Israel, Palestine, and The Third Harmony: A Self-Assessment
Here is a way to examine our biases and explore what more we can do to help attain harmony between Israel and Palestine.
By Francesca Po
Also published at WagingNonviolence.org
In order to achieve the ultimate goal of world peace (the First Harmony), we must start with peace with one another (the Second Harmony) and within ourselves (the Third Harmony). The following is intended to examine our biases and explore what more we can do to help attain harmony between Israel and Palestine.
The Third Harmony (Nonviolence Begins Here): Harmony Within, Radiating Outward with the Force of Love
Do I favor Jews over Arabs or Muslims, or vice-versa? Why? How can I bridge this bias?
What anti-Arab and anti-Muslim views and microaggressions do I hold?
What Arab and Muslim stereotypes do I know? In what ways do I participate in perpetuating these stereotypes?
Do I find Arab and Muslim cultures mysterious and exotic?
Do I associate Arabs and Muslims with violence and terrorism?
Suggestions: Visit a mosque. Read Islamic religious texts. Incorporate Islamic spiritual practices into your life. Attend Arab and Islamic cultural events. Deeply engage with your Arab and Muslim friends.
What anti-Semitic views and microaggressions do I hold?
What Jewish stereotypes do I know? In what ways do I participate in perpetuating these stereotypes?
Do I joke about Jewish appearance?
Do I associate Judaism with money and finance?
Suggestions: Visit a synagogue. Read Jewish religious texts. Incorporate Jewish spiritual practices into your life. Attend Jewish cultural events. Deeply engage with your Jewish friends.
Do I participate in a culture of conflict and violence?
In what ways do I believe in retaliation and retribution?
In what ways do I seek gratification in revenge?
Suggestions: Learn about the history of conflict and violence. Learn about the critiques against conflict and violence. Learn about the role of the United States in geopolitics. Learn about the peace movements in Israel and Palestine. Study restorative justice and nonviolence.
The Second Harmony: Harmony with One Another and with the Environment
How can I engage with society in a way that supports peace in Israel and Palestine?
Suggestions:
Boycott products from disputed territories; support products that promote sustainability
Boycott companies that benefit from Israel’s crimes and human rights violations; support companies that take a stand on social justice causes
Oppose politicians that support Israel’s crimes and human rights violations; pressure representatives toward human rights agendas
Avoid sensational and commercial media; support local and public media outlets
The First Harmony: Harmony with the Cosmos and Outer World
This is the goal: peace between Israel and Palestine
