The Testing of Preconceptions

I had quite the eventful day in Jerusalem, today. It began this morning, where I heard from a dynamic speaker, who came from the organization "Rabbis for Human Rights." Ya know when you find talk with a person who does not fit at all into the neat little categories of behavior and thought you had set up based on their culture and religion? That's what happened here, when I heard Michael Schwartz discuss the tricky issue of human rights from a Jewish perspective. After hearing speakers talk about the atrocities, which are sheer injustices in my opinion, perpetrated against the Palestinians in the West Bank, Gaza, and here in East Jerusalem, I found a certain frustration, somewhat attributed to ignorance I now find, with the larger Jewish community for not addressing such issues. Yet the actions of these few brave and noble Rabbis, such as Rabbi Schwartz, who fight against injustice in a myriad of ways, brought nuance to the situation. It allowed me to see beyond what I had first concluded about how Israeli/Palestinian relations were viewed from the Jewish standpoint. This everyday correcting of mine own ignorance, I continue to find, is what I am here for.

Also today, I made a trek to the requisite Holocaust Historical Museum. It is a very modern museum, complete with videos, pictures, and graphic descriptions of the Jewish plight during Hitler's reign. A very eye-opening experience. Because I had seen the Holocaust Museum in DC before, I was much aware of the atrocious history of the mass extermination of Jews. But seeing it here in the heart of Jewish identity brought an added dimension. Also, as I wandered through, I came across countless soldiers... people my age or less, who were required to put in 2 years of military service. The magnitude of their presence could not be missed: it was considered essential for them see the history of what their people went through to fully appreciation the standing of their nation and the presence of their state. Regardless of my own opinion about rampant militarism in this town and in this country, this served as a profound example of what it takes to create (or impose) freedom for the Jews in Israel.

Speaking of the military, I do not exaggerate when I say that they run rampant. Both male and female military officers roam the streets with authority in their aura, freely swinging their humongous guns that I do not know of (M-16s or something? I'm quite ignorant when it comes to guns).

I must say that I am frightened (or at least I feign frightedness) of these military fellows and fellowetes due to my first encounter with one at the border, where I was grilled about my phone numbers, my father and grandfather's names, and my purpose for being here. They did not like that I came from Syria, and they did not appreciate my father's middle name. Thankfully, after going into the backroom and conversing for ten or so minutes, they came back with the verdict that I was alright to pass. One more tragedy averted!

Anyways, I am tired and am need of rest! I hope to keep the updates from Jerusalem semi-regular!

Salaam,

Tony