Jews and Arabs start expedition

[rodbarnett]

SANTIAGO, Chile -- Eight Israelis and Palestinians left yesterday on an expedition to climb an unnamed, unconquered mountain in Antarctica, promising to show they can work together under dangerous conditions.

<snip>

"We are determined to support and help each other," Nathanial, an Israeli working in Germany for a real estate company, said by telephone.

Minutes before their departure, Nathanial got phone calls from former Israeli prime minister Shimon Peres and Palestinian President Yasser Arafat.

He said Arafat invited the group to visit him after their adventure.

http://www.canoe.ca/CalgaryNews/cs.cs-01-02-0070.html

[aquart]

1. Bless them all.

I normally consider mountain climbing an idiot's occupation but this one has a sense to it I champion.

[the_boxer_]

2. This is great....

They make better friends than enemies.

[Pavlovs DiOgie]

3. An awesome display

of what most people in Palestine and Israel want...peace and friendship.

[sushi]

4. This is absolutely

fabulous. Good luck to them. This shared experience will make them friends forever.

[brainshrub]

5. This is a stupid idea.

As an avid rock climber I would like to say:

This is a stupid idea on sooooooo many levels. Sure, it sounds all romantic and "Kumbaiya-we-could-overcome-any-obstacle-with-hard-work-and-trust".

However, at 200 meters in the air, a few moments of hesitation could kill you. I would never go climbing with someone I don't trust 100%, especially if I thought they had friends that wanted to kill me or steal my land.

My own opinion on this expedition is that a few of those folks aren't going to come back alive. (And they'll blame each other for the disaster on the way down.)

BTW: This is a dupe:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=124&topic_id=43729

[sushi]

6. How negative can you be!

These people must like and probably, hopefully, have some experience climbing, and are probably, hopefully, well prepared, and must like and trust one another. Wish them luck.