Bridges in the Middle of the World 2

(Part One here)

While researching and studying Huaihua, China, I had the unique opportunity to live with people from more than 60 countries, from virtually every religion, ethnicity and region of the world. This is why I say this little town and the International Chinese Medicine Hospital more fully inaugurated me as a global citizen. Truncated within distinctly Chinese culture and expectations thereof, serving as an intermediary on so many levels, I began to see the world more clearly. Regardless, I am compelled to share some of those conversations with patients who became friends hoping that it might ignite more sparks within hearts and minds and inaugurate more global citizenship.

Due to the conflict between Israel and the people of the Gaza strip, I could not remain silent. Rather it is my intention to open your mind to the conversation among the people as well as between them.

In Huaihua, I lived with many Muslims, studied with many Israelis and experienced the interaction between them. It was NOT hostile. Rather, the Israelis I encountered insisted that the Muslims were their brothers. Some openly hugged them. Most exchanged warm, friendly conversation! This was not a one-way exchange, but one of reciprocity, mirroring the occurrences and lifestyle within Jerusalem before World War I. In centuries prior to this, each locale had residents of differing faiths that lived together and celebrated each others' holidays. I was fortunate, too, to be a part of this, to fully participate, engage in these celebrations with my international family in Huaihua. It was a blessing!

Yet, there is a bit of hostility that often brews under the surface, serves as an undertone within the context of international relations. When I asked the Muslims, mostly Arabs, why there was so much conflict, many of them spoke of the 1967 war. They highlighted the lack of discussion! In order to illustrate this more effectively, I will use their words and stories.
As it was explained to me........

This Arab man, who lived within the US for a time told me. "You take my ring and you don't want to give it back. Then we sit down. We discuss. You still don't want to give it back. Then you give me something. But still, we discuss!"

In fact, many of the Muslims shared the same view. From them, I more fully grasped the understanding that the end of the 1967 war had not ended with a discussion. Rather, it concluded with a mandate and a sort of subjugation, dismissal and even voicelessness. So many lost their lives. Yet, there was no reparation ordered. The Palestinians were still a landless but recognized people. But the most troubling part of this equation was the complete lack of discussion.

This is NOT how business or affairs are conducted within the Middle East. I doubt that any other region would have accepted a "mandate" with unequal discussion or lack thereof. Indeed, there needs to be one sooner than later.

As I sit here, wondering how many of these people with whom I shared meals, conversations, quiet moments, shopping, etc., are still alive and/or affected by the violence, it pulls at my heart strings immeasurably and reminds me that we are ALL connected. It begs me to ask whether we have fully protected each sacred life and truly valued each one of them.

That said, I sincerely believe that the role of the UN is not only to protect the Israelis but also to provide equal protection for the Palestinians. Each has a right to life without fear, to health, to the necessities and stuff of life and to self-determination. After all, human rights and self-determination are not hierarchical in nature. They are about life and our commitments to the well being of each other. Failure to do so, reflects upon each one of us, asking us to look into life's mirror, into our hearts and minds and give a little more.
Praying forward the day when we truly value each person, each life.