Week Five Reading

I really appreciated this weeks readings. They put a human face on the conflict. I don't often consider that people living in a war zone still have to get their dogs shots. It's something I don't really think about. The interaction waiting for the gas masks was especially human. The Palestinians weren't necessarily hostile towards the Israeli's, just frustrated with the process. It also showed that there is differences of opinion within the Palestinian community, which is also something I haven't considered before.

I think war becomes easier when you remove the human face. Adding the human face, and allowing interaction on the most basic of levels can help to stop the problem. This is something that neither side has been quick to do.

Amiry's use of terms was also interesting. When she references Israeli industrial zones, she also adds the term illegal Jewish settlements. The difference in these two terms is very interesting to mean. They both are loaded terms that carry extra baggage.

I really appreciate the sentiment of Galit Hasan-Rokem's piece. Striving for a single, peaceful city is a noble dream, and one which many people may not have the most pure of intentions.