Reading Response # 14

The first news article I came across was written just four days ago by Larry Abramson. It is titled, "A West Bank Story, Told Through Palestinian Eyes." Before I started reading the article I took into account that the article was most likely written with a biased tone (obviously in favor of the Palestinian side). It reminded me of our discussions regarding Karen Armstrong and how hard it is to write without any biases.

Anyways, the article portrays the West Bank separation barrier as favoring the Israelis. According to Abramson, the Israelis say that the barrier has helped prevent attacks by the Palestinians. On the contrary, the Palestinians are complaining that the barrier separates them from obtaining key agricultural land. The article specifically focuses on the Palestinian village, Bil'in (located extremely near an Israeli settlement). Even further, it narrowly focuses on Emad Burnat, a resident of Bil'in. Emad created an Oscar-nominated documentary titled "5 Broken Cameras."Ironically, Burnat and Israeli filmmaker Guy Davidi are co-directors of the film. You may be wondering why the film is called "5 Broken Cameras." While filming the protests, Israeli settlers smashed/shot not one, not two, not three, not four, but five of his cameras. How Burnat escaped injury and/or death in these encounters will continue to perplex me.

I also found it interesting that Burnat has become a main target of Israeli settlers and soldiers. Israelis have targeted him because his film has inspired courts to take action. The Israeli government was forced to move the fence off of the agricultural land. The film has sparked a so-called "camera war." Israelis have countered by attempting to document their own footage that depicts Palestinians mistreating the Israeli settlers. I thought this article was good for this response because it's informative, amusing, and symbolic of what is going on between Israelis and Palestinians.

While this article was the main focus of this response, I also found some other news/articles that I think are worth taking a look at. Here are the links to those articles:

http://www.vtjp.org/background/Separation_Wall_Report.htm

http://electronicintifada.net/content/it-fence-it-wall-no-its-separation-barrier/4715

http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Peace/fence.html

Reading Response # 13

I thought Peteet's article was interesting and thought provoking. When society hears the word graffiti, it creates a negative image in our head. We associate it with gangs and criminals. Graffiti is known to show-up in large cities and poor neighborhoods. In addition, graffiti is probably most well-known for creating an identity amongst people. In gangs, individuals often have "tag names," where they spray a letter, word, symbol, picture, etc. on buildings, cars, and homes. It's a way of saying. "hey, I belong to this group; I'm proud to a part of this group, and; this is what I stand for." While the images in the West Bank may have differed in artistry, they possess the same underlying meanings. Images were used to foster entire communities and establish power. As Julie Peteet explains, graffiti has been used in the West Bank to influence political action. Some of the images and words shown in her article include "Hamas,"and a Palestinian flag (painted in their native white, red, green, and black colors).

On page 16, I found it intriguing that graffiti was used to promote religious equality and tolerance of religion. For example, in Ramallah a string of graffitied text read, "Let the churches and mosques embrace each other in national unity."

The main idea I captured from the article was that graffiti has been used in more ways than one could imagine. There is no true limit to what graffiti can represent. While trying to find more information in regards to the writing on the walls, I found a YouTube video that provide a strong visual representation of what Peteet is writing about. The video scans the graffiti on the Bethlehem Wall, and can be
seen below.

Weblog Journal Assignment # 4

Music plays a significant role in my life. Music allows me to "get away" from the world when I want to. It allows me to enter my own little world where all that matters is me and my music. As we have learned, music creates an identity. In the West Eastern Divan Orchestra, for example, it allows people to forget their pasts, differences, and cultures. In essence, music becomes their culture. For me, it serves a different purpose. There isn't one specific type of music I always listen to. Depending on my mood and the situation, different genres of music satisfy my "needs." For example, when I study I tend to listen to either classical or alternative music. The quieter style of music calms me down and allows me to focus and get in my zone. Before a sporting event classical music would not be my tune of choice. Rather, I would prefer an up-beat sound to get my adrenaline pumping. As you can see from this small sample, music can play multiple roles.

Additionally, music allows me to think deeply and emotionally. Have you ever watched a sad scene in a movie, where the "soft and slow" music makes you tear up? If you have, you should attempt to re-watch that same scene with the volume turned off. You will most likely notice you don't feel the same emotion. In these situations, music is what creates emotion. Similarly, music is the reason the IU basketball fans get so amped up before tip-off. The music gets us excited and helps to unite us as a University.

Music as a form of communication becomes tricky. In one sense, music is an obvious form of communication, where the artist is "speaking" to the listener. Songs that contain lyrics usually tell a story, or a vision of that artist. From an artist's music we learn something about them and/or their life. Music containing no lyrics, however, is far more blurry in regards to communication.

