The truth is, though, that there hasn't been conflict there forever - at least between Jews and Palestinians or between Israel and its neighbors. It just seems that way. But in reality there were centuries without conflict for the simple reason that during those centuries there were virtually no Jews living in Palestine.
The Hebrew scriptures tell the story of Jewish settlement in "the promised land" several thousand years ago. That settlement lasted through the the birth of Christianity and what we now call the Common Era (C.E.). But in 132 C.E. in the aftermath of a major Jewish revolt against the Roman Empire, the vast majority of Jews were expelled from Palestine. This Jewish life without a "home" is known as the Diaspora and it lasted until the modern era. Meanwhile Palestine was governed by a variety of empires, most of them Muslim.
It wasn't until the early1900's that there was the beginning of an intentional migration of Jews back to the region. This migration became a flood during and after World War II. The modern conflict in the Middle East came about because of establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 and the subsequent displacement of tens of thousands of Palestinians who suddenly found themselves without a home of their own.
So while the conflict in the Middle East has ancient roots, it is really a modern conflict. And let's not forget that Israel has made peace with Egypt and Jordan; progress has been made.
While I have very little hope that President Bush will succeed in his efforts to forge a peace plan, who knows. Maybe he will bring us a Nixon to China-like surprise. But I am hopeful that we are reaching a ripe moment when both Israel and the Palestinian finally realize that peace is in their best interests.
I am looking forward to seeing the presentation this Sunday by Bill McGrath as he shares his pictures and experience in this troubled part of the world.
No comments:
Post a Comment