That's why I've chosen "Palestine"
For Palestine I can imagine a very beautiful land, has a magnificent and unique cultural spirit. It a centric in beauty and inspiration.
Israel can not be this! What is Israel? It is a Zionist project. A machinery of brain washing, oppression and manipulating history. The symbol of our lasting power age.
Free Palestine is something virtual we never have like a free world. That's why "Palestine Brain"
Wael
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Permalink Reply by Corey Gil-Shuster on -
Hi Wael,
I am happy you joined. I realize it may seem against your instincts but the more Palestinians and Israelis who meet (virtually and face-to-face) the sooner solutions can be found that will work for both peoples.
Your comments on identity are interesting. I think you can say the same with Israelis- how we define ourselves is not necessarily how we act. It was intellectually interesting (but emotionally hurtful) to read your statement “Israel can not be this! What is Israel? It is a Zionist project. A machinery of brain washing, oppression and manipulating history. The symbol of our lasting power age.”
I say hurtful because to Israelis this is not true. To Israelis, Israel is a beautiful place with a unique cultural spirit. I say interesting because most Israelis would describe Palestine the way you described Israel. You could literally replace the word Israel with Palestine and many Israelis would claim it is true.
I have written on this site about the identity and conflict. Check out:
http://www.mepeace.org/forum/topic/show?id=661876%3ATopic%3A41919
http://www.mepeace.org/forum/topic/show?id=661876%3ATopic%3A41931
http://www.mepeace.org/forum/topic/show?id=661876%3ATopic%3A41934
I advise you to read third on mimetic theory. Mimetic theory says that groups in conflict will ultimately mirror each other in beliefs with each sure that their side is right and the other is wrong. It is my belief that the only way our peoples will find true peace is when we understand the other side and how our own side is contributing to this conflict.
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Permalink Reply by Wael_ on
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Hi Corey,
How do you feel, when you visit refugee camps in Jordan or else where and then go to observe the sun-set on the beach in Yafa? If you are responsible person, how can you recognize this kind of beauty?
Average Israeli lives in "Paradise"/"consumption machinery" , why they should care?
Israeli are like all humans like to live in privilege and passivity. To do what they used to and not change if they do not have.
Can you explain how to see Israel beautiful, if it is build on our ruins???
Till this fact is not fixed I can not see Isael as you would like to see it. I am looking for a balanced picture on Israel, but I can not find.
In parallel, I respect the people are looking for equality in rights etc.
Which culture? Hummus and Flafel? You want to take every thing?
No, I do not Israeli will describe Palestine as I did. There is no symmetric. And there is not state called Palestine. You can speak about Palestinian but not a state of Palestine. Or do you want to sell the world the PA is the state of Palestine?
Corey, I know how complex it is. I understand your side, but I do not agree about its rightenss.
I understand this stuff as well http://traubman.igc.org/respond.htm
The major reason is not the people; It is the system made them and made by them.
It is the governments. What would Israel be, if there is no "enemy"? They keep look for enemy. In Europe Zionists invent the Islam-phobia ..
It is the language of power. How many dirty business is combined with Israel?
The dirty global politics are designed on behalf of Israel. For me this fact is a resource of hope. Once we managed to start collectively transform our global values, economical system and global political systems, we would create new conditions and rules to manage the conflict and others.
For now, the way conflict is managed, I see minimum chance.
We need new creative approaches: Like install alternative web-representations. Like "Israeli for Free-Palestine"-community help Palestinian to build one parallel community. Oslo Manager do not care about us in exile. They are neglecting our weight to change. They do not want to be disturbed.
Again, there is Israel, but also a dream of free Palestine. I wish we can share it. We can only design the future if we dream together.
I will read your writings later and comment.
Wael
a civil anarchist
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Permalink Reply by Corey Gil-Shuster on
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I am not sure if you actually want answers to your questions but in the interest of understanding I will give them to you. I write the following from two perspectives, emotionally as someone intimately involved in the conflict and intellectually as someone who studies conflict theory and tries to see the dynamics in all our behaviours.
I have never been to a refugee camp. As a Jew, I would be too afraid I would be killed so I have no plans to go.
When I stand on the beach at Jaffa, I don’t think of the Palestinians who lived there before 1948 and feel guilt. I sit with my friends who are Palestinians and Jews currently living in Jaffa. Many would raise the argument: do you not feel guilty living on the ruins of the past Jewish kingdom? You probably did not even realize that you live on my ancestors land. You will say that there is a difference between 2000 years and 60 years. True but not to those who truly believe on an emotional level what belongs to them, belongs to them.
I am not even sure how to respond to your other points (dirty business, governments, etc.) because that is not how I view the situation. But I do agree that we will have to find creative solutions for both peoples.
