engine of souls | forum 3

Moussa · Veteran Member

RE: Assignment #4: Promises POV Discussion (B)

Moussa · Veteran Member

jordan coe wrote:
Section A
6 well American pride has become humilazed cause of the pride of the flag but i think alot of bad things have happen like ever since that day some people have been looking at muslums differntly and thinking of them as terriosts but u cant blame a whole relgion and race for what a group of terrioists have done

I completely agree because many use this American Pride to demonize "the enemy", which are Muslims in this case.

Moussa · Veteran Member

Heling is wrote:
Section A

5.Moments such as the meeting between Yarko, Daniel, Faraj, and Sanabel seem to weaken the hostile tension. Specific things like playing games together, sitting down to eat together, and sharing a bit of culture between each other made it possible. They bonded through common things that define childhood. It presents ways to facilitate the dissolving of barriers in our own community. Even if we speak different languages or come from different backgrounds, people can still come together through common things like music and sports. This can show us that we’re more similar than we are different. The hate is rationalized and dissipated in many cases when that hate is humanized. The children found themselves not looking at murders or assassins, but other children very much like themselves who have been hurt and traumatized by what has happened.

how could this be copied to help adults look beyond their differences and create more unity and peace?

Zachary W · Veteran Member

Moussa wrote:
Zachary W wrote:

15. I would ask if they feel truly justified in hating every Jewish/Palestinian person other than what the media and propaganda tell them.

And what if they feel they are justified in hating because of all the violence they grow up with? I think it's fairly evident that they do feel they are justified, but the question is about changing their perception and how.

I was trying to get at when one of the Palestinian kids, who exactly I can't remember, found out that BZ was Jewish and basically said some are okay, even though he had no reason to assume that either.

reinahearts · Member

SECTION B
7. Where do our attachments to land come from? Land deeds? Religious texts? Historical events? Military victories? Family ties? Why do we value some kinds of claims more than others? What would you risk to keep the land you live on? What factors influence the amount of risk you are willing to take? Would you risk more to save your church, synagogue, or mosque than to save the local mall? Would you risk more to save your home than to save a sports stadium? Why or why not?

7. Well certain area because of the religious believe and any histories of religion over there and some people just have different aspects of there believe
Well it depends what the cause of it is if it’s about war I wouldn’t cuz I believe fighting resolve anything it just makes things worst
The factors are the possible outcomes of it what can be the result and are death a possibility of going into it. Well I believe everyone is equal. I wouldn’t I believe we should just share in not agreed on then I guess people we have to resolve their problems I believe I would save a church to pray for a better outcome. My home cause it’s my shelter and it protects my family.

8. The events did not personally affect my allegiance, but it has opened my eyes to the kind of things people will do for a cause or belief. It’s definitely a grave reality to know that I’m not always in control of my life that it could change in an instant due to somebody else. However, most people are inclined to trust others, so I feel like many times the risk is not such a huge component.

9. The culture and the beliefs are what are different about where the Israelis live and where the Palestinians live. However, it seems that the Israelis have more freedom since they politically occupy the area. They seem to live a little better in some respects. These differences product different perspectives because it makes people feel restrictive and that they are being treated unfairly. The checkpoints that only certain people can cross sets out to separate different groups of people, and the parade through Jerusalem seemed to be intestinally mocking the Palestinians.

10. What role does fear play in our ability to have compassion for others?
Well roles fear can play is threw media and how the media can betray a person to look evil and I may influence someone to think differently
Over the course of the film, how do the children change?
In many ways yes it showed them when they all hung out that they can all play together and they were happy to see each other and had a lot of fun and it changed some of there views well some wanted the Arabs gone some wanted the Jews gone some wanted peace

well if he would think about it day to day it could Marjory effect him and cause him anger sadness and many more
well many people can change there minds over years or experiences

yes because he is different everyone is different and can change there views a bit

11.Well the things I think about on a daily basis are like what is going to happen today is it going to be a good day or bad day the things I choose not to deal with are like the possibility of dieing or injury

12. Well my religion teaches that peace is the best thing and it can be brought by no violence
well some what and someone what not because many people there want peace and many want violence some what there are anti gang groups and stuff like that better it’ll get better

Nay · Veteran Member

Moussa wrote:

