Reading Response 12

I have enjoyed the last few articles because we are finally starting to shy away from the history aspect and focus on the present day conflicts.  There are so many different kinds of people that are affected by the separation barrier, whether on the Israeli or Palestinian side.   I thought that Noura brought up some interesting points of how the actions of each side take place.  It seems as though neither side really knows what it wants and that is the whole outcome of this whole situation.

The main thing that stood out to me was the graffiti on the wall that stretched for miles.  There are so many different definitions for graffiti where ever you come from and how you portray art.  I have heard of graffiti as a way of art but also vandalizing another persons property with derogatory terms.  However, this is the positive way where people are showing pictures that have a thousand words behind it as we have mentioned in a previous reading for the class.  There are so many different pictures that all have a different meaning.  I think it is a way for people to not think the wall is there for separation, but for a hope that one day it can be taken down.

Reading Response 11

I think that the Parallels and Paradoxes article was one of the more interesting ones we have read due to the outline and connection that we have gotten from the previous readings and speakers.  One of the main points that really caught my attention was when Edward said talked about all of the hardships that he and the students encountered on the way to success.  He talks about how it was hard at first for the kids to realize what they were doing and to form new identities.  As one who has the gift of conversation, it is amazing what he said to those kids in order for them to come out of their shells to break through the struggles and come together to do what they love.  Music and the power of change without fear has brought not only a new thought for the kids, but also for people involved on both sides of the conflict.

Another big standout that was also touched upon by Mariam Said, about how Edward and Daniel did not always agree on the same things.  Some of them were probably due to the fact that they were both on different sides of the conflict.  However, they both had the same goal for the project.  They wanted to make a change and still want to continue something that has made a difference in many children's lives.  They both also responded about being home in the same way, being with each other creating music even though they had lived in numerous cities without each other.  It really shows the special connection they had and Mariam seems to have great control for the future of the project. May its success continue and maybe one day the light will shine bright on the conflict...

Individual Project Details

I am part of the Identity group and I will be focusing on sports along with a few others.  There are two specific parts that I am interested in.  The first has to do with the children; they can be said to be the future of the conflict and lead the direction that it goes.  I believe that having Arab and Israeli children play sports together is an outlet to forgetting about the whole overarching theme of politics.  If kids are interacting with each other at a young age, it could help them develop relationships for the future and make it easier to compromise.

The other part of sports that I would be interested looking into is the professional side.  I know that soccer is very big in Europe and the Middle East...are there club teams that have both Arab and Israeli players on them? If so, how do they coexist? Have there been any problems with this? There are a lot of questions to be answered and I look forward to seeing how sports has impacted the conflict in both a positive, and negative way.

Reading Response 10

After looking through the various sources of the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, this really hits a unique part of how certain things link the Israelis and Palestinians together without any thoughts of politics.  I think I am more intrigued with how this has been set up because I am a part of the identity group.  Although we are not going to look into specifics of music bringing people together, these are the kinds of things we are looking for.  One of the main things that we think should be looked at for the future is how we can get the younger generation to interact with each other at a younger age so they can fix the bigger issues as soon as possible.

The video on the girls interviewing about their backgrounds and thoughts about the orchestra were the most interesting to me.  I think that they have a passion for what they do and don't even have the sense that they are working with their 'rivals' or 'enemies' at the same time.  Although they are friendly with one another, the bigger picture will always be there to attempt to separate these people.  However, I do believe that the strong bonds that the younger people are getting through music, schooling, and other activities will outweigh the political boundaries into a better future for all.  The identity group is looking forward to researching into this topic more and finding out how these connections can help with future negotiations.

Reading Response 9

Issam Nassar's article on the photographic history of Jerusalem really brings a different perspective than a bunch of words of history as Karen Armstrong did.  It is amazing how things have changed in the last 100 years through Jerusalem and to look at it through a new lens makes it easier.  Everyone always says that a picture is worth a thousand words, and this article couldn't have proven it any more.  Instead of writing a bunch of historical names, dates, and places over the last century, these pictures not only show you what is there, but raises so many questions that continues to shape opinions in regards to the history.

The other part of the article talks about how Europeans didn't want people to actually live in Jerusalem...which is odd.  As different cultures came through, they joined together and started to make a very unique community.  However, Europeans were not fans of this and wanted it for their own natural sights without anyone bothering them.  Europeans wanted to keep what they thought was all theirs which brings to mind the question of how they didn't want to give and wanted more for themselves. And the roller coaster of Jerusalem's history continues...

Reading Response 8

We have finally made it through the windy path that was Karen Armstrong's wild and crazy Jerusalem history feature in a few weeks.  To be honest I was not the biggest fan of the book due to its lack of sources and overload of information, but I think it will help put things into a better perspective for the rest of the class.  I thought things would slow down and we would let off the gas some, but then here comes the articles from Tamari...

