By Renan Lifshitz.
In “ The Allegory of the Cave”, Plato states, “All in all, then, what people in this situation would take for
truth would be nothing more than the shadows of the manufactured objects”(1). Plato means that people in a certain place get their knowledge from the “shadows of the manufactured objects”(1), the information comes from the leaders of a nation. The national leaders are one source of information. Even if it is false information, the leaders will show their people “shadows”, if these “shadows” satisfy their interests and goals. In the Middle East there is a small land, only 10,930 square miles, which is surrounded by Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon and the Mediterranean Sea.
This land is occupied by Israel and Palestine. This land is known for years as one of the most complex conflicts in the world. Each nation wants to live peacefully in their country, but because of political arguments these groups haven’t been able to achieve peace for many years. This problem can be blamed on the governments of the two nations, the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority government, because of the “shadows” that they use to lead their population. The largest source of “shadows” had to do with Jerusalem and the recognition of Israel.
For every person that hears the name Jerusalem, the first thing to think about is the holy city in the world. Jerusalem is a holy city for Christians, Armenians, Muslims and Jews. Just to understand what Jerusalem is for Jews, we can compare it to Mecca, where thousands of Muslims go once a year to pray for Allah. Jerusalem in general and the western wall in particular are the holy places in the world for Jews, especially because the western wall where the wall of the temple in Jerusalem was in the biblical era.
On the other hand, Jerusalem is the holy place for the Palestinians because of the “Temple Mount”. Because these two places that located next to each other, the conflict about Jerusalem has started. This conflict is motivated because each religion believes that Jerusalem must be the capital city for their nation. Religion is one reason for this conflict, and there is no sooner solution for Jerusalem.
The conflict over Jerusalem is just one part of the conflict over the current territory of Israel, which generated even more “shadows”. Like every conflict, this conflict divides the two, the Israeli point of view and the Palestinian point of view. The conflict becomes more complex when Israel wants to recognize the country as the Jewish State, like Iran defines themselves as Islamic republic. In a conversation between Tzipi Livni, former foreign minister, and Saeb Erekat, the chief Palestinian negotiator, “Insistence by Israel and the US that Palestinians recognize Israel as an explicitly Jewish state, as part of a final settlement of the conflict and as being potentially linked to a loyalty oath for Arab citizens in Israel, is the focus of growing controversy”. Israel wants to have a country, the only one in the world that is for the Jewish population. The Palestinians have a hard time with that because when Israel recognize as the Jewish State, they will lose their right to return to Palestine. Another conflict about the Jewish State is where Arabs that already live in Israel will go, and what villages will be part of the Palestinian territory, and what will be under Israeli territory. All these subjects are taking care by the “shadows”(1), the leaders of each nation that want the best for their own nation.
Nowadays, Hamas is the main political party in the Palestine Authority government. Basically, Hamas is
a terror organization that doesn’t accept the existence of Israel. Therefore, “The Palestinian Authority makes no attempt to educate its people towards peace and coexistence with Israel. On the contrary, from every possible platform it repeatedly rejects Israel’s right to exist, presents the conflict as a religious battle for Islam, depicts the establishment of Israel as an act of imperialism, and perpetuates a picture of the Middle East, both verbally and visually, in which Israel does not exist at all. Israel’s destruction is said to be both inevitable and a Palestinian obligation”. Moreover, “The difference between Hitler and [British Foreign Minister] Balfour was simple: the former [Hitler] did not have colonies to send the Jews to, so he destroyed them, whereas Balfour …[turned] Palestine into his colony and sent the Jews. Balfour is Hitler with colonies, while Hitler is Balfour without colonies. They both wanted to get rid of the Jews…Zionism was crucial to the defense of the West, [by] ridding Europe of the burden of the Jews.” In both phrases the text talks by itself, in a nation that the government is educate their people that way, there is no future for a peace agreement. On the other side of the border, not everyone is saint as well. The main problem in Israel is the illegal settlements that the religious people build near the Palestinian territories.