I don't believe music has any one role in conflict. However, going back to the West Eastern Divan Orchestra, we have seen that music can absolutely reduce the amount of conflict in society. The Orchestra has created friendships between Israelis and Arabs rather than fuel animosity between them. I think the idea of music reducing conflict is still a relatively new concept. With that being said, I hope music can continue to play an important role in reducing the friction held between individuals, groups, and even nations.

Questions for Murad and Broza

1.) For Wisam Murad: what prompted you to start the Sabreen organization? Has music always been a significant part of your life? If not, what drew you to Palestinian contemporary music?

2.) For David Broza: I loved both your and Wisam Murad's song, "In My Heart." After watching the performance on YouTube, I was curious as to what your inspiration was for writing the song? What events in your life have lead you to where you are today?

Reading Response #12

When I went to visit the websites for this week's reading, only two of them actually worked for me. The others said the page could not be found or that the site did not exist anymore. Therefore, I will focus on the two I was able to access.

The Sabreen website reminded me a lot of the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra. However, unlike the Divan Orhcestra, Sabreen focuses on expanding the horizons of Palestinian musicians. Beginning in 1980, Sabreen has held various workshops in areas such as Jerusalem, Gaza, and the West Bank. Over the last week I've come to realize just how big of an impact music can have on the live's of individuals in both Arab countries as well as Israel. It truly is a form of identity. Although I really enjoyed browsing the site and learning about the Sabreen organization, I was left with a few questions. First of all, do they perform in countries outside of their home base? From what I've read, it appears they have performed within a limited area. Also, is the Sabreen organization still alive today? I ask this because as I was looking at the "News & Articles" section of the website, I realized their last press release was in 2008.

The Jewish rap was the other website I was able to access. I was upset that I wasn't able to view the Palestinian rap because it would have been a great medium to compare and contrast the two groups of people. With that being said, Yitz Jordan (also known as "Y-Love") was an awesome performer. Up until this point, the only music we had been exposed to was classical. "Y-Love" changed my perspective on music in Israel. I really enjoyed his lyrics and even proceeded to view more of his music on YouTube. I found it interesting that he was born in the United States to non-Jewish parents. He said from the time he was a young boy he had been interested in Judaism. By the time he was 14 he was wearing a kippah on a regular basis. I recommend his music to anybody who appreciates good lyrics presented in a creative and unique fashion. Even if you're not a fan of rap music, I think it's good to see Israeli music presented in a new, distinct way.

Individual Project Details

I'm part of the identity group. Specifically, I will be working with a few other students on the topic of sports and identity. I would like to answer questions in regards to how sports have helped close the gap between Arabs and Israelis. Similar to what Edward Said and Daniel Barenboim have done with the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, we believe is being done through sports. Sports can create a common ground amongst individuals. As part of the project I plan to research articles that show how specific sports can create friendships between Arabs and Israelis. I also plan to look for videos/interviews that will depict the friendships gained through sports. I plan to meet with my group next week to discuss the project further. After the meeting we will have a better idea of the direction we would like to go.

Reading Response # 11

Parallels and Paradoxes was an interesting article. First of all, even though the groups were divided into Israelis and Arabs, the groups were able to join forces and identify with each other based on music. They may have had different backgrounds and cultures, but they are all "musicians." While doing some research on the article (as well as Edward Said and Daniel Barenboim), I stumbled across an intriguing interview conducted by NPR. The interview took place on December 28, 2002 (meaning the Orchestra had not yet reached its full growth). The interview was conducted less than a year before Said's death. I learned that they met each other while staying in a hotel in London. Edward said he and Daniel became friends right away, and have been working with each other ever since.

Later on in the interview I noticed the interviewer asked about Beethoven and the influence that he had on both Said and Barenboim. Said revealed that Beethoven hit so close to him (as well as many others) was the fact that he was an Austro-Germanic composer. This was significant because it allowed music lovers from Europe, Africa, Middle Eastern, and America to come together. Differences amongst cultures didn't stop these peoples from sharing an appreciation for Beethoven's music.  I think this is very similar to what Barenboim and Said have done with Arabs and Israelis. They have anchored these groups together through music.

As the interview continues, Simon (the interviewer) asks a ton of great questions that allow the viewer to see who Daniel and Edward really are. It does an excellent job of showing their personalities, values, and above all, their friendship. I would suggest all of you check out the interview. I have copy and pasted the link below. It only takes about 5 minutes to read, and gives a great deal of insight into the lives of Edward Said and Daniel Barenboim. Youtube also has numerous interviews starring both Said and Barenboim.