Section A
1.When it comes to any situation or issue there are always different sides with strong supporters for both. For an issue like gay marriage, I may choose a position in support of gay marriage because many aspects of my life influence my opinion such as religion, culture, environment…etc. Many of these also affect my opponent’s position on the issue and therefore both sides may find it hard to hear the other side’s belief. Because of the way we grew up and the opinions we developed, it becomes hard to hear because you can’t imagine any other way of viewing the issue. This usually makes both sides feel awkward and uncomfortable, even offended.
2.There were many moments that felt universal throughout the documentary. When the children were wrestling, eating, and playing together, they created a bridge between them to move past their differences and enjoy each other’s presence. They created a universally accepted surrounding where the children can be children regardless of their political and religious differences. By focusing more on our similarities we can connect people who may seem completely different from one another. We can focus on the similar experiences with one another rather than our differences to build bridges from which to reconcile our differences.
3.No, thankfully I haven’t had to worry about a bus blowing up when I go on it. I have considered what it would be like when I join the army because at a time in the past I strongly considered going to the army. No, never thought about “them” letting my father out of prison, since he never was in prison. I have never had a friend who’s father had shot at anyone I love, however I wouldn’t doubt it in the past when all our fathers living in the civil war fighting each other. Never have had to worry about leaving or returning to my families’ home, however my parents have had to.
4.When the norm becomes war, people will always be violent in thought and nature. The violence against them only breeds more violence in response and a never ending cycle begins where each side gains revenge of the other. It becomes much harder to come up with peaceful solutions to this violent because your life is so affected by the violence. When someone becomes a victim of violence, it breeds hate, and that hate always gets in the way of peaceful negotiations. The events of September 11 haven’t affected my ability to be a peace-maker mostly because it didn’t have as big of an effect on me since I was not even in the country, and even so, I always try keeping an open mind for the greater good.
5.Beforehand, much of the hatred between the two groups was based in a very general way; Israeli disliking a Palestinian and vice versa. However, by having the two groups meet, the makers of the documentary put a face on those being hated on both sides. Faraj had wanted to shoot Israeli’s but soon became very good friends with Daniel and Yarko. They became good friends because hatred is diffused when you make the haters realize that those they hate are actual human beings just like them. We can dissolve the barriers in my community by having the different sides partake in an activity that both enjoy. This would force them to work together and build positive relationships with each other.
6.Since September 11, Muslims and Arabs have been demonized as “different” and “un-American” not only in the U.S. but in many other countries like Russia, China, Germany, and France…etc. Those who were humanized were the average and “typical” American who isn’t Muslim or Arab. People were humanized by creating a common enemy and demonizing Muslims and Arabs. There are countless stories where Muslim Americans were stereotyped against, not served, and even had to go back to their country of origin. To me it shows that in times of crisis, people rarely use their minds. It is very similar to a child put into a corner, and reacts erratically to escape danger, even if it takes the innocent with them.
Section B
1.My attachment to lands come from my experience and need for them. When we grow up on a land, or in a country, or a specific house we build a connection with it because that is all we really know given the years spent on it. For many, religion is the basis for their attachment to land; some believe land was given to them by God, others believe that God gives them the right to fight and kill invaders of land. Family history and ties also are reason for attachment to lands because if you can connect a land with something much more personal like family or religion, you can build a very strong attachment. This is why I wouldn’t fight for a mall or sports stadium over my home or mosque because it has no religious, family, traditional, or cultural ties to me.
2.Because of the September 11 attacks and other aspects of my life, I would be willing to fight against any threat of my freedom or any threat toward my homeland within reason. A blind or irrational fight wouldn’t be worth fighting regardless of the threat to home or my way of life.
3.The differences of where the Israeli’s and Palestinians live are vast. Israeli’s move with a lot of freedom without being searched at checkpoints. They have a lot of mobility within their land as opposed to Palestinians who don’t. Israeli’s also have more and better reliability for water, electric, and emergency services. Things that they have similar are harder to find; they both have similar children games, schools (though Israeli schools are much better)…etc. Living in greater poverty per person, Palestinians develop an opinion of being oppressed. Added on to this feeling is the constant checkpoints and searches they have to endure to move around their land. Israeli’s have a feeling of freedom since they aren’t limited in their travel…etc They feel that the checkpoints and security are a necessary evil on the Palestinians to protect themselves from danger.
4.Fear plays an important role in our ability to have compassion for others. If we fear someone, it is hard to be comfortable around them. We feel the need to escape while we can, or take revenge to eliminate the threat when given the chance. Over the course of the film, the children change from being very animus to each other’s peoples to understanding the humanity found in each other’s characters as well as their similarities. By the very end, they return back to their normal states after two years of not speaking to each other, but they return with a hint of understanding that those on the other side aren’t so different from them. Many of the Palestinians were still afraid that the Israeli’s won’t stop oppressing them and give them more freedoms, while the Israeli’s still held their position that the Israeli’s were there rightfully, and that it was their land. Yarko is not justified in wanting to pursue a normal life despite the suffering of others around him because while others are suffering around him there can be no “normal life”. Suffering is never the norm and should never be accepted. No one can live a “normal life” while other suffer, they can only the create the illusion of normalcy. Yarko’s kind of thinking stops peace in its tracks because it leaves the problems to the next generation to solve until each generation leaves it to the next. No, Faraj can’t not think about the conflict like Yarko because he lives in harsher conditions than Yarko. Yarko lives a relatively good life in comparison to Faraj, whose life is constantly overshadowed by checkpoints, limited academic and economic opportunity and much more.
5.In our daily lives we think about very superficial things, like our clothes, music…etc. As we grow older we think about money, food, housing…etc but never think about the larger issues of our society like gay marriage, abortion, and other issues that we prefer to leave to others to solve instead of us.
6.My religion teaches me that killing one innocent person is like killing all of humanity. It is strictly prohibited and deeply condemned. Anyone that does so is bound for an eternity in hell. This aspect is not always reflected in the conflict. Another aspect of my religion teaches is that every person has the right to defend him or herself from an oppressor. This aspect is greatly reflected and is the basis of much of the fighting on the side of Muslims in the conflict. It is not reflected in my community because gangs here kill innocent both on purpose and by accident and much of the time the attacks are not based on defense, but rather on attacking a rival gang. Different initiatives that promote peace using hip hop and different cultures will help put these values to the forefront of the community.
Section C
1.In this conflict, religion is used in almost all aspects of life. It is used to inspire both Jews and Muslims to fight for their land. It helps build hatred for the other side by finding justification for their own side. They normally would feel hatred to against anyone who stands against their cause. They also use their religion to carry out their version of justice in their society. My religion makes me realize that many religions have very extreme thoughts but at the same time helps me realize that there are extreme perversions of my own religion. It makes me believe that religion could be great had it not been given (or created based on your own thoughts) to imperfect humans. Humans don’t deserve the privilege of religion. There is no difference between fundamentalism and religion because religion is an extreme (not saying it’s untrue). Compared to science, religion has been used to kill, enslave, oppress, and fight forever. People use the name of God/s to kill others, and as a famous saying goes “As long as there is a God, there will be killing in his name.” God is a fundamental belief because it is so far away from the conclusions of science that is can be considered extreme. Extreme oppression will always lead to the acceptance of fundamentalists beliefs. Creating more economic opportunities will decrease the influence of fundamentalists. Providing more freedoms and creating a freer society will always lead to decrease of power and influence of extremists.
2. The Jews kicked us off our land and put us in this camp. Sanabel. My initial reaction was that the comment felt antisemitic however I know the politics of the region and realize that she only refers to Israeli's as Jews because Israel recognizes itself as a "Jewish State". She obviously feel hatred at such a young age and feels oppressed.
God promised us the land of Israel. The Arabs came and took it! Moishe. Moishe uses his religion to justify Israel's existence today by having God by his side. It becomes very complicated when each side uses God to justify their side and claim land.

