Personal Discord

I’ve come to disrupt and confront! From now on, when you find five in a house, it will be three against two and two against three
Luke 12:51- 52

None of us like discord especially with family and friends. We’ll respect differences of opinion and avoid discussing certain topics in order to preserve harmony.  That’s what mature, polite adults do, right?

Apparently, Jesus feels there are certain exceptions. Over the past week, I’ve come across courageous individuals who are passionate about non-violent peace resolution to the point of tolerating discord within personal relationships.

1.  Sulaiman al-Khatib is a former Palestinian combatant who participated in violent acts including a stabbing of an Israeli soldier.  During a prison term, he was so moved after viewing the movie, Schindler’s List, Sulaiman disavowed any further acts of violence and came to the conclusion that both Jews and Palestinians “belong to the land”. He is co-founder of Combatants for Peace—a group of former Palestinian militants and Israeli soldiers. His community supports his non-violence stance but some do not like his solidarity with Israelis.
2. Murfi is a young woman who recently concluded her two year national service requirements (mandatory draft) with the Israeli military. Murfi was so troubled by the level of abuse she witnessed toward Palestinians she is now a peace activist with Breaking the Silence. This is an organization of former Israeli soldiers who provide personal testimonies regarding the reality of Palestinian life in the Occupied Territories. Although her immediate family support her, her military colleagues and some in her community have negative views.
3. Seth (not his real name)  is about my age and has grown children and grandchildren. He is an Israeli Jew who lives in Tel Aviv and involved in the organization Ta’aysuh which is a small group of Israeli citizens who accompany Palestinians and provide protective presence. He travels to the West Bank a few times a month and attends Palestinian events where Israeli soldiers or Jewish settlers are also present. Seth shared with me that though his family is supportive of these activities many of his neighbors are not.

Sulaiman, Murfi and Seth are not only inspiring because of their commitment to justice despite personal consequences but also because their lives are counter to common Palestinian and Israeli stereotypes we may have.

From MC blog