Democracy in Israel Says Miko Peled The General’s Son from IDF to peacemaker
Miko Peled (born 1961 in Jerusalem) is an Israeli-American activist, author, and karate instructor. He is author of the books The General’s Son: Journey of an Israeli in Palestine[1] and Injustice: The Story of the Holy Land Foundation Five.[2] He is also an international speaker. Born in Jerusalem in 1961, Peled grew up in Motza Illit to a prominent Zionist family; his grandfather, Avraham Katsnelson, signed Israel’s Declaration of Independence.[1][3] His father, Mattityahu Peled, fought in the 1948 war, and served as a general in the war of 1967; later, after the Israeli cabinet ignored his investigation of a 1967 alleged Israeli war crime, he became an advocate for an Israeli dialogue with the Palestine Liberation Organization(PLO)
As a peacemaker myself I am always interested in the peacemakers. What do they think about what has happened in the tragedy of Israel/Palestine. From a conflict resolution perspective there has to be a space to listen and learn from both sides. When news is distorted then confusion arises around what is true.
Miko Peled is the son of a Israeli General and from a Zionist family. He states the removal of barriers between the societies is key. He speaks of democracy and moving away from discrimination and what he termed ‘racism’ and ‘apartheid’. He speaks to all to work for democracy to bring people together.
Removing of the myths and allowing truth and reconciliation. I recall interviewing Women in Black who are Israeli intellectuals who were undertaking nonviolent vigil to raise awareness about the human rights violations in Palestine. http://womeninblack.org/about-women-in-black/
I have a friend who is Jewish has been a good friend to me. I have met Palestinians in Australia just by chance really. What I know as an Australian is that we are all human and until we are prepared to start a facilitated dialogue between communities no matter the tension, to allow each party to talk about their hurt and pain and story (to be heard), then ask questions to clarify and with respect, then move towards working out options on how to live together in respect and resolve issues and then come to solutions that all agree with, this will de-escalate the violence. There has to be a genuine desire resolution within the hearts of people to genuinely face the past and resolve in ONE state of forgiveness. It is up to the people to facilitate this as those in power are locked into narratives and interests that are invested in conflict.
If I was directing this process I would focus on the strengths of both sides, what they have in common. I would then allow speakers, who are respected, from both sides to talk about their perspective of the roots of conflict. Then I would get them to role play what it is to be on the other side. Then I would teach them conflict resolution (interpersonal problem solving win/win) and personal inquiry (questioning beliefs) in order for them to understand themselves and be open to listen to the other. I would then have some fun, light relief so they can actually get to know each other but in a fun way without politics and maybe teach the other party a song, game, tell a story or read a poem to share. Then we would have a feast of both Israeli traditional food and Palestinian traditional food. The peacemakers would serve them and I get the feeling to say wash their face in honour of their courage.
This for me would be the beginning not only of a peace process but I feel it to be peaceful transformation opening to infinite possibilities. An open heart creates an open mind.
What I have found is all abusive conflict is 100% in error. The blind spot arises when we KNOW WE ARE RIGHT as we believe the narrative told so many times yet we do not know personally the people the story depicts as the great evil. When you turnaround evil it transforms into live, this means you can live again. Really live without fear of attack, to be able to enjoy the beautiful country you are in, your family, friends and communities without fear. In Australia this country is multicultural so for me all are part of my country, I care nothing about where they are from. I couldn’t care if they are Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, atheist, christian or whatever. I grew up in a country where we think everyone has a right to be who they are. There are some of course who important their racism, hatred, narrow mindedness and righteousness, but even there I would say fine but just don’t impose it on me. I will hear you but I may disagree with you and in a real democracy that is fine. In states of dictatorship, racism or any other form of division there is intolerance of difference and a desire to suppress it or destroy it. Neither works. Jerusalem appears to be the epi-centre of peace, the sermon on the Mount always comes to me (even though I am not a Christian). I feel this Sermon is a key for both sides. I hear the words – “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God” I believe whatever you perceive this loving deity to be it is calling all home as all are ONE. The question is: Are you ready to listen? I speak to the leaders on both sides. I ask for peace in the name of the people who have suffered long enough.
I send love to both Palestinians and Jewish people, all over the world. Blessings for peace. Here is a video of a former Zionist who is now a peacemaker bravely sharing his message. It is only the truth that sets all free to be who they really are. To move away from fear narratives or demonising others but to embrace truth and find where we are same same but different. See yourself in the other and forgiveness arises.