NPR Interview with Edward Said and Daniel Barenboim
http://www.npr.org/programs/wesat/transcripts/2002/dec/021228.simon2.html

Reading Response # 10

As soon as I clicked on the website, it made so much sense. What better way is there to bring groups of people together? Music is one of the most powerful ways we can express ourselves. By integrating both Arabs and Jews together, it allows each group to communicate with and listen to one another. Under the Director's Note on the website, I thought it was interesting to read, "I thought I would stay and film two or three days to document Barenboim's activities in reconciling Israelis and Palestinians. I ended up following this unique experience for seven years."

I think what Edward Said and Daniel Barenboim have done is brilliant. They've been able to successfully pull-off a feat that has been nearly impossible to do. They've successfully combined Israeli and Palestinian people. It's great that the young musicians get to improve upon their music development as well gain knowledge by learning about the other sides' culture. What I like most about the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra is the fact that it's only been in existence for seven years. Already they have seen that this program has been able to break down barriers create a closer connection between Israelis and Arabs.

As I was reading background information, I found it very interesting that the orchestra had already played in countries such as Spain, Germany, the UK, France, Switzerland, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, and the U.S.A. That shows that they are spreading awareness across not only Middle Eastern countries, but internationally, too.

I look forward to hearing from Mariam Said. I'm sure it will be difficult to speak on behalf of Edward, but I believe it has the potential to inspire all of us. After reading about the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, I can't wait to hear what she has to say.

Reading Response # 9

I enjoyed reading Nassar's article. It was interesting to read an article being told from a different perspective than what we are accustomed to. On the very first page off the article I was able to make direct connections to this course. Near the bottom of page one, it reads "Nineteenth-century European photography had a similar attitude towards Jerusalem, representing the city as an ancient place that belonged more to the world of the Bible than to this world. In doing so, it failed to document Jerusalem as a living and socially inhabited place." Had that short paragraph not been included in the reading, I would have most likely failed to recognize that pattern. At the very least, this article was extremely thought-provoking. I think as humans we sometimes forget that images don't tell the whole story. For example, we often see images (on television, in magazines, newspapers, books, etc.) of violence, misuses of power, and others that lend us to negative perceptions of society. However, this is likely not the case in all regions. Likewise, Jerusalem was depicted as being a mundane, "people-less" place.

When I took a look at the various photos presented throughout the article, it indeed made me feel that at one point, Jerusalem must have been empty. However, this was far from the truth. Since Jerusalem's existence they have been populated with a variety of different people groups.

I found it interesting that Palestine was presented as a "biblical site most relevant to Europe." The images focused on the minority groups of the Christians and the Jews who had potentially close relationships with the Europeans. It was for these reasons that many Europeans perceived Palestine as somewhat of a Holy Land. I think this article does a wonderful job of reminding us to take everything we see with a grain of salt. Before automatically perceiving images, people, etc. in a certain way, we should take a look at them from multiple angles, consult a variety of sources, and ask questions.

Weblog Journal # 3

In my home here in Bloomington, IN I don't have have my most cherished possessions. I have left those in my home city of San Francisco, CA. As you can tell from the photograph below, I haven't posted a possession that has been handed down by my grandparents, or something that most would see as valuable. However, this is who I am. I think this image captures a large part of who I am, what my interests are, and even where I live. The hat is more than just a baseball cap. The San Francisco Giants have been my favorite baseball team since I was a little kid. Growing up I always envisioned being a professional baseball player for the Giants organization. I was ecstatic when they won the World Series in 2010, and was even more thrilled when they took home the title again in 2012 against the Detroit Tigers. Besides the fact that they're my favorite team, San Francisco is also where I reside. When I'm not here at school in Bloomington, that's where I am. It's the place many of my closest friends and family live. It's the place I have created the most memories; and also the place where I've faced the most hardships. It will always be symbolic to me.

