ESSAYS FOR PEACE

THE PATH TO PEACE: UNDERSTANDING THE OTHER

By Joel A. Fox
Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School

2nd place winner

Sadat Essay for Peace Competition
March 2004

Two features characterized Sadat’s breakthrough that led to the peace accords between Egypt and Israel. The first was his keenness to talk with the Israeli government to end the state of hostility between the two countries. The second was his frankness in presenting his argument to the Israelis.

Sadat’s gift to the Middle East was his willingness to talk to his neighbors. Sadat approached the Israeli parliament not in hatred but in search of a partner. He broke the common conceptions of enemy and friend. He tore down the “barrier of fear, or deception, a barrier of hallucination without any action, deed or decision.” (Anwar Sadat, Nov. 20, 1977). President Sadat realized the effect his visit to Jerusalem had on the Israelis. He asked, “Why don’t we stretch out our hands with faith and sincerity so that together we might remove all suspicion of fear, betrayal and bad intentions?” (Nov 20, 1977). Sadat sent a message to all subsequent generations: fear is the greatest problem, fear of taking a step towards one another. Sadat took that step and so must we.

Willingness to talk must be accompanied with another important trait that Sadat exhibited, frankness. Sadat looked the people of Israel straight in the eyes. Fifteen times President Sadat used the words “frank” and “sincere” in his address to the Knesset. He did not disguise his agenda. Sadat said, “Ladies and gentlemen, let us be frank with each other. Using straightforward words and a clear conception with no ambiguity, let us be frank with each other today while the entire world, both East and West, follows these unparalleled moments, which could prove to be a radical turning point in the history of this part of the world, if not in the history of the world as a whole” (Nov 20, 1977). Sadat did not bring peace because he made great compromises; he made peace because he presented a clear platform to the Israeli people. President Sadat took a firm approach during negotiations; however, he showed that there was room for conciliation because of the fact that he was willing to talk. What Sadat said about the details of a future peace agreement is secondary to the precedent he set. His openness and honesty made it possible to continue formal negotiations between the two parties. It is important for us to understand the significance of openness. Many, rightfully, feel vulnerable revealing their true opinions. However, if we want to bring a better tomorrow we must take that risk, as President Sadat did.

Sadat showed us the way and it is now our responsibility to continue and carry the torch of peace. If asked, “Can it be done?” I would answer, “Yes, most definitively, it can be done.” The way to bring peace between Israelis and Palestinians is to learn Sadat’s lessons about willingness to talk openly and honestly and add two more vital elements, the ability to listen and the ability to understand.

It is vital that Israeli and Palestinian societies endorse the three elements of talking, listening, and understanding. Neither side should be afraid of entering a dialogue with the other party. It is vital to be courageous and talk about the issues. Many Israelis and Palestinians would rather not talk about the issues and just let it be. However, people must realize that they do have the power to change the situation. If individuals are willing to start talking, then the politicians will follow quickly.

When we, as individuals or as nations, begin a dialogue with the other side, we must listen to the other sides’ claims. Often, we disregard what the other side says because we have preconceived ideas. However, when your partner claims that he sees Jews as thieves who stole his home, or says that he feels the Palestinians want to murder all Jews, do not disregard that remark because it reflects your partner’s feelings. When trying to reach agreement you have to address your partners’ concerns. To make peace, partners need to know what they want and also know what their partner wants.

In order to really listen to your partner, you need to learn to understand where he is coming from. In the current situation in the Middle East, neither Israelis nor Palestinians understand each other. Two major elements in the formation of a nation are a common language and history. Israelis and Palestinians need to learn each other’s languages and histories.

Israelis have a lot to learn about the Arabic language and Palestinian history. Israelis do not realize the importance and significance of the Arabic language. Many Jews who left Arab lands were ashamed that they spoke Arabic and didn’t teach it to their children. To make up for this loss of Jewish, native Arabic speakers, today Arabic should be a required subject in all public schools from seventh through twelfth grade. Most Israeli pupils study Arabic for only two years and do not appreciate the richness and beauty of the language. They do not understand that language is key to understanding a nation. When Jewish Israelis speak Arabic, it will indicate a willingness to understand Arabs’ way of thought.

In addition, the history of the Palestinian people is not always fully presented in Israeli schools. Public schools in Israel gloss over the suffering of the Palestinians who were forced or pressured to flee from their homes and all their belongings, never to see them again. Israelis do not always appreciate the power the Arab states once held during the height of the Muslim empire and the complexity of the Arab past. Israelis in general are not eager to learn about and understand the Palestinians and their view of history.

Similarly, Palestinian schools do not encourage understanding of Israelis. Children are taught that Zionism is racist and aggressive. For the past three years public Palestinian media and Palestinian school textbooks have been monitored for anti-Israel and anti-Semitic materials. Not only is Israel attacked ruthlessly in all media but even more saddening is the fact that hatred is taught in school. On major problem, surveys point out, is that Palestinian textbooks refuse to acknowledge the existence of the State of Israel. This message is transmitted to the children on several levels. On the visual level, all maps show a Palestinian state in place of Israel. On another level, Zionism is compared to a foreign colonial power such as Britain. By delegitimizing the Israelis, the Palestinians are basically saying they do not even want to talk to them, no less understand.

As long as the societies are teaching their children hatred and mistrust, there is no room for peace The most imperative lesson both sides must teach their children is that people can be different and not infringe on one another’s rights. Both sides do not need to be the same or think the same way, but both Palestinians and Israelis must be willing to learn about one another. We must learn to appreciate the other’s culture and society, not fear it or view it with contempt.

Education is vital in changing society’s outlook because the younger generation is impressionable. Individuals must take responsibility for learning; we must teach ourselves. I speak Hebrew and have begun studying Arabic and am eager to learn more about Moslem language, culture and history. Inspired by Sadat’s willingness to start a conversation, I dream of teaching children to understand and appreciate the other. Children will listen; they will not shrug their shoulders and say it is impossible, not if they are taught that it is possible, not if they are encouraged to break down the barriers of fear. We must understand that it is our role as peers, parents and friends to educate Palestinian and Israeli children for a peaceful solution based on understanding and justice. As President Sadat stated before the Knesset, “It is not my battle alone. Nor is it the battle of the leadership in Israel alone. It is the battle of all and every citizen in all our territories, whose right it is to live in peace. It is the commitment of conscience and responsibility in the hearts of millions.”