I think this is our country and its also theirs. Yarko. I'm glad someone in that entire and longlasting conflict has an open mind which understands that everyone can live together in peace, and that ownership of one's land doesn't mean the eviction of others.

I dont like talking to Jews. I know them. Theyre mean And deceitful. Mahmoud. I feel it's very sad that someone so young would have such thoughts against anyone else, however I understand how those feelings developed and why he believes in them so much.

When I see a Jew I want to grab a stone and throw it at him. Faraj. He seems to have this thought that violence will solve the problem, when he needs to understand otherwise. As much as I disagree with his view, again, like Mahmoud, I understand how it developed and understand why he still believes so.

If I could make my own future, all the Arabs would fly away. Moishe. Given all the violence and fighting, having Moishe wish all others that he doesn't like "fly away" is expected. It combines his                childish wishes with the thoughts he believes about a very complicated conflict.

We have our army to protect us. We have our firing range. And if the soldiers aim poorly, its okay cause they might shoot an Arab! Moishe. Horribly violent, however most of these thoughts come from the media and household opinions about the conflict. That is where all this animosity comes from.

I support Hamas and Hezboullah. They kill women and children but they do it for their country. The more Jews we kill, the fewer there will be. Until theyre almost gone. Mahmoud. Extremely violent in nature, this statement and Mahmoud want a way for the conflict to end. He just sees or hopes it to end with the end of Israel. His constant reference to Jews is more a reflection of Israeli's than the actual religion, because all the Jews around him support a government and country that he believes is oppressing him. He supports the killing of women and children because he's been told of the thousands of women and children Muslims that were killed over time. He's bitter.

So we both think of the same thing. We each think of our relatives who have been killed by the other side. So we each want to kill each other! Faraj With this statement, Faraj perfectly describes why the conflict has gone on for so long. Each generation bases it's violence on the fact that there has been previous violence, leading each new generation to be bitter and remember deaths.

In war both sides suffer. Maybe theres a winner but what’s a winner?People on BOTH sides die. Both sides lose. Daniel. Daniel shows a very good understanding and openminded view of the conflict and it's TRUE effects on each side. Both sides' militaries gain power from violence because they claim they are the victim, but very few actually try to avoid it because violence can always be used to empower a group or country.

The life we live doesnt allow us to accomplish our dreams. Faraj Faraj is talking about (and correctly so) the economic and financial limitations that the conflict and poor conditions in the country has created for them. In most, if not all, conflicts, the people are always limited economically and financially and catch reach their dreams.

3. If I couldn't tell each single person something specific because many of their thoughts run the same. I would tell Moishe and Mahmoud about the similarities they share and tell them that they shouldn't just drink up everything they listen and not let their humanity fade away. I would commend Daniel and Yarko for their open minds but tell them that they should not let anyone else get the necessary change done, and that change is initiated from single and normal people like them. I would tell Faraj that he should generalize his hatred on Israeli's to ALL of them but try to better understand them and how they live; better understanding always leads to peace. To Sanabel, I would say that she is a very openminded girl, and should be a leader of her people because there are very few in power today that aren't very stubborn and as open minded as she is.

4. This hatred on both sides comes from the violence from when they are born. It also comes from the influence of previous generations that lived through very violent times that teach their children these            hateful thoughts; the conflict is usually painted in black and white, when it deserves to be seen in all its shades. Only some want to partake in conversation while others won't based on their upbringing,                their parents...etc. Those that tend to be more religious, tend to have a more extreme side because they are using their religion (something extremely personal) as their excuse for hating. The others may believe in their religion but don't always put it in the forefront of dicussion, or they find common ground between religions to talk and tolerate one another. I personally don't have anything that reinforces hate toward anyone in my community, however, that may be because I don't pay attention to those sources of hatred at all.

