Is it possible to empathize with both the Israelis and the Palestinians?

[DemocratSinceBirth]

Both sides have compelling narratives. It is distressing that partisans on both sides dismiss the other side's narrative or end up in irresolvable debates about whose narrative is more compelling.

I have had debates, discussions, arguments, respectful exchange of ideas, et cetera with both those empathetic to the Israelis or the Palestinians and am saddened at how hardened some are in their positions. I have spoke to many that argue all the land belongs to the Israelis and have spoke to many that argue that the Israelis are just some group who was dropped into the land in 1948 and have no attachment or claim to that land.

I have a dream that both the Israelis and the Palestinians can give a little to create a peace that will make the whole area more peaceful and prosperous but all it is a dream.

[pangaia]

1. Yes.

[etherealtruth]

2. I think so

Though I realize it is somewhat idealistic (and childish) ... my urge is to protect each from the other.

[fadedrose]

3. Both peoples are good; govenments, not so much...

nt

[still_one]

4. yes, but won't happen here

[mcar]

5. It is

Good post. Thanks.

[The Magistrate]

6. I Have No Difficulty Doing So, Sir

There is justice in the claims of both sides, and legitimate aspirations which ought to be satisfied. The matter is certainly one over which people of good heart and sound mind may come to hold widely differing views. Partisans on both sides unfortunately will resort to lies and distortions in pressing their cases, which they think will increase their effectiveness but actually does the opposite.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

11. i remember reading a debate/discussion between an Israeli and a Palestinian

I remember reading a debate/discussion online between a Palestinian and an Israeli intellectual. Both guys were really, really smart and knew their version of history well and were able to articulate it. This is during the heady days of the Oslo Accords and they were both committed to a two state solution so there was common ground between the two of them. However their discussion bogged down over whose narrative is more compelling. The discussion remained cordial. But at some point arguing about narratives becomes a useless exercise. The Palestinians are where they are and the Israelis are where they are and neither plans to go anywhere else.

[yallerdawg]

7. Epic video (from recent posting by dixiegrrrl)

&feature=player_detailpage

[DemocratSinceBirth]

13. Wow, you see the Romans, the Philistines, the Crusaders, the British, the Turks, The Jews, et cetera

all fighting over that postage stamped sized piece of real estate.

That suggests the dispute is endless. But how messed up is for the people who actually live there. You only live once...

[yallerdawg]

18. It really is a neverending tragedy.

But where on earth is it not the same story? Homo sapiens are a bloodthirsty species. Eat or be eaten. Take or be taken.

Where and how does the madness end?

If the Israelis and the Palestinians could live together, there is hope for all of us. Egypt and Jordan seem to coexist peacefully with Israel, perhaps there is a hope?

[Tuesday Afternoon]

8. yes.

All people deserve nay, require empathy.

[Generic Other]

9. Of course

but the dove of peace is the one who has my greater sympathy.

[pscot]

10. Yes

but they can't both be right.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

12. Right and wrong are subjective.

Some will say lying is always wrong. I can think of situations where not lying is , imho, immoral.

[pscot]

14. Physics, however,

tells us that two objects cannot simultaneously occupy the same space, and that conundrum is what the Israeli's and the Palestinians are trying to reconcile.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

16. That's why both sides needs to make concessions

Is there a perfect solution that will satisfy both sides and address all their grievances. I think not. However, the perfect shouldn't be the enemy of the good.

Christian, Jewish, and Muslim fundamentalists will argue that the conflict is irresolvable and beyond man made solutions It's sad to think they maybe right.

[TexasProgresive]

17. What they can both be is wrong.

Israel/Palestine is a classic example of the old proverb, " caught on the horns of a dilemma."
The only way this situation can be fixed is for both sides to admit they are wrong and then to come together to learn what is right.

[lunatica]

15. I have no problem caring about both

But then I think people in and of themselves are important. What their religion or politics are is the accidental roll of the dice.

[Orsino]

19. Sympathy and empathy are for those who have lost lives and families, so yes. n/t

[BillZBubb]

20. Sure.

But I have much more empathy for the occupied than the occupier.

When Israel is attacked by suicide bombers, I strongly empathize with the Israelis. Such killing of civilians is inexcusable.

But, the occupation is at the heart of all these problems and in that it is the Palestinians who are suffering unjustly and constantly.