The problem with the conflict is we are all sure we are right, the other side is wrong, and wait for the other side to understand that (by beating the message into each other). Yet neither side is willing to understand the other because it would mean giving up a part of our identity.
Part of me sees how much the Palestinian people are suffering. I understand how important it is for your suffering to be recognized. Israelis will never see how they have impacted on your people or feel your suffering through guilt and anger. I am sure you will find some who will feel your pain, but if we want to create real peace for our peoples, both of us have to understand what the majority on both sides thinks and believes and stop trying to disprove the other. Otherwise, we will be in this conflict forever which neither of us wants.
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Permalink Reply by Wael_ on
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I totally understand your point. I wont start arguing with you again.
We need practical tactical creativity not miracles to break the crises. This is my focus. Creativity starts by suspension .. I am writing about this subject.
There is some new ideas I will discuss later ...
guys, pls join global-mindshift.org
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Permalink Reply by Corey Gil-Shuster on
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Wael, you are a better man than me :-). I regretted sending the last reply after I posted it because it means I am as guilty of reproducing this conflict as the others who keep this going through pointless argument.
Let’s work on creative solutions.
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Permalink Reply by Wael_ on
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take it easy .. we learn if we gave each other the needed space to.
You surprise me very positive with your reply now ..
you bring me to say what I've learned :)
Feel responsible for the behaviour of others. It demand some sensibility and sacrifice.
What I did, I step back, gave you some space will help you and me instead to clash for no sense.
http://traubman.igc.org/respond.htm
I would call my next project "swap"
Palestinian has understood the Israeli side, should help them to gain new story, new image about Palestinian and Israeli the same. Our group build bridges of stories and narratives.
We would need to create a punch of activities and plans based on this.
We need signals, like Israeli do not mind to live in peace side by side to Palestinians. Like
Names on Roots-Village Stones: 10 Israeli activists would gather small stones from roots villages of refugee camp X in Jordan for example and go there to meet young people from these villages to let them right their names.
The stones with the names will be send put back, where they came from and photographed. Such action could create explosive spiral consciousness shift in young Palestinian generation.
But for now we have to start with technical basics: Networking and communication efficiency. We have to focus our efforts and combine creativity springs.
One last thing I think about: real pace is made by people and not governments.
Governments follow other interests than those of people ..
imagine people would make pace and decide to live togather: The current goverments would be obsolate!
That's why I am pushing for radical pace-making .. Power Occupier are an obstacle of peace.
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Permalink Reply by Neri Bar-On on
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Dear friend,
I am happy to see you here, as there is greater presence for the shift we all about to make in order to create our future. It is not about politics, and leaders it is about us and how we utilize what we learned and able to create in order to reduce tension and aggression as it manifest itself in our time. This is not Palestinian thing todo, not it is Israeli todo we are stuck in this conflict together thanks to the mistakes and courage of our 19th-20th century generations from both side.
This is our time and we can see in our generation that it is human thing when you see you can bring positive change you bring your self into it and it can transcend your ethno-centric identity while including and respect it. We can respect national identity and can recognize that the way the future form it is us from all sides (Palestinian, Israeli, Jewish, Arab, Muslim, Cristian ...) who need to shift into more cooperative state that will add to our resilience as human.
Simply say, we have one future for the human tissue here and we need to create a social political system that will contain it.
The political structure of Israel and Palestine are quite rigid but we have different processes to national power. the structure you present are key for shaping new methode of social activism for the good of the whole.
Lets utilize technology, wisdom, care and create conditions that every baby of the middle east will grew in condition that enable him/her to reach knowledge and education develop him self and the culture of peace and creation. be able to support other conflict region in our globe to get healed and to developed the technology and ability to continue live in this planet as food shortages, wormer polluted atmosphere and economic destructive cycles will continue to risk our existence here.
Israel needs a shift, as much as Israelis explain the situation by the aggression that come from palestinians (what Israeli recognize as Terrorists) they become blind to the dysfunctional structures in Israel that dance and flame this aggression. as Israel identity collapse into ethno-centric identity of Jewishness while it try to hold universal human right and modern concept of citizenship. This is a paradox in the Israeli identity and when you bring the Palestinian voice into it you create fear and resistance that resist change and emergence. so to change we need to keep some degree of separateness and unity of the idea that we create bridges to one shared future.
Dr. Ali Harb is new to me, is some of materials available in English on the Internet?
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Permalink Reply by Wael_ on
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wonderful statement Neri.
About Dr. Ali Harb (Philosopher) , I am interested for the same and could not find it .. me be you want also to contact over beirut@airpbooks.com , http://www.airpbooks.com/En/About.php?PageName=Profile
Neri, we need a "multiplexer" of our knowledge. (The Global Brain Application) .. check for example http://www.greggbraden.com/ and http://www.scienceofpeace.com/
Are you as well at http://www.global-mindshift.org/ ?
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