5. Cultural or Multicultural days in schools and communities, in areas such as parks, schools, and public places can create a better understanding between peoples and create the conditions for peace and less violence.

6. If the safety of my kids was not guaranteed, I would never let them visit the Palestinian family. I understand the dangers some families will face on the Palestinian sides and would fear their death too            much; I would only send them if the conditions of protection were right. Learning about Palestinians isn't worth the risk of losing my children, there are other safer ways of learning about Palestinians, like talking to Palestinians living in Israel. I would only send them if they were adequately protected. I would participate because I would learn more, but also because it would allow me to be there with my children and protect them from danger. Recognizing that the other side is made of humans like us, and realizing our similarities is the best thing we have to fight fears of creating bridges between different peoples.

you have great views on this topic

reinahearts · Member

SECTION C
13. How is religion used in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict? To further hate? As a refuge? To inspire action? To provide models of justice? How does the use of religion influence your opinion about religion in general or about a specific religious tradition? Is there a distinction between fundamentalism and religion? Can you give examples of fundamentalist beliefs? What kinds of circumstances contribute to the acceptance of fundamentalist interpretations? What might you do to change those circumstances?

13. Religion is used to justify the conflict in many ways. Both parties swear that the land belongs to them since it is written in their religious texts. However, it can also be used to symbolize peace as it does preach tolerance and acceptance. Their use of religion as a basis of attack makes me frown down upon organized religion. It is also an example of fundamentalist beliefs as they are so singularly minded and closed to outside interpretation. Situations such as family life, violence, and other influences contribute to the establishment and the acceptance of these interpretations. If I were in these circumstances, I would try to preach an open-minded approach, but would probably be met with either deaf ears or rocks.

14. The Jews kicked us off our land and put us in this camp. Sanabel

Sanabel needs to realize the true reasons behind her situation.
• God promised us the land of Israel. The Arabs came and took it! Moishe
In modern society, most people would not deem a holy entity the final word in a land dispute.
• I think this is our country and it’s also theirs. Yarko
I concur! If only peace was that easy.
• I don’t like talking to Jews. I know them. They’re mean and deceitful. Mahmoud
Mahmoud is making such a generalized comment. After all, the film director is Jewish, and Mamoud likes him very much.
• When I see a Jew I want to grab a stone and throw it at him. Faraj
Revenge is not the answer… most of the time. If Faraj did this, he would get in serious trouble.
• If I could make my own future, all the Arabs would fly away. Moishe
Moishe thinks that it is the Arabs that is causing the trouble, but he needs to reevaluate the situation and realize that not every Arab is at fault and their disappearance would not solve the issue of prejudice.
• We have our army to protect us. We have our firing range. And if the soldiers aim poorly, its okay cause they might shoot an Arab! Moishe
Moshe needs to learn compassion. What if that Arab was the son of someone? What if the Arabs had a similar view and accidentally shot his sister?
• I support Ham as and Hezboullah. They kill women and children but they do it for their country. The more Jews we kill, the fewer there will be. Until they’re almost gone. Mahmoud
He fails to give evidence of how it helps their country. Again, he needs to realize that it is not the group that he resents, but certain individual extremist.
• So we both think of the same thing. We each think of our relatives who have been killed by the other side. So we each want to kill each other! Faraj
This reaction is only natural, but it highlights the great issue that plagues the nation. Hatred only leads to more hatred, and revenge is never fully satisfied.
• In war both sides suffer. Maybe there’s a winner but what’s a winner? People on BOTH sides die. Both sides lose. Daniel
I agree with Daniel completely. The people fight because they think they can achieve happiness, but it only leads to more grief and more violence, never to peace.

15. If you could say one thing to each of the speakers, what would it be?
Yarko and Daniel: I like your openness and acceptance.
Moishe: You want peace, but you aren’t willing to search for it yourself. How is that justified?
Mahmoud: Be more open-minded.
Faraj: Stop hating.
Sanabel: Never give up hope.

16. I believe that the hatred stems from the influences the children are exposed to when they are young and also the belief of their parents. However, some of these children are willing to put their differences aside as they truly do want peace and are able to understand that the individual is different that the stereotype. Others, however, are still so deeply rooted in their hatred to realize this.

17. I believe in order for peace someone has two stand up in a community, it must first be done on small groups. This may be achieved through the classroom, seminars. After opening the mind to other views, it may be worth trying to feed different views on them and let them understand the position of the opposing side. Things have to be done slowly but surely. If you try to force your views onto others, no one would listen.