These are two very interesting articles that have some Palestinian twist to them, but still talk plenty about the relationship between the Jews, Muslims, Christians, and Armenians (in no particular order, of course).  The concept of nationalism and pride really makes one think about how you feel about your own.  While reading these articles, I couldn't help myself but to think, "Do I do certain things for myself or for others?" Well it's that same sense of pride that people have about their country.  It comes to that point where everyone has their own opinions about what they should and should not do and continues to raise questions that will possibly never be answered...

I continue to think who is right and wrong in all of these scenarios...but of course I have my own side and am entitled to my own opinions.  We all do and that is how life is.  We just need to figure out how everyone can have their own while giving up the smallest amount that will make the slightest bit of difference in their ways of life.  That's just the way it is and we continue to wonder what's to come next...

Weblog Journal 3

When I think about my tangible items that I have in my apartment, my first reaction will be straight to sports.  I am an avid sports fan that includes basketball and football.  When you look around my room, you will see some memorabilia or posters of my favorite teams or players which include the Louisville Cardinals, Green Bay Packers, and the Atlanta Hawks.  Sports are a huge part of my life and it is something that I really have a passion for.  I have been to so many different games and events and I could not be more thankful for the opportunities I have been given.  I want to pursue a career in some kind of sports related job because I feel like I will be more involved and love what I do.

Although sports covers a majority of the belongings I have, there a few smaller things that make up who I am that are in my living space.  I have a few memorable items from my grandparents, sister's wedding, and my last summer internship that remind me of the memories I have had over the years.  I feel like it is nice to have things around that make you think of the things you remember the good times you've had.  Another thing that is very important to me is my hometown of Louisville, Kentucky.  It has a special place in me and I will never forget where I am from.  I have plenty of sports memorabilia from my favorite team (Louisville Cardinals) and also have a license plate from Kentucky hanging above my bed that always keeps my roots with me.

Reading Response 7

Whew, it feels like we just got started, but we have finally made it to the end of Armstrong's twisting and turning history of Jerusalem.  So that means everything is peaceful and everyone can now go back into their lovely lives and enjoy, right? Wrong. Although Armstrong puts us through 1995, the last 18 years has shown that there is still unrest in Jerusalem. 

I thought that these last few chapters were the best of the book because I could relate to them more than the earlier history that I had not previously studied.  From the Holocaust to the 1967 War, I could follow along easier due to the minor knowledge I have on those events.  Armstrong really does a great job in wrapping up the book and allowing an open flow of continued history to jump right in.  I think that is amazing how far Jerusalem has come, but has so much to live up to in the future. 

After these last few weeks of reading, it has really spun me around multiple times with all of the dates, names, and rich history that surrounds one of the most historic places in the world.  I think that the book has helped me analyze history a little better in some sense, even though there is no way that I could remember even half of the people or places she mentioned.  As a Jew, it is interesting to learn the major pieces of history that surround the state of Israel, especially the holy city of Jerusalem.  I think this book is a good transition for the rest of the class, looking into the last 18 years of history and what we have to look forward to in the future.  The questions of "will peace ever come back?" continue...

Reading Response 6/Initial Project Thoughts

After reading chapters 11-13, the main points that were discussed had to do with religion, especially the Muslims.  A few things really caught my eye.  It seemed as though when the Muslims or Jews were in rule, they were not forcing anyone to join their religious beliefs, but when the Christians ruled, they were doing the exact opposite.  Was it because they had more people so it was easier to get others involved? I doubt it. I believe it was the fact that they had more control throughout history so when they lost their power at some point or another, they wanted to get it back and keep it for a long time.  However, that did not happen because of the way they were treating others.  It always came down to religion even though the Jews and Muslims did their own thing and did not want to overpower any other religious beliefs.

These chapters really put a good view of what is currently happening in Jerusalem...nobody can agree on anything because their religious beliefs cause battles that lead to worse battles.  Everyone has to realize that in order for peace to occur, everyone is going to have to recognize that there are differences within the people of Jerusalem, just as the Jews and Muslims did some time ago.  While I was reading, all I could think about was, "If everyone would have a mindset like the Jews and Muslims did during this time, I think things could be in a better state right now."  Who knows if history will re-write itself at this point...

In regards to our group project, I think we have decided to break up our "Identity" group into 2-3 different parts.  After a brief discussion, it seems as though we will be looking into sports and/or people/dress/architecture.  I am very interested in sports and am looking forward to the opportunity to look at this in Jerusalem.  I think that it will be interesting to see what kind of sports everyone plays and if any of the sports actually hurt or help with the peace in Jerusalem.