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Submit Your Reflection about "No More Taking Sides: An Israeli-Palestinian Story."

Freedom to Govern Without Boundaries (December 24, 2006) In the matter of Israelies and Palestinains there is no need to takes sides. Jews and Israel are synonymous, and have a history that dates back well before Palestinians and Muslims. Imagine if North American Indians had the power to retake their lands, which date back well before the three hundred year American history. Would one have the sense to say that American Indians did not have the right to take what was theirs in the first place? Having said that, America has become an inclusive country, and is on the right path to lead as an example to the rest of the world.

Having said that, Israel is a democracy, and in keeping with democracy has instilled policies that reflect an opportunity for all peoples and citizens to make and take a position for and against Israeli politics and policies. Israel has free speech, gay rights, womens rights, and a list of opportunities and rights for all people including Muslims. So why is it that you say we will no longer take sides? When one visits Israel there are signs posted in the three official languages of Israel: Hebrew, English and Arabic! Can one say the same of any of Israel's sworn enemies?

One should not make the mistake of saying that this conflict is between Israel and Palestinians when in fact it is between Muslims and Jews. If Israel was a Muslim country the Palestinian issue would disolve immediately and there would never be a "Palestinian state",there would be an Islamic state dictated by the likes of Hamas. Ironically the birth of the state of Israel gave rise to the notion of a Palestinian state for the specific purpose of destroying the existing Israeli state. In essence Palestinians were never meant to be anything other than another weapon against Jews by Aarb countries that failed to destroy the Jews and their new state.

But this is the present and I can have an obvious solution to the ongoing conflict that will never be resolved in its current state. Israel should be one country, with no borders. The West Bank and Gaza should be included in the state of Israel. The state of Israel should be guaranteed the right of being the country that is synonymous with being Jewish. Included with this Palestinians would have the right,as in all democracies, to be included in all elections and governmental affairs of the state of Israel. The West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem would be respected as Palestinian in all respects with the exception of military control. In fact the government of Israel would act as a federal leadership,and the West Bank, Gaza, etc, would be Provinces instead of cities. This would give the predominant cultures the freedom to govern themselves within a country without boundaries.

Ahmad Yaqeen
Toronto, Canada

What I Have Longed to Hear (December 24, 2006)
I am often caught in the struggle of how to view this issue and have never been comfortable with being "pro" either side. I am a progressive Catholic, with many Jewish friends and relatives, including in Israel. I am deeply in touch with the roots of Christianity that are Jewish and the two are forever intertwined for me. In addition I also have close Muslim friends. I have been to Israel twice in the past two years and on my most recent trip in June 2006, I also spent a week in Jordan.

To hear these two voices really moved my heart to know that it isn't a choice of right or wrong, pro this or that. I want there to be some reconciliation, some peace. While I believe in the right of Israel to exist, it can't be at the expense of the Palestinians. And the Palestinians who are caught up in their own violence can't escape that by trying to annihilate Israel. This program will be played and replayed on my iPod as I seek ways to be peace in the world. Shalom. Salaam. Peace.

Fran Rossi
Nyack, NY (WNYC, 93.9 FM)

Learning Not to Take Sides (December 22, 2006)
I am an American who lived in Israel and married to an Israeli man. I've always considered myself very "pro-Israel" simply because I believe that, despite it all, Israel must exist as a homeland for the Jews. But I've never considered that being pro-Israel is being anti-Palestinean, or hurting the path to peace.

When violence swirls out of control, whether it is a suicide bomber at a border crossing or smart bombs over Lebanon, I feel helpless. The fighting is at such a level that no simple voice can interfere. One only hears the hysterical screams of the masses, which is never really strategic or even helpful in helping one understand a path to peace or reconciliation.

One response I've noticed is a withdrawal from reality — turning off the news, stop reading the paper. This is apathy. But the Bereaved Families Forum can be supported to move their message forward. How refreshing to witness both sides with the same hopes, dreams, and vulnerabilities. This interview is one that I will not shake off so quickly. Thank you!

Lisa Zyndorf
Fair Lawn, NJ (WNYC, 820 AM)

Moved to Donate (December 19, 2006)
I've never written to comment on a radio program, but felt compelled to do so today. I neither practice any religion nor know much about any of the world's major faiths, but have always considered myself a spiritual person. For some time I've enjoyed Speaking of Faith primarily because it speaks to moral issues with various points of view from every imaginable corner of the globe.

