The recent Israel and Hamas conflict has been at the center of the world’s attention for weeks. We hope the latest round of peace talks taking place in Cairo this first week in August will produce results.
There have been many conflicts over the years but this most recent one is especially virulent. The TV images of missiles firing at Israel and Israel firing back are compelling and difficult to watch.
Yet, while it might seem at first glance to be just another flare up of a perpetual crisis that seems to go on year after year with no end; something new and remarkable has happened. This article will explain what that event is and why.
I have followed events in the Middle East for more than 30 years, especially the last 10 since I lead an annual Holy Land Pilgrimage there every year …although we go nowhere near Gaza. I will lead a new group to the Holy Land next June as well, no matter what is going on. If God sent His son to this troubled area, then I will go there too, along with all those who feel the call to travel with me.
Both Israel and Palestine are not the same places they were 10 years ago or even just five years ago. The region is dynamic and changes quickly as events develop. Staying current is important. We should not bring old ideas to a new situation.
Old historical stereotypes of a perennial conflict between Arabs and Israel are beginning to break down, in the face of new allegiances, alliances, and partnerships. You have to pay close attention or you will miss them, so I hope this article will help clarify them. I believe they are the future of peace that the world has been waiting for. I know I am!
Please let me know if this article helps you to view the Israeli Hamas conflict differently.
Good Bless!
Fr. Dave
Thank you
Fr. Dave, thank you for this lucid view into the conflict in Israel. I feel encouraged by your explanation of how Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Jordan are supporting the “good guys” in this conflict. I think these are the “end times”, but maybe it will go easier for the “good guys”!
Thanks for your message. I am hopeful that Hamas will fade away. It really is a most fortunate event that these major Arab countries are also against Hamas.
I decided at Mass this morning as soon as I got home to call my dear old high school chum from St. Marys because today is her feast day, St. Clare. I told Clare about Diane and my plan for this June, God willing and I save enough money. You have put my anxiety to rest, albeit, I do plan on taking shooting lessons before the trip. If I was young, I know in my heart I would fight for Israel if they would have me. That is my nature and I really can’t help it. When I got in a fight at St.John’s school in LA with Michael Mc Donald, who is now an attorney, my Mom told me I was part German Sheppard, which confused me knowing I was Sicilian, Scotch-Irish and German. Jesus would understand, I hope. God bless and hugs, Val
I hope you can join us next June!
The recent article on the Israeli/Gaza conflict was very interesting and hopeful. I still have questions regarding Netanyahu’s real interest in a two state solution where Palestine has equal stature with Israel. The PA has made peace with Israel and what do they have to show for it? Walls , checkpoints, new settlements etc. Hamas has to go and the Palestinians need their freedom and respect!
Yes, if Hamas is gone, there is a chance for peace.
Father Dave,
Thanks for the update on the middle east situation, it was very informative. Following your Arab Spring talk at the University we subscribed to Al-Monitor’s daily newsletter. Very interesting.
Your Arab Spring lecture raised many questions, and one I wished to have asked centers on the middle east zero sum philosophy, that you can only gain if I lose (I guess they can not conceive that a rising tide floats all boats). Do you think this could have contributed to the assassinations of Sadat and Began following the Camp David Accords? Perhaps radicals on both sides felt betrayed by concessions made.
We eagerly await your first newsletter.
Bob Swanstrom
Father Dave,
Thanks for the update on the Middle East situation; it was very informative. Following your Arab Spring talk at the University we subscribed to Al-Monitor’s daily newsletter, which we find very interesting.
Your University presentation on the subject raised many questions, and one I wished to have asked centers on the Middle East zero-sum philosophy; that “you can only gain if I lose” (I guess they can not conceive that a rising tide floats all boats). Do you think this could have contributed to the assassinations of Sadat and Began following the Camp David Accords? Perhaps radicals on both sides felt betrayed by concessions made.
We eagerly await your first newsletter.
Bob Swanstrom
Yes, Sadat was killed because he was moving Egypt toward a full peace with Israel. Begin was not killed but Rabin was a few years ago by a Jewish extremist who also did not want peace. Both extremists want a “one-state” solution, either all Arab or all Jewish. Those are irreconcilable ideas which leads to extreme and deadly actions.
Fr. Dave,
Thanks for the informative response.
Bob
Hi Fr. Dave
Thank you for the newsletter updates !! Have you had a relaxing summer?
Are you expanding the University Series to the Los Angeles area. We miss you
at St. Paschals.
Cathy
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