Furthermore, it doesn’t matter if Israel wants to call their country a Jewish State, or Palestine wants the right to return to Palestine for their people that have moved overseas. It doesn’t matter if Hamas kidnapped a soldier from Israel territory and Israel attacked people in Gaza and killed Hamas soldiers and innocent people at the same time. The only way to have a solution is when each side will accept the other nation, and this is the deepest conflict. The solution can and must start in the way each nation will educate their people, if a nation teaches their people to hate and reject other nations, any negotiation between nations won’t help. Only if Hamas will change their point of view by education to accept Israel, it will be a starting point for a change.
In conclusion, the Israel Palestine conflict is a complex conflict for many years that the “shadows” of each nation is trying to solve with no successful results. It seems that the roots of the conflict are stronger than any leader that will try to solve it. I was born and raised in Israel, when I was young my mother told me that until the age of 18 there will be a peace between Israel and Palestine, and I won’t need to do a mandatory army serve, it didn’t happen. The only thing I can hope is when I will tell it to my children it will be true.
Works Cited
1. Milne Seumas and Black Ian. The Palestine Paper. Web. 5 May 2011.
2. Palwatch.org. Denying Israel’s Right To Exist. Web. 5 May 2011.
Shadows on the Wall 
Stacy Dillon
May 18, 2011
This essay really captured my attention, the more I read the more I wanted to know more about the conflict between Israel and Palestine. I wanted to know the real reason these two countries cannot come to some kind of peace agreement.
As a child I remember seeing this man on television with a black and white scarf around his head, and for some reason I was always fascinated by him. I did not know what he stood for or what was his name, all I knew was when he was on television I stood up and took notice. Was it the fact that I was not used to seeing people with their heads tied up the way his was? I honestly do not know but I soon came to find out his name “Yasser Arafat”. With that been said I must say I have a soft place in my heart for the Palestinian people.
On the other hand the first time I heard the name Benjamin Netanyahu, I fell in love with the name without having set eyes on him. I thought to myself this name has a powerful ring to it and I was right. It was the name of a very powerful man, the Prime minister of Israel and a man who was to bring hope and peace to the Israeli people. Basically what I am saying is that for the two frivolous reasons that I mention before I feel for the people of both countries.
I really enjoy the fact that Renan did not seem to take sides which would be very easy to do given the fact that he is Israeli born and bred. I enjoyed how he laid out the facts about why both sides cannot come to some kind of sustainable peace agreement. For example on one hand you have the Palestinians who refuse to accept Israel as a Jewish state. On the other hand you have the Israelis supposedly occupying Palestinian’s territories.
In closing I must say once again that this essay captivated me from start to finish. I do feel a lot of people are blinded by their own political agendas as well as religious believes. I hope for the sake of peace, that the next generation would come to know Israel and Palestine as a place where both Jews and Arabs can come together and live in harmony with each other.
Dimitry
May 20, 2011
I am Israeli too, and I am pro Israel. However, I really liked how Renan explained both sizes arguments in an objective way as possible. Its is true that usually people do not see both sides of the coin. But reading this essay, made me think how with this kind of thinking maybe we really have a future in living together in the same country. people really should stop being selfish and start thinking for both sides because in my opinion this is our only way for peace. What I also think is very true is that the Israeli people educate their children in a way of believing in peace however, the Palestinians do not. peace wont come tomorrow or next year, it will hopefully come in 20 years from now, and I am optimistic. Therefor, the key is education. education of due-existence and not education of hate.
Dimitry
May 20, 2011
*both sides argument
Ivan Banat
May 20, 2011
I salute the author (Renan Lifshitz) for looking at both sides of the coin.
I do not envy the author because of the complexity of the subject he choose.
Considering the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, within the context of Plato’s “Allegory of the cave” and especially the concept of the “shadows” in the cave, the following comments come to my mind.
– In both sides (Israeli & Palestinian) we can find the 2 main elements that permit the successful illusion of the “Shadows”.
1-The elements in power –
In Israel we find the ultra right wing elements (both political & Religious) with their ideology.
In the Palestinian side we find the SELF motivated terrorist groups that ENJOY the constant state
of belligerence.