Last Saturday, however, I was particularly moved by your guests, Ali Abu Awwad and Robi Damelin. I found their message of reconciliation and communication so powerful that I have pledged financial support to their organization, Parents Circle, and implore others to consider doing the same. Thanks for Speaking of Faith. It has become an important and very enjoyable part of my life.

Seth Ruffer
West Orange, NJ (WNYC, 820 AM)

Finally the Sanity of the Human Heart (December 16, 2006)
As always, listening to Speaking of Faith, I am both energized and moved that meaningful, heartfelt discussion is taking place regarding the root assumptions of how we live our lives. And in this episode's most eloquent expression of passion and love, I found myself particularly moved, barely able to contain my tears (indeed if I weren't on my way to a dinner party where I chose not to appear red-nosed and red-eyed I would have been openly weeping in the car, the whole way) saying yes and yes and oh yes again to the voices of both guests whose depth of desire for peace and transformation between and among their nations were the voices of sanity, clarity, humanity that are what is so sorely lacking and what we all so long to hear. Such beauty of soul and courage of commitment. Thank you, thank you. Thank you.

Doraine Poretz
Valley Glen, CA (KPCC, 89.3 FM)

Israeli and Palestinian Dialogue (December 16, 2006)
As an American Jew, I am torn apart by the never-ending strife in the Middle East. At the moment, I am reading former President Jimmy Carter's book, which is so controversial. People who haven't even read it are screaming that Carter is anti-semitic I don't believe that, but what really matters is that he is a voice calling for peace. The two people on your program this morning are two more voices. The woman has just said that every single person can make a difference. I have become very cynical about the world in recent years. But I hear these two people speaking to each other and laughing together, and I feel a spark of hope. Thank you.

Bobbi Linkemer
St. Louis, MO (KWMU, 90.7 FM)

Glued to Watching Video (December 16, 2006)
I listen to your broadcast each week, but this was the first time I took advantage of seeing the uncut tape of the interview with Ali and Robi. I was glued to my computer for the entire hour. Please tell me where I can find the clips of the Counterpoint [Encounter Point] film and how it is made available to church groups or educational institutions. Thank you, Krista, for your probing guidance to bring the best out of these narratives.

Wilbur W. Brannon
Hermitage, TN (WPLN, 1430 AM)

Holding the Opposites (December 16, 2006)
I am so grateful that I stopped to listen to this segment on the program. I was getting a cup of coffee and my husband was reading the paper. We have had a stressful weekend, and I am trying to "hold" my emotions without just being right. This is something I am writing a book on also.

My mother and I have been doing workshops together for almost ten years. She and I have been trying to write about these workshops and finally, prayerfully, the first draft of the manuscript will be finished by December 25th. The book is a workbook on trust building. I really appreciate the inspiration from "No More Taking Sides" — it is giving me more energy to keep writing and doing this work.

The struggle to hold the complexity of a situation and hold one's emotions — "Ma" and I speak of it as "holding the opposites" and finding a safe space to honestly do that (not perform that act for others to see). I even question whether I am writing to you to tell you about my work or to thank you for your work — probably both! Thank you for this morning. I am more human and more alive at this moment because I heard this piece. My husband and I had a lovely short discussion right after your program. My day is already lighter.

Michelle Napier-Dunnings
Lansing, MI (WUOM, 91.7 FM)

Peace as a Serious Discipline (December 16, 2006)
Reading and re-reading the transcript of this show, going over the ways Ali and Robi have chosen to think about their lives and the conditions on the ground, makes me hope that peace will be given the resources, study, and importance that have historically been given to war. As John Lennon said, "Give peace a chance." I'm aware that both sides will need to give up certain demands, but it will be well worth it.

It's interesting that the unique idea of taking religion out of the conflict came up. I'm all for that, for the same reason that I noted with interest the sidebar about Robi giving up smoking — I see both smoking and religious dogma as things that in the long run do more harm than good, that contain something that goes against nature, and that are worth giving up.

Paul Simons
Levittown, PA (WHYY, 91.0 FM)