Sha’alu Shalom Yerushalayim!!
A Peek Into My Limited Understanding
Admittedly, I have a limited understanding of the conflict that is taking place in Israel. John, I think I need the 5-year-old explanation of the conflict too. For several years I taught in an Arabic/Muslim in Michigan and not much was said about the historical conflict of the region, but I knew all too well the fear that some former Muslim women, now Christian, experienced after surrendering their lives to the lordship of Christ. I have gained some understanding of the perspective through my Jewish friends and colleagues as well as my friends who are in the military, hearing bits and pieces of their assignments in Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and other locations in the Middle East. Before the reading of the book The Palestinian-Israeli Conflict by Martin Bunton, I knew the following about the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict:
- I knew that Israel was/is in the Middle East.
- The Middle East has been and continues to be a region of intense conflict between the three Abrahamic traditions: Judaism, Islam, and Christianity.
- The conflict is rooted in the birth of Abraham’s two sons, Isaac, born of Sarah, and Ishmael, born of Haggar. Abraham’s wife Sarah was initially unable to bear children. She advised Abraham to conceive with her maidservant Hagar in order to conceive an heir. Ishmael was born. Years later, however, Sarah conceived Isaac, with whom God established his covenant. Isaac became Abraham’s sole heir, and Ishmael and Hagar were banished to the desert. However, God promised that Ishmael would raise up a great nation of his own. Genesis 16:1–16; 17:18–26; 21:1–21
My limited understanding is based on studying the geographical region and learning about the history of this conflict during an Old Testament Bible course in college, specifically learning about the early beginnings of the Abrahamic lineage and the division between Isaac and Ishmael.
A Summary and Development of My Growing Understanding
The Palestinian-Israeli Conflict by Martin Bunton is an introduction to a complex conflict that has existed for a long time. Bunton, a historian with expertise in Middle Eastern affairs, traces the roots of the conflict back to the late 19th century, when Palestinian Arab and Jewish nationalist movements began to take shape, each with their own distinct aspirations for the same territory.
Bunton explores the significant historical milestones that have shaped the conflict, including the impact of British colonial rule following World War I, the Balfour Declaration of 1917, and the subsequent waves of Jewish immigration to Palestine. He discusses the rise of Zionism and its quest for a Jewish homeland, which clashed with the Palestinian Arabs’ desires for self-determination and resistance to foreign control.
The book uncovered so many of the key events such as the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, which led to the establishment of the state of Israel, and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinian Arabs—a tragedy known as the Nakba. Bunton also covers the 1967 Six-Day War, which resulted in Israel’s occupation of the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem, territories that remain at the heart of the conflict. Bunton also delves into the role of external powers, particularly the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War, in shaping the trajectory of the conflict, addressing the ongoing peace process, and highlighting the challenges posed by issues such as settlements, refugees, and the status of Jerusalem.
Throughout the book, Bunton highlights the deep-seated historical grievances and the complex interplay of political, religious, and cultural factors that continue to fuel the conflict. “Two people groups with a painful history that makes compromise difficult. For Palestinians, to point to the displacement brought about by Israel’s founding. And for Israelis to point to the constant hostility and attacks brought about by its history”. [1]
My Response
How do I navigate the conflict? I pray for peace. Psalm 122:6 says, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, may those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls, and security within your citadels”. In my reading and growing understanding, I see the lengthy history of hatred and strife and feel compassion for the people. Many lives have been lost and I wonder how God’s heart must hurt to see His people continue to live in continuous conflict. I pray for peace. Martin Bunton in the conclusion stated, “The only resolution is for the aspirations of both sides to be met through two states where Israelis and Palestinians each live in peace and security. That is in Israel’s interest, Palestine’s interest, America’s interest, and the world’s interest.” [2]. Sha’alu Shalom Yerushalayim (Pray for the peace of Jerusalem)
Consider praying Psalm 122:6 in song “Sha’alu Shalom Yerushalayim”. [3]
[1] Bunton, Martin. The Palestinian-Israeli Conflict: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2013.