Both these sides create the shadow image. The difference is in Israel they are elected in a
democratic process , while in the current Palestinian environment, they grab power by the force of
the gun (See the case of Hamas vs Fatah in Gaza).
2 – The audience (the average person) –
It is this writer’s belief , that the average person in both communities, if given the choice, will
chose “peace and quite”.
In Israel the average “Joe” is high school educated, extensively exposed to national & international
events, well traveled (outside of Israel) and KNOWS and exercises his wrights. This majority will
support a peaceful & SECURED coexistence of two nations. Halas – there is also a smaller but
NOISY population that sees ONLY the fabricated shadows and will oppose all coexistence that will
not abide by their extreme right views.
In the Palestinian population the average “Joe” is less educated less exposed to
national/international events, less traveled and more importantly, NOT used to have and exercise,
DEMOCRATIC rights.
The MAJORITY (not all) of the Palestinian population are still watching the “SHADOWS”.
When the average Palestinian “Joe” will stop watching the “Shadows” , just like his brothers in Tunisia, Egypt, Yemen, Libya and they will tell to the “Shadow” makers – “Enough – we want peace” and if needed, FIGHT (the Shadow Maker) for it, that is the moment that real peace might reign in this conflict ridden area.
This is just one individuals opinion that comes to light as a consequence of Renan’s essay.
Hill Pearlman
May 26, 2011
The end of this posting is moving: the writer of this blog hopes that when he tells his children that there will be peace between Israel and Palestine it will be true.
Renan mentions a host of complicated factors that have contributed to the conflict and continue to fuel the fire.
I do share in the belief that education is the way to peace. As I write this…I recognize that this idea is not uncomplicated. Education that is funded by whom? For who? Who will teach? What languages will be taught? How will school districts be divided? How will a child’s schooling be a part of his or her sense of national identity?
I don’t know very much about education in Israel or in Palestine, but I have gone to elementary school myself. I know that I said the pledge of allegiance everyday and I know that my school was equipped with the supplies that it needed because …well, the imbalance of wealth distribution in the US is another topic…but kids learn some basic stuff in schools, including basic geography. As kids in this contentious region are (I am guessing) given different messages about the land they are living on they are also coming of age; learning to distinguish self from other, learning to interact with peers peacefully or not so peacefully. I once read a chapter of David Grossman’s The Yellow Wind that blew my mind. In it he shared the similar themes that psychologists’ had noted in Israeli childrens’ nightmares and similar themes in Palestinian childrens nightmares. When I examined the themes on a symbolic level I found that both the Israeli children in this study and the Palestinian children did not fully recognize the humanity of the ‘the other.’ The ‘other’ was kept at a distance and, as such, could be conceived of as “monster-like” in someway (I am not quoting Grossman).
I also think of the imagery that reoccurs in both Palestinian and Israeli literature: birds. In Amos Oz’s A Perfect Peace the kibbutzniks that are central to the story hear, but never see, birds screeching in the distance. These birds, for me, emerged as a symbol for the suffering of the Palestinians that is not far, but far enough to shut out. In the opening of Ghassan Kanafani’s Men in the Sun a bird circles over head as the protagonist holds his face close to the earth. This bird is very, very different from Oz’s bird. This bird is more peaceful. The bird can not be reached for because the protagonist is not standing. The protagonist, it seems longs for his land so deeply that he must lie, face down almost in submission…to? To what?
I mentioned these texts because it is a way for me to share some of what I have come across in reading about this conflict and in discussing it with both Israelis and Palestinans.
Politically, jeez. I am, in this moment, at a loss. I used to have a very clear idea of which moments in Israel’s history really “crossed the line” for the Palestinian people, but I don’t feel qualified to share an opinion on that right now. I do, however, think that Renan’s point about Balfour is interesting. Renan quoted: “The difference between Hitler and [British Foreign Minister] Balfour was simple: the former [Hitler] did not have colonies to send the Jews to, so he destroyed them, whereas Balfour …[turned] Palestine into his colony and sent the Jews. Balfour is Hitler with colonies, while Hitler is Balfour without colonies. They both wanted to get rid of the Jews…Zionism was crucial to the defense of the West, [by] ridding Europe of the burden of the Jews.”
