The Politics of People and Place

In dealing with something as complicated and heart-wrenching as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emotions inevitably dictate discourse. On one side, any disagreement with Israel opens one up to accusations of anti-Semitism, thus reopening millennia-old wounds. On the other side, criticism of Palestine is regarded as victim-blaming Islamophobia. Both sides, however, should be open to vigorous comment on their mistakes, their successes, and the situation as a whole.

These matters becomes so difficult to discuss because we refuse to distinguish between groups of people and their religions/national affiliations. The New York Times, for example, recently ran an article about the rise of anti-Semitism in contemporary Germany. The author argues that part of the reason for this change is an increase in the immigration of Muslims to Europe. More narrowly, he suggests that European Muslims are both marginalized and have preexisting negative emotions toward Israel and thus toward Jews. A quick glance at the comments section of the article or of any major publication about the conflict will show that many people do blame Israel for the rise in anti-Semitism. Almost justifying this turn, a good number seem to ask what more one can expect when the Jewish state oppresses Muslims and Christians.

On the other hand, the recent Ted Cruz debacle illuminates just how angry supporters of Israel can become even over something not directly involving Palestine. To question Israel becomes to question Christianity, even American-ness. And, unfortunately, utter Islamophobia is validated on the grounds that some Palestinians are terrorists.

Ultimately, both sides miss the point and expand their conclusions beyond what can be said based on the available evidence. Even if one dislikes Israel, that is no excuse to deface a synagogue or hate the Jewish people. Likewise while some Islamic texts may apparently justify killing to a larger extent than do, say, the Gospels, that is no reason to assume that every Muslim or supporter of Palestine is a terrorist or a bad person. Some supporters of a two-state solution despise Hamas as a terrorist organization and yet recognize the possible excesses of force used by Israel.

In an all-too-human twist, a chiefly political conflict has seeped into our racial, religious, and cultural consciousness, leaving us tired, beaten, and capable of little more than gross generalizations. If we would seek actual reconciliation in a battle that cuts to the heart of the three Abrahamic religions, we would do best to remain open to the other side, to accept the possibility that our favorite nation has made and will make mistakes. Forgiveness and peace, especially in this case, will be the fruits not of generalizations and assumptions but rather of dialogue and mutual understanding.