1/26/13. Thoughts on Israel : presumptions vs the actual experience. ( note: first 2 photos are of Ramallah. The last photos are of Rawabi.)
I never felt unsafe in Israel, not even when we went to the Gaza crossing at Erez or drove into the West Bank with a member of the PLO. My experience, though it started with a lack of hope for Israel,and the Palestinians, ended With hope.
Starting in the town closest to the Gazan border and throughout the Southern Territories there was a sense of commitment to peace. A real longing to tear down the barriers and develop commerce and dialogue with the people of Gaza. Left to
themselves it might be better for both groups to start a dialog of compassion and mutual problem solving. This never occurred to me; my Initial thoughts were, PEACE, NEVER!
As our group moved on, we wound up in Rawabi, a new town being built in the West Bank. So much promise, so much industry, a true destination point. I could only think of the possibilities for the Palestinians and the Israeli’s. I’ve always believed that if people were exposed to McDonalds, Malls, Culture (theirs or ours) they would choose life over Rockets.
For me , Rawabi offered hope. There are always choices?