Okay, so what I am getting is that there is a push from Europe (pushing the Jews) and then there is push from Jews (pushing the Palestinians). And early Zionist literature was complex- although there was a longing for this land there also seems to be some “self-hating” going on (see The Founding Myths of Israel by Zev Sternhell). And now what is going on within both Israeli society (ies) and Palestinian society (ies) is …there is so much to explore.
Renan, thanks for posting this. Got me thinking.
Nadav
May 26, 2011
The essay Israel Palestine Conflict-Where To? Deals with the Israeli and Palestinian conflict. Although Renan is an Israeli citizen he isn’t revealing that through his essay, no pro Israeli says are mentioned. There are so many books and articles about this complex conflict, but in my thinking none of them can find solution. Especially the ones the are not living this conflict on a daily basis. It is very easy to see and write through what the media is showing, but unfortunately media is most of the time showing what they want to brain wash people with. I will take as an example “Gaza War” that occurred December 27, 2008 – January 18, 2009 in this war all the world was against Israel regarding this big operation. As a nation, Israel must defend it’s land and people. What would you do when innocent citizens, children included are sitting at their houses and suppose to be protected. The fact that they are sitting there and praying for a rocket not to hit on their house or run to a shelter is a horrifying thinking. Imagine a 6 years old child hearing a siren that notifies a rocket is on its way to hit is house. This scenario is what all children are facing next to the borders of Israel. I will conclude with the same hope that Renan wrote and hopefully until my children will reach the age of 18 they won’t need to do a mandatory army serve.
Tom Vind
May 26, 2011
Some might say that there have been too many writings and sayings about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the time now is for action. This is true, yet the more people write and talk the easlier it will be to act.
This paper is an excellent example of that. By saying it as it is the Author is offering a starting point to act.
I agree with the author’s point. There are many issues that are at the core of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict: some are historical, some regard religon but that doesnt matter. What is important is to find some good “shadows” that can lead both sides to peace.
I truley believe that when the right leaders will come, we will see peace in the MiddleEast. We will see true co-existence without hatred and i too hope that that will happen before my kids will have to join the army as well.
Cedric
May 27, 2011
I have to agree that is good to read people born in the region and capable of seeing both side of the coin. This open-mindedness might be the solution, or at least the start to get some peace in the Middle East. Leaders or governments have to show the way, they have to tell and educate their population that the world is filled with different cultures, religions… and that these differences are making the world interesting. Instead of fighting the man who is not like us, let’s try to understand him there is probably something that we could learn from him. Even if the author tried to be as objective as possible the essay ends with sentence saying that the Hamas has to educate the people to accept Israel. That is probably true, but it also means that the education on the other side isn’t effective enough too if you think that is the other who has to make the first step. As long as each side thinks of doing the right thing and that the other doesn’t understand, it might be difficult to come to an agreement.
I know this conflict is complex and it involves a lot of different aspects, but I was kind of chocked when I read that Israel wanted to be recognized as a Jewish state. It sounds like an extra provocation. As a geographer, I learned that a territory, a population and a government define a country. No religion can define a country. I’m from Switzerland and, probably I can’t understand what it is to grow up in a conflict region, but I know that different people can live together. Even if the main religion is Christianity, there are many religions and everyone is living with it. Moreover, we speak four different languages but I think this is our strength and not a reason of fighting each other. Like in any conflict that resolved peacefully both side will have to make compromise. It’s impossible to get the whole piece of the cake.
I know that my point of view is reductive and doesn’t represent a quarter of the actual situation. But sometime, it helps to step back, look at the entire situation and let aside our differences like the author did in his essay. I really hope more people would be able to do the same and take the lead, to finally get some peace in the Middle East.
zohar
May 29, 2011
I appreciate the writer’s attempt to map out the history of this long-lasting conflict in one essay and at the same time show a possible light at the end of the tunnel. In my mind, the main barrier on the way to a solution is that both party’s’ leaders and the majority of both the Palestinians and Israelis refuse to let the past go.
