MWR : Life in Jerusalem gives peace insight

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March 1, 2010 issue

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Life in Jerusalem gives peace insight

MCCer applies simple principle to complex problems of Middle East

By Gladys Terichow Mennonite Central Committee

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JERUSALEM — Before living and working in Jerusalem, Peter Miller, 24, thought solutions to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict were extremely complicated.

Miller

“The details are incredibly complex, but I’ve come to realize how simple it is — it is recognizing that this land needs justice, and the application of international law is a good place to start,” said Miller, a Mennonite Central Committee service worker from Partridge, Kan.

Miller, a recent graduate of Bethel College in North Newton, Kan., works for the MCC office in Jerusalem and provides support to Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center. A Christian organization in East Jerusalem, Sabeel brings together Palestinian Christians from 15 denominations and breaks down barriers among Christians, Muslims and Jews.

His responsibilities include editing Sabeel’s quarterly publication, Cornerstone, and assisting with activities that create greater international awareness of the current political situation in Palestine and Israel.

Through this work and personal friendships with Palestinians and Israelis, he is learning more about the issues that confront people on a day-to-day basis.

“The issues are primarily related to the occupation — the Israeli military control of the Palestinian civilian population,” Miller said. “Israelis and Palestinians both need peace and security for a normal life. And this peace won’t be found at the end of a gun or behind a concrete wall. They can only do this if they have better relations.”

Israel’s separation wall, security fences, travel permit system and numerous checkpoints are some of the barriers that make it almost impossible for Israelis and Palestinians to get to know each other, Miller said.

Generally, the only interaction between Palestinian and Israeli youth takes place at checkpoints run by the Israeli military.

“That sets the tone for the relationship they will have down the road,” he said.

The structural barriers also make it difficult for Christians to connect with each other.

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Comments

The article makes one factual error when it states, rather sloppily, that "churches have been continuously present for more than 2,000 years." That is impossible, since the church did not begin until, at the earliest, circa 26 A.D., at the beginning of Jesus' ministry. If my math is correct, 2010 minus 26 leaves a remainder of under 2000 years.

- Dave Dietz (feb 24 at 8:41 a.m.)
Was God's promise of the land of Israel to the descendants of Ishmael or Isaac. Of Jacob or Esau? To the Jews or the Arabs? There is a strong perception that MCC has taken a 100% Palestinian position of aid and support vs. the Israelis. Why?

- Harold Franz (feb 26 at 12:14 a.m.)

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