Getting to Know your Neighbor

When we told students that the topic of this conference was "understanding each others' history and perspectives on the conflict," some expressed hesitation. "Now?! We can't talk about that now....it's too difficult and painful; this is not the time," was a common sentiment. Indeed it is a difficult subject, one that could potentially lead to heated and harmful arguments. The past year has left everyone with a rather bruised consciousness, and this topic could only salt our wounds and lead to further pain. So why bother?

The inspiration for this conference came from email correspondences between participants from this years' Student Desert Encounter. This group decided that, in spite of the potential for hurt, they wanted to go deeper in their friendships and talk about more difficult issues. As they discussed current and historical events, the need for a more personal forum arose. Thus, we planned the conference invited speakers from Palestinian and Israeli sides to offer their perspectives on the conflict. Forty people participated in the conference, most of them from Palestinian areas, with several internationals and Israelis in attendance. The lectures and dialogue were informative and nearly always respectful of one anothers' opinions and identities.

Some issues that emerged from the conflict were:

- The question of identity is an important aspect of conflict and reconciliation. What is the interaction between our national or spiritual identity?

- Our perceptions: not all of our perceptions about the 'other' are correct; we each misunderstand, misrepresent, and misinterpret.

- What is our responsibility? What can we do to affect change?

The last day the students met in small groups to discuss these issues and to pray for each other. Thank you for your prayers, and we ask that you continue to pray for these young adults, that they will make an impact in their communities.