As has been our custom for three years or more, we gathered today at the Lighthouse. Since we were all one of the regular participants (who less, who more…) and we often and even more than twice heard our opinions / thoughts / consciousness on the Gaza issue, a conversation took place in a broader context.
Vivian talks about the “Mosaica” organization founded by Rabbi Michael Melchior. They do a lot of things below the surface, she says. It is an organization of Jewish and Arab clerics. Abdullah Nimer Darwish, who had extremist views, decided to join Melchior in setting up “Mosaica”. They built a network to influence extremists on both sides to put out flames, especially at a time of violent outbreak in the area. When Darwish died, he was mourned by extremists on both sides… “Mosaica” mediated between RAAM and Bennett in the formation of the Israeli government.
Roni spoke with Rami and he says that the Palestinian leaderships are not going to cooperate.
Shmulik argues that a disk should be changed regarding Hamas. The late Rabbi Froman of Tekoa argued that religion can and should be a bridge between people and not a separation.
Radir is also in a common group of clerics. She hopes that “mosaica” can indeed influence the extremists.
Vivian wants to say something more positive… tells about the director of the Erez crossing who says in an interview that the Israeli attitude towards Gaza is unfounded and should be done exactly the opposite. He was interviewed on the 972 website. The army’s response to his remarks was a question of his private opinions…
Roni wonders if he expresses such opinions because he intends to leave…
More from Vivian – something she heard from a bookstore owner, also political literature, located in front of the American Colony Hotel in Jerusalem. He divides the Palestinian activists in East Jerusalem into three groups: the progressives who after the prayer in the mosque go to Sheikh Jarrah, the religious who go to al-Aqsa and the young people to the Damascus gate. Israel decided to provoke all three groups and the Palestinian authority did not respond… He told Vivian that entering al-Aqsa would cause the red lines to be crossed.
Nahshi says that when something provocative like the “idiotic” flag parade happens, it should be understood that a reaction from the stomach creates the opposite effect to the intention of the respondents.
Salah says the media needs to be more balanced. Bring in dialogue people from all sides. Fluent and not quarrelsome.
According to Dina, one should not wait for something to happen, one should initiate.
Jaber says the media has no reason to publish anything calm, it does not bring ratings. Leaders will always say “Watch out for the other, I’m fine”.
Radir says that after the assassination of Yaakov Abu al-Qa’an, they held a protest march that ended in a relatively calm conversation and at this point the media moved away and were not interested because “there is no meat”…
I said that even though Israel deliberately crosses red lines, it does not pay a price…
Vivian replies that a price has been paid and we are victims of the settlers who are dragging the area into conflict. This is (and will be…) the price.
Malki says that the public in Israel does not see that Israel pays a price because it really does not pay.
Dina says that someone should take the initiative on the other side as well and keep quiet and then it will be good for everyone.
Jaber replies, “If you are lying on the floor and I put My foot on your neck and any movement of yours will hurt you”, is this a kind of “quiet”? Jaber knows someone who has never prayed in his life, and now suddenly, wants to go to Al Aqsa to protect the worshipers… that is, Israel’s behavior infuriates everyone. Israel “puts the PA in the small pocket”… does not treat it as an influential factor. Poses ridiculous conditions in exchange for an end to the violence.
Dina thinks that today’s situation is a result and not a cause. We want to help them develop the civilian spheres so we all will be able to “sit quietly”. Want them to understand that too.
Vivian explains that it is not a matter of water or electricity but their desire for self-determination as a people sitting on their land.
Shmulik says that there are contacts below the surface. Israel has a tendency to conflict between Gaza and the West Bank. This is a game that manages the strong side in the area. If we do not change the attitude towards the political forces in the region nothing will change. “Oded,” says Shmulik, speaks of “red lines,” but there are none… There is no mutual recognition between Israel and the Palestinians. In Israel, Hamas sees a terrorist organization and also convinces the world that this is the case.
Malki changed the subject and talks about the new hospital that was established with American assistance in the area of the Erez crossing.
Roni says it’s works in very small grade… Hamas is having difficulties. The equipment entered the hospital slowly. There are some doctors and pharmacists but little work because of the difficulties that Hamas places on the arrival of patients. People act as individuals according to their ability to advance the issue.
Participants: Salah, Shmulik, Radir, Malki, Dina, Roni, Oded, Vivian, Nahashi, Jaber.
Wrote: Oded.