Someone under the name Gam Zo Letovah today refused my invitation to join in positive and peaceable discussion on this forum, stating that my own willingness to do so amounts to dangerous naivety.
Is he/she right? Is it complete folly to make any attempt to improve inter-faith relations? Worse still, is it actually dangerous to try to do so? What damage might such forum chat cause?
Have any of you been positively affected by anything anyone has said in this forum, which has made you view members of other races or religions with a little less anger and suspicion? Or has your overall experience merely intensified them?
Do you think peacemakers are wasting their breath, both here and in the world outside?
2007-10-11 11:17:20 · 9 answers · asked by Londoner In Israel 3 in Travel ➔ Africa & Middle East ➔ Israel
It is definitely NOT wrong to make peaceful/constructive dialogues in this forum.
To answer your question:
Have any of you been positively affected by anything anyone has said in this forum, which has made you view members of other races or religions with a little less anger and suspicion? Or has your overall experience merely intensified them?
I would priudly say that those constructive dialogues we are having and I am so wilfully and happily contributing to converted me from and anti-semite to Israel supporter at some points.
Those who think it is dangerous, should be proud of it and should also contribute to those dialogues rather that insisting on srpeading hate and animosity. The laters won't help us solve our problems at all, they would increase the probelms.
Peace to you.
2007-10-12 09:13:12 · answer #1 · answered by Mimi 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I too have been heavily criticised by this person, and I still don't really know why!
In the end, his remarks to me and about me became so spiteful that I decided to block him.
I saw the post where he called you 'dangerous' - I think it was in the one where you very kindly spoke up on my behalf, so cheers for that!
There will always be some people who reject constructive dialogue. It's extremely sad.
If Gam Zo Letovah actually had bothered to even briefly check out my answers in other sections on this site, he would have seen that I have only EVER defended Israel passionately.
So in answer to your question: no, he's wrong. It's vital to improve interfaith relations. What's the alternative - holding on to hate and anger and fear?
That gets us nowhere.
And yes, I have been affected, positively, by 'talking' to many Muslims in this forum. People such as Mimi, Da Man, Hopeless and others; we may usually disagree and yes, sometimes we all get frustrated and angry at each other's views but the key thing is we STILL treat one another with respect.
And you know what? When others in this forum have posted threads specifically about me, saying hateful things, then DA MAN on two occasions was the first one to defend me, and I will never forget that.
So I can honestly say, I have found this forum helpful; I know so few Muslims in 'real life', at least I get to 'meet' some here!
HOPELESS
- thanks, I thought your comments were so lovely!
2007-10-11 11:28:27 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
The guy your refering to Gam Zo letovah is not credible.
I know for a fact that he has a variety of accounts just from his writing style. He likes to stir up controversey.
I've seen posts from him on his various accounts and they are quite non sensical at times. Anything he says shouldnt be paid attention to.
However back to your question. Inter faith relations are positive no matter what that flamer told you.
A big problem with people is that they dont understand the other faith and they demonize them.
You jews should be familar with this ofcourse with the famous blood libels, where people for centuries held on to the notion that jews had supernatural power and ate the blood and bones of christian children.
If the jews had supernatural powers then why didnt they use them to defend against those killing them lol.
Sometimes people do stupid things.
Interfaith relations are good they just go to show that something so stupid such as the blood libels are just superstitions.
Otherwise how would you know where the other Person/Faith is coming from in their opinion?
2007-10-11 12:59:02 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
As someone who began in the Israel section over a year ago and then left due to being over run by lets just say--trouble.
I find it wonderful to see that this forum has regular people posting and talking.
How can anyone go wrong wanting peace or srtiving for it and to understand.
I have met many Palestinians in Israel and let me just say this--if we took some of the leaders of both sides out of the equation and left it up to the average folks who simply want to live, work and raise their families--there would be dialog and probally peace.
There are many such groups in Israel doing this very thing right now.
2007-10-12 01:39:57 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
yes Londoner I have been positively effected by some, and yet negatively affected by many others, but it only takes one to keep speaking and spreading peace for others to join in. I even feel with all the good and bad we are almost becoming a family here in the Israel section. (with the exception of those who think its fun and games and just need to stir stuff up, and yes i am very aware they have many accounts and they know who they are). And also just to add, even Ultranational, I feel you are a part of this "family" you have made some very good posts as well (and plz don't take this the wrong way) such as your comment here makes me giggle. But you are entitled to your opinion. Tabatha is a big part of this family, but I do wish to tell her not to get upset or hurt over all the bad comments . Good people know you for who you are and will accept you , even if your opinion is different from others sometimes. Cheers and Peace to all!
2007-10-11 14:51:51 · answer #5 · answered by HopelessZ00 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Didn't see who wrote the diatribe you mention, but I also enjoy sharing ideas here.
BUT...
I'm also well aware that there are plenty who use the "equality" of anyone being equal to post here to create mayhem, sew hatred, falsehoods and carefully engineered vicious lies. So, I'm wary of doing anything that would help espouse that... I fear more can be lost than is actually gained in some situations.
I have had much much more productive interfaith discussions in private one-on-ones than in forums like this.
2007-10-11 11:59:32 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Yes its constructive dialog when you get to know how/why/who the other side is coming from. We all live on one plant and only the truth will set you free. For years some people are saying Palestine dose not exist. Occupation will never be a constructive policy.
2007-10-11 12:14:23 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
No breath is ever wasted.
Good Luck!!!
2007-10-11 17:59:45 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 0⤋
Peace will be established through the IUP (Israeli Ultranationalist Party)
2007-10-11 11:50:20 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 8⤋