Burl and Merry Hall of Envision This on-line radio interviewed Sabine Lictenfels, Gabriel Meyer and two Palestinian peace workers (name not mentioned because of security reasons) who were holding a Vision Camp on the West Bank in Palestine. At present, 50 Palestinians, Israelis, and peace workers are holding vigil for peace.
From this shared camp, these lovers of peace can hear bombing and shooting. Yet, in spite of all this anger and resentment on both parts, Sabine says a lot of Israelies and Muslims refuse to be enemies and instead develop friendship.
Sabine further states that the media is telling wrong stories. In other words, the media is lying. The result--probably also the purpose--of these stories is to create separation. The question I ask is: who is behind telling the media to lie and for what purpose? Who benefits when people are divided rather than together as brothers and sisters?
In a sense then, the Israeli population is hypnotized into being scared of the Palestinians by the Israeli government; and the Palestinian population is hypnotized into wishing revenge against the Israelis by Hammas. The absurdity of such behavior is similar to the right side of a body (the rational ego) slapping the left side because it thinks differently (from the creative depths rather than linearly).
Of course, these "Divide and Conquer" tactics of Palestinians and Israelis is nothing new. Every dictatorship uses fear to manipulate people's hatred, just as the United States government and the corporations entice the fear of the Natural in order to get people to do their work and buy their products.
As an organization for peace (by organization I don't mean a traditional institution but a coming together to create community) the Vision Camp on the West Bank holds a peace vigil that helps to create space where people can harmonize with one another. During these times, there is deep sharing of the grief, rage, hopelessness, and powerlessness that they experience in these dark times. Only when the participants have the courage to hear and feel the despair shared by Palestinians, Israelis, and all people of the world do possible resolutions open up. From mutual perception, sharing, and deep listening emerges clear thinking and vision building.
Now, it is our task to demonstrate credible alternatives: stepping out of the system of complicity and stepping into a network of solidarity and compassion. For years now, many of us have been working on new models for living. We are aware that those who are against war need a vision for peace. This peace vigil is only the beginning. We are committing ourselves. We will dedicate our lives to finding solutions wherever we are. We love our countries, our homes, and this earth. We declare ourselves to be global citizens for peace! Let us raise our voices: Another life is possible.
Peace Sculpture at Tamera Peace Research Center that Sabine Co-Founded
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