Israel’s News Blog Magazine: Daily Stories Video and PhotosIsrael’s 33 day war with the Hezbollah, now in the midst of a well appreciated cease fire, has created a number of casualties; and not merely ones caused as a direct result of military actions. Scores of scheduled events and happenings, usually slated to take place during the summer holiday period were post phoned or cancelled altogether. One of these events, and one which has made a growing contribution to creating more understanding between peoples inhabiting this region, is known as the Sulha Peace Project, or by its often posted name: Meta Sulha.
Sulha, which means reconciliation in Arabic, is a word often heard, especially in Arab communities, in regards to making peace between families or clans after some kind of dispute which often results in violence. Due to the continuing problem of conflicts and misunderstandings between the people living in Israel, Palestinian populated areas, and in surrounding countries as well, the Sulha Peace Project was formed in the 1990’s to try to bring peoples of various cultural and religious backgrounds together for a few days with the purpose of making an attempt of solving differences by sharing experiences; and just taking to one another in a peaceful and friendly atmosphere. Starting from very humble beginnings, the Project has grown into an annual event that often attracts several thousand participants; not only from Israel, and the P.A., but from abroad as well. Held in different locations each time, last year’s event was held in Park Afek, outside of Tel Aviv; enabling scores of local people to attend who otherwise might not have had the opportunity. Nearly 3,000 attended this event, and a well written article on the affair, including photos of participants, appeared afterwards in the Jerusalem Post.
A number of well known personalities, including government officials, religious leaders such as Rabbis, Muslim and Christian Clergy, and those of other religions as well (Hindus, Buddhists, etc.) have attended past Sulha events and shared their joys and sorrows with one another. One of the Projects organizers, Boaz Ben Yitzhak, has now had to notify all persons planning to attend this year’s Sulha Conclave that it has been cancelled due to the double crises of both the Israel – Palestinian conflict and the renewed one with the Hezbollah as well.
This year’s event, originally scheduled to take place next week in Latrun, might have had an even larger draw than the 2005 Park Afek one. Latrun, being almost midway between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, and with the new city of Modiin nearby, was an ideal spot for his kind of affair, especially considering Laturn’s historical significance in both the War of Independence and the 1967 Six Day War. Even though officially cancelled, Boaz is organizing a special event where Sulha friends and participants will visit northern Israel communities: Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and Druze, to offer whatever assistance possible to help these communities recover from the effects of the almost continuous missile bombardment.
In the aftermath of what is now being called by Israelis as the country’s worst military fiasco since the founding of the state, a lot of human suffering was inflicted to both sides. With all the ‘finger pointing’ now trying to place the blame on both governmental and military leaders ‘from the top on down’, it might be a good idea to admit that there should be a collective responsibility for the way the entire tragedy was handled; and find a way to go forward and repair the inflicted damage, not only the physical, but spiritual and psychological as well. Not only Israelis suffered in this war, but also tens of thousands of Lebanese. As a result, any real chance of peace between Israel and Lebanon has been set back for years, if not forever.
Well, forever is a long time; and people can forgive one another – eventually. What we need now is a healing Sulha of an even greater scale to bring ALL PEOPLES of our region together for a lasting healing and understanding of each other’s differences – and hopefully, eventual peace.
8 Comments
The fact that no replies have been made to this article, means that a Grand Sulha between the peoples of the Middle East is still nothing more than a dream.
Pity!
I am so thankful to see this change of focus. I think all should petition Boaz Ben Yitzhak and all the organizers of their desire to continue in the same spirit Sulha began. If the focus is shifted from the reconciliation of peoples to the healing of Israel’s northern communities, all may be lost. What of the recovery of the communities of Lebanon?
This rebuilding provides opportunity. Not just for Israel, for their neighbors as well.
All peoples who truly want peace, should be willing to make an investment; a sacrifice.
Unified land should extend outside of Israels boarders to the same extent Israel is willing to extend it within those boarders (1 mile inside = 1 mile outside).
This unified land should not be used to construct residence, rather it should be used to build foundations to assist the needy of all people. Hospitals, clinics, food banks and schools. In addition, restaurants and shoppes for the sharing of various cultures, and children’s parks to bless them with joy. All those who truly desire peace should be afforded the opportunity to be a blessing to others. Then, they will come in peace; to a unified, no war zone. And those living in the Holy Land will live as though they are living on Holy ground!
Regarding forgiveness: sometimes it is beyond our ability. It is never beyond God’s. Somtimes, we need His help (this is part of His design), it’s ours for the asking. We really don’t have to wait years; by choice, with willingness it can be today.
Food for thought at the next Sulha.
I would like add that the Sulha Peace Project endeavors to reach out to all groups, and is only limited by political and security realities. In past Sulha happenings, both Egyptians and Jordanians have participated, as well as scores of Palestinians. In fact many Palestinians said that this was the first time they have had an oppontunity to meet with Israelis in a truly open atmosphere of friendship and peace.
If it were anyway humanly possible, they would like to include Lebanese as well. It is hoped by all that someday this will be possible. In the meantime, a lot of communities in northern Israel suffered substantially during this 34 day war.
These includes both Christians and Muslims in cities like Haifa and Nazarith; and Druize communities as well. Israeli Arabs have had a particularly difficult time as they have never been fully accepted by their Jewish fellow citizens. They feel torn between two extremes and being targets of the Hezbollah has caused them considerable problems.
It’s not easy living in this part of the world. If the Sulha Peace Project can help everyone, even in a small way, then their efforts should be encouraged as much as possible.
“If it were anyway humanly possible, they would like to include Lebanese as well. It is hoped by all that someday this will be possible.”
If that is a true statement, someday can be today. Only fear prevents.
If “Lebanese” are those who live in Lebanon, is it not true that Christian, Muslims, Druize and Jews live there as well?
I would think after all has been said and done, their presence would be most welcomed!
Only a handful of Jews remain in all of Lebanon, unfortunatley. But the their communties are well represented. Hopefully, someday, a ‘bridge’ of love and reconcilliaition will enable people from both Lebanon and Israel to meet each other. I’m hopeful this will become reality.
It was my understanding that this war was not with the Lebanese?
No, it wasn’t. But more of them got killed than anybody else - includ. the Hezbollah.
All the more reason to do everything possible to include as many as are willing. Why compound their sorrow by shutting them out? Sulha is a healing event for all willing peace. Seems to me, they need it most.
Post a Comment