18. I would have let my children go, although I would’ve been a scared sick. I would rather have gone myself. Naturally, there is a fear that something may happen due to the accumulated hatred. I believe that we must trust in order to build bridges. If there is no trust, no risk taking, then those connections cannot be made.

jordan coe · Veteran Member

13well many relgions have differnt blefs and the marjority of the people that folow there religion think all other religions are wrong well in my person opinion about traditions is that every relgion has there own spefic belfe and i dont say because a person falowers a differnt religion that they are wrong and it distinction is Fundamentalism refers to a belief in a strict adherence to a set of basic principles (often religious in nature), sometimes as a reaction to perceived doctrinal compromises with modern social and political life and relgion is like both have morals to go by and an example of fundamentalists belief is the logically prior doctrine is the deity of Christ. reason might be that like many Christians, fundamentalists would simply be seeking to do whatever God wants them to do well if u change it it wouldnt be fundamentalism

1414.Consider how the following quotes from the film make you feel:

The Jews kicked us off our land and put us in this camp. Sanabel
well u cant say they kicked u out of ur land its not just one religons land
God promised us the land of Israel. The Arabs came and took it! Moishe
well its about land disputs
I think this is our country and its also theirs. Yarko
that is true it is the inhabitants contry
I dont like talking to Jews. I know them. Theyre mean And deceitful. Mahmoud
well u cant juge a book by its cover
When I see a Jew I want to grab a stone and throw it at him. Faraj
that is just spraying hatered towards another relgion
If I could make my own future, all the Arabs would fly away. Moishe
that is avoiding peacee and just getting rid of them
We have our army to protect us. We have our firing range. And if the soldiers aim poorly, its okay cause they might shoot an Arab! Moishe
well that is over reacted becasue no violence shoud be wish abon anoter race or relgion
I support Hamas and Hezboullah. They kill women and children but they do it for their country. The more Jews we kill, the fewer there will be. Until theyre almost gone. Mahmoud
that is just spuing hatered toward others
So we both think of the same thing. We each think of our relatives who have been killed by the other side. So we each want to kill each other! Faraj
well not all want to kill each other
In war both sides suffer. Maybe theres a winner but what’s a winner?People on BOTH sides die. Both sides lose. Daniel
that is true it has greatly affected both sides

The life we live doesnt allow us to accomplish our dreams. Faraj

well in may ways yes and in some ways no because the yes part is from all the war and hatred the no part is there is alwasy a chance

15.If you could say one thing to each of the speakers, what would it be?
well i would ask how they feel

16.Some of the quotes reflect hatred for the enemy. Where does this kind of hatred come from? Why do some of the children seem to be willing to put aside their differences while others are not even interested in participating in a conversation? What kinds of things happen in your own community that teach or reinforce hate?

it comes from many yeas of war and killings well because most of the childern dont see the hatered the see anyother person like them they can play with well there isnt much in my nebor hood that teaches me hate

17.Mahmoud suggests that Peace between you and me is impossible unless we get to know each other What might you do in your own community to facilitate people getting to know each other?

set up games beteen differnt groups have dissciouns and meetings

18.The twins parents have to decide whether or not to let their sons visit a refugee camp and Farajs family must decide whether or not to welcome Israeli visitors. The visit represents a danger to both families. Would you let your children participate in such a visit? Would you participate? What kinds of things can we do to prevent our fear from blocking our ability to build bridges?
yes i would and i woulp particaate well i will look at is as the same person and there children they just want to play

R_Santos · Member

Section A
1) I think there were points for both sides. At times it seemed like both were joined together as well. For example, Yarko and Daniel not liking Arabs, but wanting to meet with Faraj because he played sports. When they were together however, nothing really seemed to matter other than that they were having fun together and being kids.
2) I’ve never had to think about things like that because we don’t really live in a violence filled place like the children in the film did.
3) When people are surrounded by it, it just becomes a part of life, it doesn’t really shock them. It makes them feel like peace is something they will never see in their life. It hasn’t really influenced me to be a peace-maker.
4) It seemed like they were thinking more along the line of meeting new friends, and not meeting the enemy.
5) The media and government really make it seem like the Muslims are all enemies, when in reality it’s only a certain group of people where some just so happen to Muslim.

R_Santos · Member

Section B
1) Attachments can come from a lot of different things such as deeds, living there, and family. Some claims have more meaning to us than just being ours. I really don’t know what I would give up risk to keep my land. I would definitely risk more to save my land than to save a sports stadium.
2)
3) The Palestinians lived manly in refugee camps and have a hatred for the Israelis. They both share the same hatred for each other and some share the same belief in being peaceful to one another.
4) Some people would love to meet and become friends with other people but some have fear because of happenings around them, such as what went on with Faraj and Yarko. You could sense some sort of fear because of the difference in cultures. Over the course of the film the children at first have a deep hatred for the opposing culture, but towards the end they end up coming together to become friends and put their differences beside them. Well in a way, I believe in what Yarko thinks. Things in that region won’t change over night, and even if there is peace between the two I think the hatred may still linger. And in a way it is selfish to just want to live a normal life even though people around are suffering, but not everyone can change what is going on around them.

ericaaaa3 · Veteran Member

Section C

13. Religion is a huge conflict between the Palestinians and the Israelis, because both groups feel that their beliefs and values are more important or better than the other. They both feel that the land belongs to them and that their current situation is not a good one. The rather have one group than both that hate each other. In my opinion, is that everyone has different beliefs and religions and those they have a right to their own traditions.

14.

The Jews kicked us off our land and put us in this camp. Sanabel

I feel that Sanabel should understand why the Israelis put them in refugee camps instead of jumping into conclusions.

God promised us the land of Israel. The Arabs came and took it! Moishe

I can understand why Moishe feels anger because I would get anger too.

·I think this is our country and its also theirs. Yarko

I feel that he wants to share the land and make peace.