[2] Ibid
[3]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXKeVf4tFzQ
About the Author
Cathy Glei
Cathy Glei serves as an instructional leader and pastor with over 27 years in education and ministry. She is dedicated to discipling others as they grow in their relationship with God, others and the world. Cathy has facilitated numerous professional development sessions, trainings, and workshops in both education and ministry. Passionate about supporting others in uncovering the Creator's design within them, Cathy lives in Michigan with her husband, Steve, and their eight-year-old Springer Spaniel, Otis. Cathy is a mother of three daughters and "Gooma" (grandma) to two adorable grandsons (emphasis on adorable 😊). She enjoys listening and exchanging laughter and stories with others, hanging out with friends, both old and new, as well as being outdoors, enjoying activities such as cycling, camping, hiking, and kayaking.8 responses to “Sha’alu Shalom Yerushalayim!!”
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Cathy, you highlighted the development of nationalist movements on both the Palestinian and the Israeli side and also the external forces at play including the United States and the Soviet Union. Before reading this book I certainly had no idea how many different world powers were meddling in these affairs and for how long.
You also mentioned having some interaction with both Muslim and Jewish people in your community. Do you think learning more about the roots of the conflict will change how you talk about it with these friends or acquaintances?
Kim,
I was not aware of the all of the external forces at play either (before reading the book). I do think that learning more about the roots of the conflict does impact how we talk, from this perspective, I listen and have empathy for them. Understanding the roots of the conflict impacts how I listen.
Great post, Cathy. It’s funny — outside of the Biblical history of Israel, I really knew very little about the modern day state of Israel. I had maybe a vague “general” idea of the complexity of the region with knowledge of a few major events in the back of my mind. And I did know about the reputation of Mossad, sensationalized by films like Munich (2005) or a series like Tehran (2020, Apple TV). But in reality, my knowledge was quite limited. Like you, I did know where Israel was in the Middle East, AND my particular knowledge of the region was mostly informed by the region’s major world religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam), but less about the politics. For me, Bunton’s book provided some major historical and political context.
Hi Cathy,
That was a pretty song.
I totally agree with you. Prayer. ….
“Heavenly Father, I thank you for your son who died for us. I thank you that through Him we have eternal life. As we grow in our faith, FORGIVENESS is something I have struggled with. It is something that also continues to elude the people in Palestine and Israel all these decades/centuries. Father it is only through YOUR intercession that a pathway might emerge to resolve this latest Middle East conflict. On behalf of the women and children suffering, I ask that you open the hearts and minds of the leaders. Bring a ceasefire. In Jesus name I pray. Amen”
I grew up in rural Wisconsin in a town of less than 1500 people. Then I had a short stint at Bible College in Los Angeles, but rarely left the dorms or campus. Then I moved to a small Norwegian town in Washington State. From there I ended up in Salem Oregon, arguably the whitest place on earth.
So, my exposure is minimal (except for the massive amounts of travel I’ve done, and stacks of books I’ve read).
We have a small, dumpy restaurant in Salem called “AL ASQA” – I love pita and humus so we went in. They had pictures of the mosque on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. I was interested, having been to Israel about 10 times. So I struck up a convo with the owner, about my travels to Israel. She was not very engaging.
When she walked away, my wife said to me, “John, they don’t recognize Israel. They deem it to be Palestine.”
That’s a long story to resonate, like you, how little I KNEW about this topic.
I’m learning lots. Sounds like you are too!
Cathy, regardless of how little or how much we know (or think we know) I’m with you that the solution is the same: Pray for Israel. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Pray for that land and both the Jewish inhabitants as well as the Arab ones. And pray for peace (Shalom-wholeness) which to truly come requires the presence of the Prince of Peace (so I’m praying for people there to find Jesus regardless of what background they come from).
Cathy, I appreciate how you highlighted that a lot of your learning or understanding came through relationships with both Muslim and Jewish friends and collegues. My understandings have come through the same vehicle. It really complicated, isn’t it! I respect those who studied this enough to give us a short intro! How hard that must have been to write this book.
Hi Cathy!
I really appreciate your approach to the conflict between the two countries through prayer to God. Prayer is a human request to God to channel the energy of love, peace, and forgiveness to all parties including those who are hurt and controlled by revenge and anger. Prayer is an important tool that is sometimes forgotten by many people in realizing peace. My wife and I also pray every morning for peace to be realized on earth. May our prayers for the achievement of peace on earth inspire many parties to be ready to bring peace.