{"id":38027,"date":"2024-08-29T17:16:27","date_gmt":"2024-08-30T00:16:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/?p=38027"},"modified":"2024-08-29T22:45:14","modified_gmt":"2024-08-30T05:45:14","slug":"that-i-did-not-know-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%aa%d9%8a-%d9%84%d9%85-%d8%a3%d9%83%d9%86-%d8%a3%d8%b9%d8%b1%d9%81%d9%87%d8%a7","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/that-i-did-not-know-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%aa%d9%8a-%d9%84%d9%85-%d8%a3%d9%83%d9%86-%d8%a3%d8%b9%d8%b1%d9%81%d9%87%d8%a7\/","title":{"rendered":"That I Did Not Know (\u0627\u0644\u062a\u064a \u0644\u0645 \u0623\u0643\u0646 \u0623\u0639\u0631\u0641\u0647\u0627)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n

The book, The Palestinian-Israeli Conflict<\/em> provides an in-depth analysis of one of the most enduring and intricate conflicts in modern history. Martin Bunton, a historian with expertise in Middle Eastern studies, approaches the subject with balance, exploring its historical, political, and social dimensions.[1]<\/a><\/p>\n

What did you know about Israel before 7th October, and what was that based upon?<\/strong><\/p>\n

The world history book back in Malaysia where I went to school did not say much about Israel. My first understanding of Israel was based on the Bible:<\/p>\n

Israel is renowned for its profound biblical significance, beginning with its role as the people with whom God made a covenant. One of the most celebrated events in Israel\u2019s history is the Exodus, a dramatic and foundational moment when the Israelites, led by Moses, escaped slavery in Egypt and embarked on a journey toward the Promised Land – the Jewish festival of Passover. A pivotal moment in Israel’s religious history was the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, where God provided the Israelites with the Ten Commandments. Another significant development was the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem by King Solomon. Throughout its history, Israel has been known for its numerous prophets, such as Isaiah, who conveyed God’s messages and guidance to the people. In the New Testament, Bethlehem is noted as the birthplace of Jesus. Additionally, Jerusalem, a key city in Israel, is significant for both the crucifixion and the resurrection of Jesus, events that are central to Christian faith and history.<\/p>\n

I continued to learn about Israel through books, media and Jewish friends when I moved to United States. Few years ago, I came across the book, Israel: A Concise History of a Nation Reborn”<\/strong> by Daniel Gordis[2]<\/a>. Based on this book, I learned about the rise of Zionism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the efforts of Jewish leaders and settlers to establish a national home in Palestine and the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. Furthermore, I knew about the efforts to achieve peace with Israel\u2019s neighbors, including the Camp David Accords and the Oslo process, as well as the obstacles and setbacks that have occurred along the way.<\/p>\n

What does this book help you understand that you didn’t know before?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Bunton\u2019s book exposed me to the key conflicts and peace processes<\/strong> where<\/strong> discusses significant events such as the Atzmaut and Nakka 1947-67[3]<\/a>, 1948 Arab-Israeli War, the Six-Day War, and various intifadas. He also explores the peace processes, including the Oslo Accords and recent negotiations, helping me understand the major turning points and their implications. The book covers the historical roots of the conflict, including the rise of Zionism[4]<\/a>, the impact of British Mandate policies, and the partition plan of 1947. Understanding these historical foundations is crucial for grasping the origins of the dispute and its evolution over time, the displacement of thousands of Palestinians \u2013 a revelation! The book helped me understand the various analytical frameworks and perspectives to understand the conflict, including historical, political, and sociological viewpoints of which I was unaware. \u00a0Specially about the Palestinians, \u201cthe flighting that ended in 1949 erased Palestine from the map and destroyed Palestinian society. Over 700,000 Palestinians became refuges. Barred from returning to their villages, most of which were soon bulldozed by Israel\u2026\u201d [5]<\/a><\/p>\n

I often preach at the Warm Springs Reservations in Oregon. Reading this book, it reminded me of the Native Americans in the United States, many stripped of their tribal identify and had no place to go.<\/p>\n

How do you navigate the Israel-Middle east conflict?\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n

The Israeli-Middle east conflict is the ongoing one – between Israel and Palestine. I have never thoroughly thought about the conflicts until October 7, 2024, much less how to navigate the conflict. \u00a0I am not a politician but a follower of Jesus Christ; my role is to reflect His love and demonstrate love to the unrepresented people\/community. It is not about race or religion; it is about bringing peace to people \u2013 people matter. My respond to this question is based on my feelings, awareness, understanding the history, the conflict itself, books and research:<\/p>\n