I dont like talking to Jews. I know them. Theyre mean And deceitful. Mahmoud

That is what he feels because that is what he experienced

When I see a Jew I want to grab a stone and throw it at him. Faraj

I feel that Faraj is really anger and wants revenge because of his best friends death

If I could make my own future, all the Arabs would fly away. Moishe

I feel that is his future and that is his opinion

·We have our army to protect us. We have our firing range. And if the soldiers aim poorly, its okay cause they might shoot an Arab! Moishe

I feel that Moishe is feels very secure and safe that the army will the Muslims.

I support Hamas and Hezboullah. They kill women and children but they do it for their country. The more Jews we kill, the fewer there will be. Until theyre almost gone. Mahmoud

It’s a bit disturbing to hear young kids talking about killing others and not even caring if they die or get hurt.

So we both think of the same thing. We each think of our relatives who have been killed by the other side. So we each want to kill each other! Faraj

I feel that because of their relatives being killed that they wouldn’t want anymore other people died and that they should at least try to compromise if not for them but for their children and grandchildren.

war both sides suffer. Maybe theres a winner but what’s a winner?People on BOTH sides die. Both sides lose. Daniel

I completely agree with Daniel because at the end each side loses, there really isn’t a winner.

The life we live doesnt allow us to accomplish our dreams. Faraj

I feel that their environment that they are living is influencing them from achieving in life and that its weighing them down.

15. If I could say one thing to each of the speakers is that all in all everyone wants to achieve the same goal for this conflict to stop and so they can live their lives in a more healthier environment. So they need to speak out because if they won’t no one will.

16. I believe this kind of hatred is observed from their environment and seen how the adults act towards one another and they soon pick up on their behaviors. Some of the children want to learn and understand one another and don’t want to keep living in this unhealthy society so they want to compromise and but away their differences. Some things I learned from my community is what not to do which is when there is a problem to try to resolve it in a mature and responsible fashion instead of fighting.

17. In my community to get to know someone we take the time to listen and understand one another and see what their interests are.

18. Yes I would let my children participate because it’s good for them to know diversity and to know that people are different. I think parents should not shelter or prevent their children from learning different cultures or races because in the end they will be narrow minded and never fully understand how society works.

-- Edited by ericaaaa3 on Wednesday 3rd of March 2010 07:14:16 PM

Sarah Labelle · Veteran Member

Section A
1.It would be hard to hear someone say things about you that you know are not true. It would also be hard to hear others claim what you think is rightfully yours. Both of these would most likely show up on anyone’s list of things that are hard to hear.

2.When the twins got ready for school in the morning it seemed like a typical thing. Using common things rather than differing ones can make people seem more human.

3.I have never had to think about things like whether or not I am in danger when doing simple things like taking the bus, and I think having to deal with things like that at a young age can be very hard on a child.

4. When people grow up around war it clouds your judgment and forces you to grow up early. It makes you lose your innocence and teaches kids that they can settle differences through violent means rather than through compromise. 9/11 has impacted many people and made them quick to jump to conclusions.

5. Because the children are still young they are more impressionable and because they got the chance to see how the other children were, they began to understand that not everyone from a group is bad. Because the children were humanized it helped facilitate acceptance.

6.Our citizens and people who have lost loved ones have been humanized and Iraqis have been demonized. Itmakes it hard to be objective when responding to questions.

mre · Senior Member

Grades Updated 03-07-10

Remember to post all of your questions and comments. You have to contribute to the discussion to get full credit. The questions only bring you to 60 points. You get 10 points for every response or question. :)

Anthony · Veteran Member

Section A

The opinion on Farmingville that you should look at the people of Farmingville perspective because most people would take the Mexican side people want the illegally immigrants out there city. The Farmingville perspective on the city.
There were times that did felt universal like when I’m sitting in Spanish class doing nothing because there was nothing for me to do. By giving people advice on certain thing and raise friendship in the process.
I have contemplated stuff like is that especially when I’m on the bus riding to New York to see my grandmother, aunt and cousin. I never want to go to the army.
People go into concentration camps during war for ordinary people. People don’t want to find peaceful solution because they are only surrounded by war. Yes the event on September 11 has influenced me not to find a peaceful solution.
Them meeting each other and calling each other. There are ways to facilitate the dissolving the barrier people in my community. The hate disappears.
The people are that are humanized is the people of the United States and the people from Baghdad and Iran are the demon. You should judge a book by there cover.

Section B

Our attachment to land comes from greed, land deed, and historical events. We value some kind of things more than other because we are greedier than anything else in this world. I would try and black male the people who is trying to take the land away from me. I would not risk more to save the church, synagogue, or mosque than to save the local mail. I would risk more on my house than a sport stadium because your home is more important than any sport stadium.
Thanks to September 11, I would risk more than anything else to fight for my freedom. I would feel mad if the government put me at risk because I don’t want to die.
The wars and people are different from where the kids live. They are the same people.
We fear of dying because there still are a lot of things that people haven’t done yet. Over the course of the film, many of the children’s views mellow out. Instead of holding intense hatred for the other group, they have grown slightly more tolerant, or at least aware that peace not war is the answer to the quest. He is justified because all he wants is a normal life and to live it good. I think Faraj could never avoid thinking about the conflict the way that Yarko does.
He lives through it and he lost people he loves. The kind of issue that I have to deal with is people in some of my classes because there are people who are agnostic and I don’t go deal with it. I ignore it because I don’t want to get in trouble.
My non-existent religious traditions have always taught me to be respectful towards other religions. It’s rather ironic that these values aren’t reflected in this conflict as both Judaism and Islam preaches tolerance. However, the sense of acceptance is reflected in my own community. Although people do have different religious values, they are still able to coexist in peace.

