I discovered
Living Jerusalem randomly about a month after I scheduled my classes for spring
semester. After reading the description I knew instantly that this was a class
that I wanted to take. This class is about culture, conflict, communities and
life. As mostly American students with all different backgrounds and beliefs, I
think this class really offers a chance for everyone to learn a little bit more
about a view different or new from theirs. I think that after we all take this
class we will each have a better understanding of the various cultures and
communities in Jerusalem. But beyond just this understanding I think we will
each discover a little more about ourselves and our own beliefs on issues on
not just issues in Jerusalem, but global issues that can somehow be related to
what we learn in this class.
 |
| My trip to Jerusalem |
I think at
first we all might have some difficulties opening up to each other. Jerusalem
and Israel/Palestine is a very emotional topic for many people in the class.
For this reason, some comments made might be taken in an offensive or attacking
way. I know that I need to learn to keep an open mind and not prejudge an issue
just because I was raised to believe a certain way. I believe that the
web-based blogs will help us each open up through our writings. Sometimes
saying how we feel in front of a class might be intimidating because another
student’s response might not be the response that we hoped for. I will often
times use writing to convey my opinions/feelings because I can really think and
focus on what I want to say and the way that I want to convey an idea.
Today was
our first discussion day and I was a little intimidated. I wasn’t sure if
anyone in the class would agree with my beliefs. However many students felt the
same way I did about the representation of Jerusalem in Washington D.C. I
commented that if the Palestinians and Israelis had trouble getting along in
the real Jerusalem how would they ever manage to peacefully display both
sides/cultures in a fake Jerusalem?
Plus how can someone really experience and culture and atmosphere so
unique in a fake setting? I kept referring back to epcot in Disney world- yes
going to the different “countries” while still being in Florida seemed like the
coolest thing ever to a ten year old, but actually having experienced the real
Jerusalem- shopping in the markets, walking to the wall on Shabbat, eating at a
local Palestinian café- that is not something you can experience in the museum
district of DC.
 |
| Friday Night at the Western Wall |
Every single
student in the class comes from a different background so I am sure that we as
a class will have plenty to debate and discuss. Obviously the Palestinian
students might have a different view than the Jewish students and other
students might have views different from both. I just really hope that this
class teaches me different perspectives so that I can view Jerusalem not just
as a city in Israel, but a city that is comprised of many faiths. Even though I
am very opinionated and believe strongly in my views, I have never judged
someone based on their ethnicity, faith/religion, race, political association
etc. I am not going on the trip but the class is very small which makes it
easier for all of us to get to know each other. I am looking forward to more
debates/discussions/dialogues like the one we had today.
Elissa, I also felt a sense of intimidation in class today knowing that the issues we are discussing in class are extremely sensitive. I thought it was really interesting that the majority of class was able to reach a level of agreement regarding the representation of Jerusalem in Washington D.C. While each of us has a distinct connection to Jerusalem, it is clear that we share something in common; our deep and meaningful connection to this city. I think that this is what makes it so difficult to imagine the possibility in representing Jerusalem in America. I believe that the sense of intimidation will soon disappear as we realize that we have more in common as a class than we think.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was interesting how you brought up how the blogs might help to facilitate dialogue. It would seem that there is a definite potential with new technologies as a way of finding pathways for constructive and critical dialogue.
ReplyDeleteOpening up to others is something I feel a lot of people may have an issue or difficulty with especially if others feel they have more of a history and personal relationship with the city itself. But I feel we, as a class, need to learn how to appreciate each others beliefs and stories which will enrich all of our understandings about the city of Jerusalem.
ReplyDelete