“Parallels and Paradoxes” is an interesting piece of knowledge. The name itself is valuable; once a person can understand the parallels, connections and paradoxes in one’s life, conflict or problem, then that person can reach satisfaction. Edward Said and Daniel Barenboim’s both share some background similarities, and both share the understandings of social injustices, literature and culture. When talking about Palestine, one can think of few names that perfectly fit the idea of being the identity of Palestinians and Palestine, one of them obviously is Edward Said. He was a “fighter” and a “defender” at the same time, he was a person with clear future vision, compassionate belief and had a great spirit that even after the body is gone, and his spirit still floats within the Palestinian culture and society.
Interestingly when watching one of the videos, the first Palestinian girl who is part of the Barenboim-Said Foundation is my classmate from back home, Tyme. She mentioned how hard was it for her as Palestinian to be part and participate in this wonderful concert. Another thing she mentioned is that music might be a way to weaken the barriers between Palestinians or Arabs and Israelis, but will not be the solution of such an intense conflict.
One of the question regarding the “knowledge is the beginning” project, is that can music really give those who are detained their basic human rights in living, education, health, movement, etc, back their right of living a simple humane life? Can music really overcome the political differences and overcome the cultural barriers between Palestinians and Israelis in specific?
What was Edward Said’s vision and thoughts of creating such a diverse musical band would effect and contribute to the Palestinian- Israeli conflict? And some people might say that such a project could be a way of normalization between the Palestinians and the Israelis, what do you think regarding the issue of normalization?
In the “Homeland Redefined” thesis, it is clear how both the Palestinians and the Israelis are fighting over a common issue; which is the physical borders of the land. I think this thesis article make things clearer especially to those who are not familiar with the history of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. It is really interesting seeing how home and homeland are defined. The article summarizes the concept of defining a homeland, as well as the roots of the Israeli- Palestinian conflict.
One last thing to mention, although the project and the Barenboim-Said Foundation is a great and outstanding event that might unite both Palestinians, Arabs and Israeli youth together promoting for peace through music, but in my opinion, the conflict is deeper and more intense than one to be solved through music or workshops, such a conflict could only be solved through international laws, human rights laws, and through justice and equality for those who were detained their basic right of living over a property. Our conflict is based on land theft, identity destruction, culture deletion, and music might break the barriers and make things less intense, but this conflict could only be solved by real justice.
I agree that the conflict is too deep to simply be solved by this diverse orchestra, but I think the important thing to remember is that it is a step in the right direction. What if more activities and events united with 40% Palestinians and 40% Israelis. If we could apply this set up to museums, sporting events, anything, maybe tolerance would increase and then future dialogues could become more productive.
ReplyDeleteWas the girl in the video really one of your classmates? That is so weird, such a small world.
ReplyDeleteI think that part of the way to a conflict is maybe to step away from the intensity of the conflict. I agree with Britany that it's a step in the right direction. Maybe the music will mellow the path to international law, and give it a better opportunity to be successful.
Britany,
ReplyDeleteYes you are right, the developing of the orchestra is one way in the right direction, and as you said it would create tolerance, but, we should not ignore that although music might unite all humans around the globe, but for the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the situation is much more intense and complicated to be solved through music.
Brianna,
Yes, the girl was my classmate. It is a small word indeed. And there is another friend of mine who participated in this orchestra as well.