How to Succeed in Peace without Really Trying

“A war crime,” I said, “it’s one of the oldest recognized…”

Before I could finish I was grappled to the ground by several sign carrying protesters, and once on the ground, kicked mercilessly. The crowd moved on and I found myself alone in the middle of Broadway.  Not the best way to make it on Broadway.

Later that day, on the East Side, I ran into a pro Israel demonstration. The signs all complained of discrimination and antisemitism and warned of future war crimes by Palestinians in the West. Again, and stupidly instead of innocently, I mentioned that occupying another people’s land after defeating them is a war crime. Same circle, same questions, different result. They hit me with their signs, their fists, and I think one mother hit me with her toddler. I was on the ground again, but this time bleeding, with a loose tooth and one eye closed. I was a mess and someone called 911. The ambulance took me to Bellevue where they stitched me up and sent me home.

I read the papers, as I do habitually, but I have yet to see mention of either protest in the Times. The Jerusalem Post of all papers, had detailed coverage. But it wasn’t any of the news fit to print by the Times. I was once again disappointed in the newspaper of record. Is it really that if it doesn’t record? My broken smartphone does better.

I went into the streets once more looking for people with t shirts about the Middle East. I found a family wearing Palestinian flag t shirts and stopped them.

“Do you think the Israelis have a right to be on the west bank?” I asked to break the ice.

“I think so, too.” I said. He smiled. “How can this be settled?”

“Do you really think that’s a good way to settle this dispute?” I asked. “Don’t you think you should drive then back to their borders?”

“Well, actually,” I said, “by the U.N.resolution of 1948, Israel has a right to exist confirmed by the General Assembly and recognized by an overwhelming number of nations. I think it probably has a right to exist.”

“But talking is how disputes are peacefully settled.” I implored.

I searched for some Stars of David. No luck until I reached  Brooklyn. A family with two giant strollers was wheeling by Prospect Park. I stopped them.

“How will we solve this terrible problem in Gaza?” I asked. “Children just like your own, dead in the streets.”

“”Finish them off? What does that mean?” I asked fearfully.

“But they have a right to be there.” I said. “The U.N.said so in 1948 when it created Israel.”

“Well,” I started, “that is a war crime.” He smiled and shook his head. I continued, “but so is occupying and settling a defeated people’s land. Those settlements are a clear war crime under the Geneva Conventions.”

I called to him, “but talking is the only way to peacefully settle a dispute like this.”

I realized that both sides were the same, unable to win a war, unable to make peace. The Palestinians and the Israelis are identical. The only difference I could see is that the Palestinians will kick you but not so much that you need attention. The Israelis will beat you to an inch of your life but then they’ll call 911. I was unable to make sense of that small difference.

I went to Mufi’s and we made dim sum together. We sat down to eat and I started to discuss the Middle East. He put his hand up.

“Let’s not discuss it. We already agree on this issue. It’s too sad. Let the people who really need to discuss it do so.”

We ate. Mufi was right of course. But it wasn’t going to happen.

***

| JPost | Israel News — You should check this out at, http://www.jpost.com/Operation-Protective-Edge/Thousands-take-to-NY-streets-to-protest-Israeli-offensive-in-Gaza-368957