Giving Peace A Chance

“I no longer want to see others as humans. I want to learn to see others as brothers, sisters, mothers, & fathers.” – Rabbi Shaul David Judelman - See more at: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/thepangeablog/2014/07/02/shane-claiborne-shaul-judelman/#sthash.Fk5gIjil.dpufRabbi Shaul Judelman studied under the late great Rabbi Menachem Froman. Froman taught that peaceful existence is possible in the Holy Land between Jews and Arabs. He went as far as teaching, as one article puts it, that “religion and the love of the land could bring together Jews and Muslims instead of dividing them.” The idea of the garden Rabbi Shaul has set apart is that it can provide a meeting place for Palestinians and Israelis. This is important because if people meet and get to know each other then there is more of a chance that people will become friends and that what drives these two groups apart can be the very thing that brings them together and that is a love of the Holy Land.When people meet often the preconceived notions they carry with them begins to crumble and they begin to see each other as Sons and Daughters of the same God.Many think this can never work, that there will always be war. But if there is to be peace it must first be given a chance. And Rabbi Shaul and others working with him are giving peace in the Holy Land a strong foot hold and a descent chance.I think there are two basic options either war or peace. In this case whichever side wins they will be rulers not of a bountiful stretch of the Holy Land but of a wasteland and graveyard.We can have peace if we choose it. It is not simple but it is possible. Part of why Rabbi Shauls efforts are so delightful is that he is humanizing each side to the other. The Israelis and Palestinians involved in this project both have a deep love of God and they are succeeding because they are showing others how to see God in others, specifically their enemies.They are succeeding in teaching others to love their enemy and to turn the other cheek rather than resort to violence. We are created in Gods image and so when we look upon another person we are in a sense seeing God face to face.Dr.King said "Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that."And Rabbi Shaul and those working with him seem to ember their efforts with that I are understanding.I believe that if I love God, I should love all His creations. I can't claim to truly love God if I also despise some of His creations much less His children.And these messages are taking root in the Holy Land. So peace is possible. Peace is preferable. Peace is what we all deserve.It is better to fail in peace than succeed in war. Violence has cause a world full of problems but hasn't solved one yet.