The object under the hat is of course a baseball glove. Although baseball may not be so popular in Indiana (they have no professional teams), I can't say the same about California. Depending on where you live you may be a fan of either the Los Angeles Dodgers, Anaheim Angels, Oakland Athletics, San Diego Padres, or the San Francisco Giants. I was five years old when I first picked up a baseball, and I just recently put that baseball down. When I got to high school I made it my mission to play college baseball. It's all that was ever on my mind. When I wasn't playing ball for my high school, I was practicing and participating in tournaments around the United States with my club team. When I got to be a Junior/Senior in high school I began attending showcase events where collegiate scouts could evaluate players based on various attributes (speed, strength, future potential, etc.). After one of the events I got a phone call from the University of California at Santa Barbara (UCSB). They offered me a scholarship to play baseball for their school. I accepted. It wasn't until I arrived at Santa Barbara that I began having severe elbow pain. After rehabbing for months they determined my injuries were severe enough to require surgery. They eventually told me I probably wouldn't be able to play again. Although that was extremely hard to accept, I knew I had to have a positive outlook. I quickly turned to focusing on my education (although UCSB is one of the best rated public schools in the nation I wasn't studying an area that appealed to me.) I transferred to IU after my freshman year and got into the Kelley School of Business. If it weren't for baseball, I may never have arrived here. Baseball gave me a strong work ethic, close friendships, and even a support system. Baseball is, was, and always will be part of my life. 

Reading Response # 8

As much as I appreciated Karen Armstrong's passion, I must say Tamri's article(s) were a nice change of pace. The articles presented us with a new perspective, a new writing style, and a plethora of new information.

After doing external research and reading background information on Salim Tamari, I was able to gain a more clear understanding of his articles. It was fascinating to find that he is both a professor here in America as well as overseas in Palestine. He teaches at Birzeit University. I learned that Birzeit University was the first institution of higher education to be established in Palestine. In addition, he teaches in the Arab Studies department at Georgetown University. I learned that each of the three articles ("A Musician's Lot", "Lepers, Lunatics, and Saints", and Isaq Shami and the Predicament of the Arab Jew in Palestine") we are responsible for are all part of a a larger piece of Tamari's. Each of these articles are essays depicting Palestinian society and culture. They can be found in his book, "Mountain against the Sea."Furthermore, it was extraordinary to hear that Tamari himself has lived in this conflict from a first-hand point of view. According to Wikipedia (I know this isn't the most reliable source), his family fled the city of Jaffa in 1948 after being attacked by a group of Jews. He has a multitude of credentials that include, but are not limited to: director of the Institute of Jerusalem Studies, a member of the Institute for Palestine Studies, and a visiting professor at the University of California Berkeley, NYU, Cornell, as well as the University of Chicago.

The essay, "A Musician's Lot," particularly captured my interest. I was drawn to this article because of my passion for music. I was intrigued to learn about how music shaped Jerusalem's society and culture.
The article is told from the perspective of Wasif Jawhariyyeh, a musical master. Jawhariyyeh serves as an invaluable source in regards to the role of ethnicity and sectarian identities during the period spanning from the early 1900's to the late 1960's. It was interesting to read that he divided the groups of people into four segments: Muslim, Christian, Jewish (the three we are most familiar with), and Armenian. He says they differed in almost all facets, including traditions and celebrations, educational systems, and as he put it, "the rules of confessional endogamy" (meaning the custom of marrying).

Reading Response # 7

Guess what guys? We did it. We have at last made it through Karen Armstrong's novel. Nobody said it was going to be easy, and I will be the first to tell you...it surely wasn't. After spending a few weeks analyzing and discussing the vast amount of material, I feel I have grown as a critic, as a writer, as an active listener, and as a student. While many of us may have differing opinions and thoughts on Armstrong's writing style and where she gets her information, I believe there's one thing we can all come to a consensus on; the history of Jerusalem is complex, and will continue to be complex. Every person, every event, and every religion has made Jerusalem the Holy City that it is today. Although I cannot remember every minute detail covered in the book, I now have a good sense of what Jerusalem stands for and why it is such a coveted place.

There's no question that religion has an extremely powerful influence on our behaviors and beliefs. However, I don't think religion should be the sole factor that separates groups of people. I mean, in the end aren't we all taught that religion is a sacred place where we are free and safe. We're really not all that different from one another. So why is it that we must treat groups with such animosity? Is it really that difficult to accept others' beliefs for what they are? If you don't agree with a religion and their set of beliefs that's okay. Nobody is forcing you to convert or to change your way of thinking.

It was in these chapters where I finally was familiar with some of the material that was thrown at us. The Holocaust is a familiar name to all, Jewish or otherwise. Just hearing about the horror the Jews were put through makes me cringe. It makes me angry and upset. Nearly seven million people were executed and many others were forced from their homes and separated from their families. It makes me feel that the Jewish people deserve to have a homeland out of sheer sympathy. Israel was like a paradise to the Jews. They were welcomed, and above all, they were appreciated. Who knows how this event changed the way Jerusalem is today.

Jerusalem may never be completely free from its struggle, but one can hope. While the conflict(s) in Jerusalem may never be satisfied, we can't stop trying. After all, nothing is impossible.