Anthony · Veteran Member

6. I like the answer to that it is true that people in the united states pride have gone up. that terrist are the demon, but the terrist was not the one who made the twin tower fall but there was a bomb that blow up the buiding before the plane hit. it was people who was resident in the united states that destroy the building.

Anthony · Veteran Member

Section C

Religion is used to justify the conflict in many ways. Both parties swear that the land belongs to them since it is written in their religious texts. However, it can also be used to symbolize peace as it does preach tolerance and acceptance. Their use of religion as a basis of attack makes me frown down upon organized religion. It is also an example of fundamentalist beliefs as they are so singularly minded and closed to outside interpretation. Situations such as family life, violence, and other influences contribute to the establishment and the acceptance of these interpretations. If I were in these circumstances, I would try to preach an open-minded approach, but would probably be met with either deaf ears or rocks.
Consider how the following quotes from the film make you feel:

The Jews kicked us off our land and put us in this camp. Sanabel

This quote makes me feel sad, that they live there and the Jews came and took over their land that belong to them by god. The Jews should be the one put into camps and be executed.

God promised us the land of Israel. The Arabs came and took it! Moishe

This quote really makes sense to me because I was raised with my parents telling me that Adoni (G-d) gave us this land so we could be free.

I think this is our country and it’s also theirs. Yarko

This quote is right because you are so pose to share the country and not keep it for themselves.

I don’t like talking to Jews. I know them. They’re mean and deceitful. Mahmoud

This quote really hurts because you are so pose to forgive and forget.

When I see a Jew I want to grab a stone and throw it at him. Faraj

Thos quote is also said because I feel sorry for him and I wish he wouldn’t be so violent because violent only Leeds to pain and suffering.

If I could make my own future, all the Arabs would fly away. Moishe

This is a good quote because this is a person wish, their desire, and their wish. It is good to dream.

We have our army to protect us. We have our firing range. And if the soldiers aim poorly, its okay cause they might shoot an Arab! Moishe

This quote is funny and hilarious. But it is good that they have and army that will protect them and the people.

I support Hamas and Hezboullah. They kill women and children but they do it for their country. The more Jews we kill, the fewer there will be. Until they’re almost gone. Mahmoud

This quote is going to hurt a lot of Jews.

So we both think of the same thing. We each think of our relatives who have been killed by the other side. So we all want kill each other! Faraj

This quote is just sad and disappointing.

In war both sides suffer. Maybe theres a winner but what’s a winner? People on BOTH sides die. Both sides lose. Daniel

This quote is true but there must be a winner.

The life we live doesn’t allow us to accomplish our dreams. Faraj

This quote kind of makes me want to cry.

I would say that it is their generation that would help making peace between the Arabs and us. If their generation doesn’t try to stop what it is going on it is just going to continue and go on longer and longer.
This hatred comes from the Jews who did terrible stuff to the people that lived on the land. I think the children are willing to put differences aside because they know they aren’t the ones that caused this mess so why should they be suffering? The church in my community teaches us not to hate.
If it were in my community I would try to start a support program or club that would explain all of these religions and how they work and the certain customs.
The thought of letting my kids do it doesn’t sound too bad, but I don’t actually think in that situation I would let my kids do it. Being here in America I don’t really see the big risk in it because I’m not actually there but if I was their mother I probably wouldn’t. I think I would be way too worried because it is very dangerous towards both groups.

hsalk18 · Member

Section A:

1. I think if I told someone that was Arab that the land was ours, even while living in America it would still be taken in offence because it basically all has to do with religion and how these people are raised. I think on both lists religion would definitely be mentioned and the culture differences.

2. When Faraj and the twins got together it seemed like things were starting to get bridged together. Maybe if more kids in Israel tried to fight for that right to see Palestinian children more bridges could be made. I mean that might not do too much but it’s a good start.

3. No I have never had to contemplate any of these particular questions. I mean people sometimes wonder what is going on around them and tend to ask themselves questions. I have asked myself somewhat similar questions. I was a passenger in a really bad car accident over the summer and for a while after and still now sometimes I always ask myself before I step into a car or while we are driving, what happens if that car doesn’t stop at the red light? Or, what’s going to happen if I get into another car accident and it is just worse than last time? Most of the time when I get into a car these thoughts rush through my head. It must be 10 times worse out there where they have to constantly worry everywhere they go because things just happen at random times.

4. People who are surrounded by war react in different ways. Some people want to try to create peace and try to work with other people to accomplish this goal and try to resolve the situation. Others want to fight along and try to win no matter what the cost. An impact is that people recast in a way where all they want to do is help other people, and that’s not a bad thing, it’s just bad that something terrible has to happen to get to this point. The events from 9/11 helped me see that peace could be made within our own country if everyone just made that extra effort like after 9/11.

5. I think moments that made the barriers weaken were when the children were just talking about their interests and not about what was going on concerning the land and both of the religions. I think in America there is already an effort like that going on because there are different clubs and schools for children that are interested in the same thing, even if they are from different parts of the city, and even if that one thing is the only thing they have in common. It just helps to have that one thing.

