(Jerusalem)I've been reading this book called The Faith Club: A Muslim, A Christian, A Jew--Three Women Search for Understanding. This book really stands out to me. It is about interfaith dialogue between the three Abrahamic faiths, which is what I'm passionate about and what I want to dedicate my career, future, and life towards. As I've read through it, I have definitely learned a lot about interfaith dialogue on a personal level. It has also confirmed within me that this is what I care about, what my heart beats for.
One section I read tonight really stood out to me because the woman is writing words that my heart speaks. I read it aloud to my mom and her response was simply, "That's exactly your heart." The woman writing this section is the Jewish woman and she is reflecting on her changing views on Israel and also about her love for the Holy Land.
"I'd like to imagine [Israel as] a land of milk and honey, a place where Christians, Jews, and Muslims live together in that one little sliver of holy land in peace, where Jerusalem is the holy city for all faiths. Where saplings are planted and ancient olive trees revered. Where children of all religions and backgrounds believe they have a future. Many people would call me a dreamer. But I don't want to live my life any other way. If I weren't an optimist, I would never have entered into [this interfaith dialogue and relationship]. So many other people would have seen the obstacles to real dialogue and stopped talking. But I need to live in a world where I believe good will prevail over evil, where people will eventually, somehow, put down their arms, and say 'Enough.'
I've read enough now to understand how deeply and tragically conflicts evolved between the Jews and the Arabs over time. But I need to have a dream, to believe that place can exist again. Imperfectly and improbably. And I believe that being a dreamer might in fact take more courage than being a cynic.
There is ultimately no way for me to escape talking honestly about Israel. Hadn't I learned, after all, to see the good alongside the bad, the bitter with the sweet? Could I hear people talk about how beautiful the land of Israel is without pointing out how difficult life is in the Palestinian refugee camps? I will speak out when the time is right, I've decided. I no longer have a choice."
(Birzeit, Israel--olive trees)
(Deheisheh Refugee camp--the largest Palestinian refugee camp in Bethlehem)I cannot adequately describe how beautiful this quote from Priscilla Warner is to me, how well it puts words to my deepest convictions and passions. I almost cried after reading this because this really is my heart speaking out. I really do dream about peace in Jerusalem even though many say it is impossible. Whether or not it is probable is not what matters to me. What matters is doing everything we can to try for understanding, justice, and peace. If one person's life can be made better, then it is worth it. I have to speak up about Israel in full honesty, honesty that understands this issue politically, religiously, and culturally, honesty that seeks unification not further division, honesty that is willing to work hard for a peace that some would call just a dream.
You may say I'm a dreamer,
But I'm not the only one.
