Liza Levko Blog 5

Last night we heard two representatives from the parents circle speak. Their stories were moving and hearing what this organization does is probably one of the most inspiring things I have heard on efforts of promoting peace. It was interesting to me that this organization wasn’t pushing an agenda of what they think peace between the two sides would like. This organization is just focused on trying to reach an agreement between the two sides through nonpolitical means such as summer camps, talking with high school students, and various events for the members of the organization to participate in. I truly believe that grassroots organizations are the way in which Israeli society is going to be able to have peace and peace that is going to be a long standing agreement. There needs to be more organizations out there which aim to bridge the gap of humanity between the two populations. The Israeli speaker was saying how many Israelis see Palestinians as out of sight out of mind, but taking a person’s humanity away from them is the way to justify the actions against them. When hearing these two speakers I reflected on my views of the conflict and realized that the problem is not exclusively a political one, but rather a human one. Having your humanity striped from you is something which can’t be taken lightly and is an issue which is done on both sides. Out of sight and out of mind is not a way to live. No one is going to be able to find a resolution unless they acknowledge the pain, suffering, and humanity of both sides. I think that this is what both of the speakers were trying to get at last night. They both hope for the upcoming peace process to show the humanity of both sides and where both sides can coexist in a peaceful way. Parents circle is a breaking ground organization which needs to partner with other organizations to get their message out there and have more of an influence on the way the peace talks go and changing Israeli and international public opinion.