Sometimes it is good to talk to an old friend. So I spoke to one of these old friends just recently and it was refreshing to discover that we still think alike in certain matters. We are both concerned about the future of our country. And that is no surprise.
By Peter Weisz
Unlike most of our fellow citizens, and that is another concerning fact, we consider ourselves as part of community that seems to faid away. It is called the “Left”. The people who still think that there can be no other way than peace. We have been called many things. Dreamers, weak cowards who have no connection with the realities in the middle east. Still we have infinite amounts of hope. In our mind we don’t have another choice. We refuse to accept that hatred and bloodshed must inevitably become the faith of our children and most probably even our grandchildren and beyond.
The friendship between Germany and France could be a role model
I asked him, how on earth is it possible that there is no one in the whole vibrant political Arena of the Middle east who speaks out about the life affirming idea of the importance of eduction in this all-so-complex equation? Why is there nobody voicing out that it could be done.
We all know it is possible. Generations of Germans and French have tried to kill as many as possible of the other tribe for centuries. Today they are partners. Partners in peace, commercial ties and collaboration. And it is no surprise that this partnership was established from the understanding that, after decades of war and generations of bloodshed, the stability of the whole continent, which they both call home, depends on their friendship. A friendship that is based on mutual respect and the understanding that no party of this former crisis area will go anywhere else. Just as in the middle east, nor the Jews or the Palestinians will ever just pack up and leave.
It all starts with education.
Alsace in France looks back on a long period of prosperity
For more than 100 years every German was brought up and indoctrinated about the vital necessity of a greater Germany. What today is Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and the whole eastern part of France was considered to be German core territory. I was there, just a week ago, in eastern France. The area that is called Alsace in french and Elsass in German, today belongs to France but all the towns and villages have German names. Even the street names are still written both in German and in French. Remnants of a time when that land was claimed by both people with all their might and strength.
The people of Alsace, today look back, with gratitude on almost 80 years of peace, quiet and prosperity.
The European model
As a matter fact it is a capital crime in Germany today, to recite, write or publish any text or content, claiming that the Elsass is German and must be eternally German, as it was part of German constitution for more than 200 years, before the end of the second World War . A crime for which people, today are put into jail. A few weeks ago a German member of Parliament was stripped of his diplomatic immunity for this very crime. It does work very well there. One cannot claim that the significance of this law and others of that sort are not a pillar of contemporary European stability.
It all starts with education. Young french pupils would, today, never suspect that their peers in German schools are educated to become soldiers in a war that will make Alsace German again. How insane would such an idea sound? Just 3200 miles to the southeast this is cruel reality.
Will history repeat itself?
There is enough room for everyone in Israel
Is it really that far fetched to claim, that just the same could be possible in Palestinian and Israeli schools? Are we capable of envisioning a Palestinian school system that forbidds any sort of content or material that speaks about “From the river to the sea”. Do I think it is possible that the Israeli’s establish a federal law which forbidds material or mentioning of a “greater Israel” that will include East Jerusalem? I don’t think it could be possible. I know for sure it is.
It only needs one generation to grow up, not only in that spirit but in such a legal environment. An environment that places anything outside of the law that will jeopardize a neighbourly coexsistence and prosecutes the infringement with all of it’s might.
The majority of both people do not want war or hostility!
Allow me to quote from a book that was written at the time of the Franco-German conflict:
“There is enough room for everyone in Eretz Israel. We will welcome the Arabs who live here with open arms and offer them brotherhood and equality”
The Jewish people do not want war or hostility. Our task is to live in peace and work together with our neighbors.”
The title of the Book is “Altneuland” which can be translated as Oldnewcountry. The author’s name is Theodor Herzl, the inventor of modern Zionism.
And yes, history sometimes does repeat itself.
