Lee Hill, here ...

We featured a number of stories from around the globe in today's World Roundup. But one story in particular prompted TMM producer/director Rob Sachs to share from his personal experience. I'll let Rob take it from here.

Thanks, Lee. Rob Sachs, here ...

Today's segment about the book 60 Years, 60 Voices got me thinking about my own experiences in Israel. Over my life I've visited the area four times. My last visit was two years ago when my wife and I led a group of 40 young adults who were participating in "Taglit Birthright," a program which sends Jews from all over the world to experience Israel, as well as reconnect with their religion. While it was an extraordinary feeling to meet with Jews from all over, one of the most poignant parts of the trip was actually when we learned about Arab customs while visiting the homes of the Bedouins and the Druze peoples living in Israel.

Learning about their foods, customs, and history made me much more aware of the deep connection to the land that Arabs feel as well.

My experiences in Israel also showed me first-hand how deep the divide runs between many Israelis and Palestinians. The constant presence of machine guns and barbed wires were a constant visual reminder of the endless cycle of violence that has entrenched feelings on both sides.

But there has been hope.

There are a number of organizations trying to build bridges of understanding between the two factions. One is in the form of Kids Create Peace summer camp, which brings together Israeli and Palestinian children. Another is Peace Players International, which brings together youth from both sides through sports.

By pairing the stories of both Palestinian and Israeli women, side by side, Patricia Smith Melton, 60 Years' editor, follows the example of those organizations by showing that the conflict is not just a dispute of "us and them" its about real people who happen to be from different backgrounds.

By placing their stories side by side, its clear that they often have much more in common than they might originally have realized.

Thanks, Rob.

categories: More on World Culture

4:49 - November 20, 2008

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