Why Israel and Palestine

The land of Israel and Palestine has been at the centre of international media attention since Israel was declared a state in 1948. It has been a point of contention between many people for far longer.

This holy land has been occupied by many a nation and fought for in many a war. Claimed as a homeland by many, this tiny strip of land has been central in global politics as far back as her history dates. Even today, you would be hard pushed to find such a politically disputed area or one that evokes such extremism of opinion. Everyone thinks that they know who is right and who is wrong. Everyone has something to say about the situation. Everyone has a solution.

This region, roughly the same size as Wales, is situated at the point where Asia and Africa meet, in the heart of the Middle East. It is easy to see the geographical relevance of this land with seas and lakes in all four corners and the river Jordan, which feeds the thirst of the arid landscapes.

It is, however, the spiritual significance of this land that makes it more unique in comparison to other land rights issues. Jerusalem, the claimed capital of both Israel and Palestine, is regarded as a holy city by Jews, Christians and Muslims alike. It is on her soil that the Prophet Mohammed ascended to heaven. It is here that the Temple of Solomon was built and on whose soil Jesus was crucified and resurrected. The history of the land has been passed down the generations through stories and great books and has made it all the more difficult to separate oneself from the current issues in the region. All three of these great monotheistic faiths hold Jerusalem in highest regard and it is hard at times to separate the religion from the land. The city and the region as a whole have been the inspiration and sanctuary to many a soul.

Today, Israel and Palestine is a microcosm of the world. Nowhere else is it more clear how far from our paths we have strayed. The City of Peace has had blood spilled on her soil for too long now and though she still illuminates people with her stories and her wisdom, fear and hatred can almost be smelt in the air. It is a land where people have forgotten to listen to others. Where people have become segregated and stuck in their ways.

It is a world of contrasts. We will see the lush mountains of the north and the barren desert landscapes of the south. Experience the ongoing conflict and gain a sense of deep peace. We will see Muslims and Jews, the secular and the orthodox. We will encounter modern and indigenous ways of life and the inspiring social freedom and devastating social injustices for ourselves. We will walk amongst the shiny skyscrapers of Tel Aviv and the medieval medina of Jaffa and drink cocktails and traditional mint tea. It is where East meets West. The land of milk and honey.

The conflicts and struggles of the people and the land depict the same conflicts that lie within each of us. If we begin to address these, then so can the world. By learning about Israel and Palestine, the struggle and pain of their people and the beauty that lies under the surface, we hope to be able to make changes to our own lives and begin to address social change. We feel it is important to learn about the story of Israel and Palestine and about the pain and beauty of its people. We do so to cultivate peace and understanding within ourselves and begin to create social change.

It is said that when there is Peace in Jerusalem, there will be peace on all earth. Many believe that the messiah will appear in this sacred city. What we want to do is find the messiah that lives in each of us, become our own saviours and learn to live the way of peace. And what better place to start?

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