6. I would say that Arabs have been humanized and demonized by the media and government. Some people seem to think that if a person is Arab that automatically makes them a terrorist or a bad person, which obviously isn’t true at all. A lot of this has to do with stereotyping. This also affects how things are run now, like going to the airport. These poor people have to go through more security just because of their religion or culture. I know it is for our own protection, but just because a certain group looks a certain way doesn’t mean they are like the people from 9/11. I believe that everyone deserves a chance, until they go ahead and do something wrong.

hsalk18 · Member

SECTION B

7. I think most of our land does come from land deeds and family ties, because if you look at most of the land in America, a lot of it is owned by families and big corporations. It is a lot different than Israel because their land is basically all tied to religion. We value some claims more than others because there could be more land in one place, and/or more resources. I don’t think I would risk as much as my life for land, I mean there are different things and different people to deal with in America than in Israel, so I mean I don’t know, but I don’t think it would be as hard to claim land here as it is in Israel. I would risk more to save my synagogue because that is part of who I am and where I come from. Yes, I would risk more to save my home because this is where I grew up and have all my memories.

8. I never thought that something that extreme could ever happen here. But the events that took place on 9/11 changed how I looked at America. At first I just thought that no one would get along and everything would just stay the same forever, until that day where many people came together to help our country that was in dire need. I would be willing to do a lot for my country, maybe not go to war or into the army, but certainly anything else that I could do. This is my home and I want to protect it. It makes me feel a bit unsafe because you never know what could happen, just like on 9/11.

9. It is different because certain parts of Israel are Jewish and other parts are Muslim. They are two different religions with completely different cultures. Things that are the same are 1. How the two different groups think of each other, and 2. The different activates that the children do. The differences are more religion based than anything. The land, how I know it, was given to the Jewish people. That is the biggest argument out there, that the land was given to both religions.

10. Fear plays an important part when it comes to having compassion for others. How a person have compassion for someone or a group that they hate? Or has never tried to make peace with them? Some of the children change such as the twins and Faraj. It was nice to see that at the end of the film they were playing together like nothing was wrong, when at the begging of the film they were all talking about how they would never want to meet the opposing religion. I understand what he is saying, he wants peace but he also doesn’t want the people around him to suffer, which makes perfect sense. If everyone could just get along no one would have to suffer. I think it effects prospects of peace because there is always the right thing to do, but the right thing might lead to a bad thing in the end. If there is peace between the religions, the issue again is, who’s land is it really? I think Faraj could avoid thinking about the conflicts the way that Yarko does because he is actually trying to make and effort to make peace with the Jewish people, and trying to overlook the differences between the two cultures.

11. Issues like anti- Semitism. I wish people would just leave us alone and just deal with their own problems, and not have to bring a whole religion down, for what? Believing in something a little different from them? So what, we are still people, and we have the right to do whatever, and believe in whatever we want without anyone trying to bring us down. We don’t criticize or bring people down for not believing in the same things we do.

12. My religion, Judaism, encourages peace. If you look back a lot of the stories in the Torah talk about wanting to make peace. I don’t know why in Israel it’s not working out so well. I personally don’t understand why the two different religions have to make such a big deal of who’d land it is and just try to live in peace like G-d intended it to be. Peace is reflected through my own community. My synagogue is always having different events and meetings trying to get people that aren’t even Jewish to participate in as an effort to make this community a good one

Sarah Labelle · Veteran Member

Section B

1. Attatchment to land comes from a variety of places. Family, religion, land deeds, and history are some of the biggest factors.

2. The more important a place is to you spiritually or to your culture, the more likely you are to protect it.

3. 9/11 only served to strengthen my will to fight for what I believe in. Risk is often something that we are placed into without our consent or previous knowledge.

4.The religious beliefs and customs are different between the two sections, but the general location and environment are the same.

5. People are often more harsh towards what they fear. As the children learn more about each other they become less afraid and more compassionate. The children are right to think about their lives and if they try to be more understanding then they are helping.

6. I often think of things that affect me personally rather than the community.

7.I'm not really religious, but I do believe that people need to be understanding of others.

Dokolski · Member

1) It would be hard for someone to hear you talk about religion, politics, social life, and family. I feel like these are topics that people feel the most strongly about that they might be so involved in so it would be hard to hear some one else opinion when you have already formed yours.

2) Yes, I felt the stubbornness seemed to be typical between children, how they are set in there ways no matter what someone else tells them. Also the lack of open mindedness seemed to be very similar. The use of common experiences can build bridges by showing that some one else relates to their situation.

3) No, and I’m thankful for the fact that I do not live in an area where I fear bomb threats constantly, also it allows me to rest a little more at ease in order to be more productive in society.

4) It affects people in a very negative way. It turns them for the worst, for the most part. Because they just constantly start looking at the negative expecting the worst to happen. 9/11 influenced my ability to be a peace maker by making me more close minded to accepting another race.

5) The children find a common barrier to relate to which allows them to let their guard down and let the trust in, and when that trust wasn’t betrayed they started trusting more and more.

6) Since the events of 9/11 I feel that there has been more demonization than humanization. Most of the demonization is coming from close minded people who are ignorant to facts, and are brain washed by negative media. An entire country has been demonized because of one groups efforts in terrorism.