Every suggested solution, including the current one offered by President Obama is looking back to either the 1967 borders or the 1948 borders. Reality is that demographically lot have been changed in the past 63/44 years, and any long-standing solution will have to take today’s numbers into consideration.
Demographically, within the occupied territories 300,000 Jewish Israelis live in 120 settlements (not including Jerusalem). On the other side of the Green Line, within the borders of Israel are over 1.5 million Arabs who consider themselves to be a part of the Palestinians people.
Thus, any REAL solution has to look at the REAL numbers, the 2011 numbers. A REAL solution MUST resolve both the Jewish settlements out of the Green Line and the Palestinians within it.
The key, in my opinion, for a long lasting solution is not to revert to ’67 or ’48 borders, but to redraw the map according to the 2011 reality.
Rotem
May 29, 2011
Renan- well written! In a very simple yet straight forward way here presented a conflict, some say a 2000 year old conflict, which keeps the world news headlines in the last 70 years. I am Israeli and grew up in Tel Aviv, and believe that (conditioned and sane) peace agreement will not only be a blessing for both side that keeps living in fear and lose their children, but will also bring economic prosperity to the whole area. I can only imagine that the hard times we are having now were quite similar to the 70’s, when our parents had to confront the same conflict before the peace agreement with Egypt was signed, and today, is someone who grew up to reality of that peace agreement, it seems most natural to me and I cannot imagine it otherwise.
It is unfortunate that the media only shows us one side, the side we want to see, and not the naked truth. When I met a Palestinian guy in New York two years ago, I was surprised to find our similarity so extreme and how different the conflict is presented to us from both sides. The “shadows” are also extremely bias in the rest of the world, which can create hatred and wrong impression on the global community. I hope that today in the internet age, people will have more access to reality and will be able to make their own conclusions and not trust blindly the “shadows” they are told.
Rotem
May 29, 2011
Renan- well written! in a very simple yet straight forward way here presented a conflict, some say a 2000 years old conflict, which keeps the world news headlines in the last 70 years. i am israeli and grew up in Tel Aviv, and believes that a (conditioned and sane) peace agreement will not only be a blessing for both sides that keeps living in fear and lose their children, but will also bring economic prosperity to the whole area. i can only imagine that the hard times we are having now are quite similar to the 70’s, when our parents had to confront the same conflict before the peace agreement with Egypt was signed, and today, as someone who grew up to reality of peace agreement with Egypt, it seems most natural to me and i cannot imagine the situation otherwise.
it is unfortunate that the media only shows us one side, the side we want to see, and not the naked truth. when i met a Palestinian guy in New York two year ago, i was surprised to find our similarity so extreme, and how different the conflict is presented to us from both sides. the “shadows” are also very biased in the rest of the world, which can create hatred and wrong impression on the global community. I hope that today at the internet age, people will have more access to reality and will be able to make their own conclusions and not trust blindly the voices of the “shadows”
Zebra
May 29, 2011
The issue at stake is indeed complicated, however, it is the compromises of both states that will lead to a successful “piece” or more adequately said -a respectful agreement. While it is true Israel had attacked and initiated the first offensive physical military move in 67, it is also mandatory to say that Israel had the absolutely legit suspicion that it was about to be combated by the union of the Arab nations surrounding it. Considering the events prior to the attack, the confidential conference that had gathered all the Arab leaders together, the Israeli Intelligence information, and the weird pattern of armed forces spreading around Israel borders- a careful plan was probably made to tackle the Israeli tiny territory.
Coming from an unfortunate background of constant persecution (e.g the Holocaust) and depression, It was inevitable for Israel to make the first move to defend its borders. Now, against radical discipline and hostile education rooting in the pages of the Islam, piece will be quiet artificial no matter how bad it is wanted. Saying that, even if Israel wants piece desperately, it still has to have the ability to protect itself. “Shadows” are indeed reflected from governmental authorities but the truth is known no matter how hard they try to manipulate us. Compromises are a must as I said before, but no compromise can be made that will leave the Israelis naked against its well motivated enemies to destroy it.
