I am not sure what Jerusalem was like 10 years ago, but today there is definitely a hostile feeling that separates the Jews and the Arabs. As I continue to learn more about the national conflict, I see more and more selfish views from each opposing side, making me wonder how it can ever be solved. A major theme felt by Palestinians and discussed in many Palestinian discourses is the overriding feeling of "victimization."Monday night, I witnessed firsthand what may be one of the best steps forward in the peace process for Israel. I listened to a concert given by the Arab-Jewish Youth Orchestra. This ensemble of 21 youth was started by two highly regarded and very multicultural musicians, one Arab and one Jew. Each piece the orchestra performs is an original arrangement (most by renowned conductor Wisam Gibran) with the specific goal of combining Arab and Jewish styles of music.
The music played at the concert was different than any I have heard. It was also more beautiful than most music I have heard probably more for what it represents than the notes that were actually played. An "Arab-Israeli" style arrangement of Chopin's famous Piano Prelude (the song played by Allie in the infamous 'almost' scene of "The Notebook") definitely made its way into my top ten list of best live music heard. This article gives a great report of how the organization got started and the goals it hopes to achieve.
I have heard of a couple other organizations that work toward this same goal. One through the venue of basketball and one through surfing. I am sure there are others, or at least there should be. This quote from an anonymous reader of the Surfing for Peace blog sums it up pretty well:
"This surfing for peace is a great idea and worth looking into all around the world. Not only surfing, but other sports as well golf and bowling even anything to keep people from killing eachother."
Check out this youtube video for more clips of kids surfing in Tel Aviv.
2 comments:
This post is so professional. Unique content and insight with links to more stuff. Super well done! That must be so invigorating, intriguing, depressing, captivating, and nerve wracking to walk a line of neutrality between all the hostility. You get to witness it first hand. Such a cool place. And I vote for the golf program. I'm not a jew or an palestinian but hey, golf is a good way to keep people from killing each other. you're absolutely right.
i definitely remember that same separation when i was there in full force. i'm glad to hear of things and people making an effort to rectify that on some level. it also reminded me that while we there a few people from our group put together a basketball game with other israeli and palestinian people around their ages. elizabeth played, so she would remember more about how that all came about. it would be really cool if you could do something like that with volleyball. love you.
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