Kibbutz Gezer, Israel — The IsraelExperts team (a provider of Israel education and tours) has been traveling Israel very much on both sides of the fence the past few weeks (figuratively and literally).We’ve taken several groups into Palestine — including an A meinu mission as well as another organization often viewed as politically to the right. With equal passion I have found myself arguing with people on both the left and right of the political spectrum. I find the discussions to be emotionally draining and immensely painful for two reasons. First, that thoughtful, rational and intelligent people make proposals I view as radical, immoral and unethical. Second, that at the same time, part of my own “hardened heart” is softened and touched by their arguments — both appalled and empathetic at the same time. I’m constantly walking both sides of the fence as a pro-peace Israeli. Being concerned about the future and security of Israel means looking in the mirror and facing the troublesome narrow-mindedness in our society and working toward change.
Today I’m back in the office and considering whether we must think about changing itineraries for groups heading south to do programs at unrecognized Bedouin villages in the Negev with NISPED: Negev Strategies of Peace & Development http://www.nisped.org.il/, and on the Gaza-Israel-Egypt boarder at Kirot Yamit http://www.eshkol.lanegev.co.il/kirotyamit.html. We check daily with the security services to ensure that it is safe to travel to these areas, and cancel the programs if necessary.
It’s a constant struggle not to sink into despair. Religious and political leaders preach hatred and racism. We’re faced with more and more calls for boycott, divestment and sanctions. Rockets are falling; friends and family are in the army. Hunger, violence and humiliation are part of the daily routine for Palestinians.
On the other hand, evaluations of one of our programs led us and our partners to the conclusion that we must also focus on the magnificent sparks of light shining in the darkness of the matzav (the “situation”) here in Israel and Palestine. It’s imperative that we give support to those individuals and organizations working toward change and having a positive impact. They present the issues — and also how we can make a difference. They provide hope and inspiration that cooperation, dialogue and change are not impossible.
• Young orthodox Israeli Jews protesting against racism (https://sites.google.com/site/gerimheyitem/home)
• Over 200 Israelis attended a gathering organized by South Africans who made aliyah “inspired by the vision of an enlightened, moral society and state that are both meaningfully Jewish and genuinely democratic” many of whom are deeply distressed by bitter travesties of that vision happening around us every day and want to do something.
• Rabbis for Human Rights efforts to support Palestinian olive farmers www.rhr.org.il/
• At Kibbutz Ein Shemer young Jewish and Arab Israeli leaders are involved in a variety of coexistence and ecology endeavors impacting the next generation www.grenhouse.org.il
• A leadership group from the University of Kansas Hillel (funded by the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City) spent the weekend in home hospitality with young Jewish and Arab Israeli leaders from Ramla involved in dialogue and community activism through Keshatot www.kshatot.co.il/.
From out of the troublesome narrowness I called to G-d
G-d answered me with openness
G-d is with me in those who help
(Psalm 118:5, 7)
When you discuss and debate Israel, and especially when you come here (and please come here!), be sure to take time to appreciate the magnificent sparks of light.
Originally from Kansas City, Steve Burnstein heads the education division at IsraelExperts. He has an M.A. in Jewish education from the Jewish Theological Seminar of America, and is currently completing his rabbinic studies at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College. Locally, he served as educator at Congregation Beth Torah from 1989 to 1994. Steve made aliyah in 1997 and for many years was the associate director of the Pinat Shorashim Seminar Center at Kibbutz Gezer, where he lives with his family.