Ashok
May 29, 2011
“Never underestimate the power of a small group of committed citizens to change the world. Indeed, it has never been done otherwise”.
I think this comment is more true to this article than anything else. The biggest problem here, beyond the governments’ unwillingness to get into a serious discourse about peace, is the lack of transparency in information. This is, of course, where the internet comes into play, at least in the west. The internet provides a sustainable source of transparent information that’s disseminated efficiently to anyone and everyone who is interested. Unfortunately, from what I know, and I may be wrong on this, but there are serious censorship laws in those areas that don’t allow citizens to mobilize and disseminate truth to each other. But at the same time, we have seen, more so this year than most, how citizens can come together and topple entire governments when they think there’s just cause. Between Egypt, Tunisia, Libya, Syria and Yemen, ordinary citizens, fueled by anger and injustice, and mobilized using social media, have taken control. And agree with their cause or not, the basic premise of that power is undeniable. Not that I suggest revolution, for that should be the last option. But it seems like options are running out. Quickly. And like JFK said, “If you make peaceful revolution impossible you make violent revolution inevitable”. I would think the former would be preferable.
Ron
May 29, 2011
Renan’s essay shows a very moderate approach to this conflict. That basically all of us are human beings and we want to live in peace next to each other. The allegory of the cave, to my opinion shows the irony in politics. Leaders in times of crisis will take actions in order to keep their citizens united and to reelect them. These actions could be misinterpreted or used by the opposing government to maintain its own power. This conflict is so complex since there are so many variables: education, demographics, and changing governments that not necessarily maintain the same stance as their previous one. This conflict might never end; everyone wants to plug in logic to solve it. Logic could be a very small variable on the scale to balance the region. All the past wars in this area of the world in the last 60 years, the majority of the people in both populations have a lot of emotions to the subject. These emotions are used by the leaders of both populations to better control their allegory of the cave. I personally think that the more traveling and universities grow in each side, the higher the chance to get to some sort of a minimal peace platform.
Danny
May 30, 2011
Renan, I am very happy that you opened your article the way you did. The realization that on each side the understanding of the current situation is a result of years of leaders casting shadows as you called it. the deliberate disinformation, spins and half truths that were emitted over the decades by parties who stand to gain from it have solidified slowly by infinite repetitions into unchangeable indisputable truth. I am pretty sure that prominent figures of past time on both sides would be amazed if brought back to life today to see that the little “tricks” that they used to steer the human herd in this or another direction have now turned into sacred taboos that many have died for. For the ones living, life in the shadows of these objects is difficult, we all want to bask in the sun and the space for that is very small after many millenniums of shadows casted by herdsman, sheiks, tribe elders, priest and kings to members of cabinet, presidents and prime ministers. The physical landscape is similar to the mental one even made to mimic it for every shadow cast a fence has been built. Therefore the solution is to remove the shadows and physical will again mimic the mental, then with no barriers peace will be possible.
Tessa Myers
May 31, 2011
The article is taking us back to the history of the Middle East. The Middle East is one of the most highly discussed areas in the word. Every person in the world has an opinion regarding the Middle East, as it is a sensitive situation and touches all of us in separate ways. This article is collaboration; bringing the two viewpoints; the Palestinian side and the Israeli side. As the article explains, there is no right or wrong side. Both sides have strong opinions. Only with very strong leaders will either side be able to come to a fair and respected conclusion. The idea is that whichever side succeeds, they will take the Middle East in a positive direction, thus helping the face and reputation of the Middle East. This article explains how the conflict began, from the beginning to the present. This article was very reminiscent of how I felt when I read about Jerusalem. I am about to visit Jerusalem in two weeks and the article opened my eyes to what is truly behind this wonderful and historic city. During my trip to Jerusalem I will visit all the 3 religious areas; the Jewish, Muslim and Christian and thanks to the article I will be able to understand more about the differences and what the exact history is. This article is great because it was able to maintain an open minded opinion. What needs to happen in the middle east, is that we need a brilliant leader to bring necessary peace within the middle east. I hope that next year we will have the peace that we have all been wishing for, for years.