Palestinian and Israeli Show Us the Meaning of Understanding, One Person At A Time....

Quite often, you see a lot of polarized views offered on the Internet. That's why it was so gratifying to listen to a true message of good will, compassion and understanding on this morning's Hallmark Show that involved a dialogue among both Islamists and Israelis who have experienced personal loss and pain. In this one vignette, the Palestinian was describing how much he missed his brother who always looked out for him and then one day was killed in a skirmish with the Israelis; his counterpart was an Israeli mother in her sixties who was originally a peace activist from South Africa who saw hope in what had developed there but recently lost her son, a teacher and philosopher from a Palestinian bullet. This organization that deals in families from both sides who have lost members in the ensuing struggle between both sides has helped to bridge the gap of understanding. After much time together, the Palestinian man has come to the position to thank God for having the Israeli woman to look over him; he feels that his dead brother and his friend's mother are looking over their shoulders and telling him to look out for her. She, too, feels bound by the relationship that has grown in understanding and compassion the more they have come to know each other. both have come to feel responsible for the other. And this is happening through out the organization. The Palestinian said it best. To paraphrase his remarks, " if it is possible for us to come together, it is possible to have peace...." And that is the message for all of us on this meaningful day.

Peaceand Understanding.

It is a good message for these times.

Best wishes,

Les Aaron