-
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090324/OPINION/903240315
For those of you who may not be aware, one of my interests has always been the way in which the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is debated in this country and abroad. Some of you also know that I previously directed a program that sought to engage both Jewish Israelis and Arab youth to better understand each other and how their views either perpetuate the conflict or help bring the two side closer to some kind of negotiated two-state solution.
Part of my work involves helping certain communities who are not used to venturing into this fray. The help can take the form of media relations, strategic planning, community organizing or educational programming. What I think people really do need to realize however, especially those not as familiar with the topic, is that with the recent war in Gaza, perceptions and feelings about Israel and Jews that are generally held under the surface in our society, rear their ugly heads in the very public pages of our newspapers, on our radio stations, in our politics and eventually in our workplaces and schools. So while what's happening over there is not pretty, it is not one sides fault. But what is happening in our communities is not pretty either and no one is really addressing it in a rational way. People are being pushed to polarized sides and frankly - the newspapers love it.
I was recently doing some work in Southern Mass. and a few articles called me out. At the top is my recent response to some of them. Enjoy!
No comments:
Post a Comment