1. 

   PeacefulVanguard

   May 30, 2007 // Reply

   Bashar, there are plenty of personal stories to tell. I think that’s part of why MEY exists, so people can tell their own stories and therefore provide direct access into communities and discussions that normally aren’t available to us. However, if we’re going to be fair, let’s recognize that websites like “Window into Palestine” are propagandist. They have an agenda to evoke certain emotions in their favor. This woman’s story leaves no room to interpret humanity on the Israeli side. It’s intention is not to foster peace, but to recruit outsiders to take sides. It’s one story highlighted above the ones in which Arabs are admitted to Israel without such incident daily.

   I understand what “Window into Palestine” is doing. Israelis have websites like that too. So does every group in the Middle East. They exist because the lack of unity between the various ethnic groups has resulted in each one having a critical mass that feels alone, wanting people to stand with them. I just don’t think that such sites are appropriate for the MEY project because they ultimately are counterproductive to building bridges. Websites like that don’t heal, they just gives reasons to gloat that one side alone is right, and that one side alone is the victim. This is just another way the rivalry plays itself out. Meanwhile, the status quo continues …

   I’m not going to say you are “wrong” for posting this. But I hope you will stop and think about the result of more posts like it. You can do what you want of course, but they will not encourage cooperation, only resentment whether that is your intention or not. There are a lot of emotions running on high. We need to calm them down and bring in rationality. Increasing emotions with carefully constructed stories may suit an agenda and give a person something to pat himself/herself on the back over — momentarily — but it’s the last thing that will reconcile the people on the ground, my friend.
2. 

   tsedek

   May 30, 2007 // Reply

   I think it’s a horrible story, and this shouldn’t have happened. However (there always is one) – Israeli’s are not allowed in almost every arab country just because they’re Israeli’s, and even without provocation by means of propaganda against thost countries. Do you realize that, Bashar?
3. 

   Esra'a

   May 30, 2007 // Reply

   Israeli’s are not allowed in almost every arab country just because they’re Israeli’s

   Actually the windows are opening, tsedek. Remember that post about Israeli students being allowed in Qatar’s university? And my post about this possibility within Bahrain? There are also Israelis in Egypt, and some make it into Jordan. It’s not half as bad as you make it out to be sometimes. It’s not like we can visit you either.

   That said – most Israelis also have dual citizenships, which enables them all to enter Arab countries! Ha. So, no, it’s not as bad as you make it out to be.
4. 

   Rebecca

   May 30, 2007 // Reply

   Esra’a,

   Actually, I don’t think that most Israelis have dual citizenship, probably mostly the ones who have roots in Western countries. People whose parents or grandparents came from North Africa or the Middle East (Iraq, Iran) certain don’t have dual citizenship, and I doubt that many of the immigrants from Russia have dual citizenship either. I didn’t know that there were Israeli students at Qatar’s university, by the way.
5. 

   Esra'a

   May 30, 2007 // Reply

   People whose parents or grandparents came from North Africa or the Middle East (Iraq, Iran)

   These are minorities in Israel, though. I didn’t say that I approve of this system, I’m just saying that it’s a fact that many Israelis do actually visit Arab countries. And now it’s slowing becoming more official; not that Israelis would want to visit anyways for security reasons, but, it doesn’t mean it’s entirely impossible. Secondly it’s not like Palestinians are welcome to be refugees in Arab countries too; it’s hardly just an Israeli problem. It’s a regional problem. Palestinians have much, much more to complain about, to be honest. I don’t buy that this is Israel’s biggest problem. I don’t approve of it; I just don’t buy it as something to pout over, while Palestinians have thrice as many concerns.
6. 

   tsedek

   May 30, 2007 // Reply

   Oh no, Esra’a, it is more than half of the population who’s got parents (but usually grandparents) that were born in middle-eastern or african countries AT LEAST, but probably a lot more than that. The funny idea that a huge majority of ‘europeans’ are walking around in Israel is actually one of the greatest misconceptions I find when reading so-called ‘anti-Israel’ forums/blogs

   Jordan en Egypt are the arab countries that are and can be visited by Israeli’s (Qatar and Bahrain) – but that’s about it (except for the new initiative of having Israeli’s study at Qatar’s university) – Note that Bahrain has even the flwg clause in their visa procedure:

   Note also that any visible connection with Israel, e.g. an Israeli passport or an Israeli entry stamp, will disqualify you from entry.

   I know many who visit Israel (only visit, they’re no Israeli’s) and chose for the possiblity of not having custom authorities stamp their passports in order to be able to enter arab countries – for else they’ll be refused.

   ======================================================

   Anyway, I’m not writing this for the victimhood-claim. I’m saying this because it works both ways, so a story -no matter how sad- as the one of this topic, is definitely a result of the situation we are ALL in.

   That’s why we’re blogging, no? To try to change the situation and make this region a better place for all of us?
7. 

   Bashar (Jordan)

   May 30, 2007 // Reply

   PeacefulVanguard,

   After reading your last sentence, I felt like, you know what, you are right inna way so thanks for that

   tsedek,

   Yes I realize that, maybe yoru right, but what about me going to Israel, you know what, I dont think that would be easy at all, although I would love to, if anyone can invite me and provide me with a ticket + accomadation +pocket money, then ill think about it :):)): hahaha
8. 

   tsedek

   May 31, 2007 // Reply

   Whahahahaa… Bashar you’re funny! We’re all talking stipulations here while I think actually you’ve touched a core prevention from visiting one-another: …. money The ‘average you & me” will have this obstacle to tackle first.
9. 

   Esra'a

   May 31, 2007 // Reply

   Tsedek, we’re talking about Arab countries only (plus Iran) and I don’t buy your claim at all that more than half the population originate from this area. Give me statistics please, and not just words.

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