Israel-Palestine: We All Need To Educate Ourselves
We all have a role to play
I am not an expert in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As with the outbreak of war in Ukraine, I’m trying to educate myself by finding the best sources so I can learn more and track new developments.
Ever since the Oct. 7th attack by Hamas at an Israeli music festival, I’ve been trying to find sources that will force me to think critically. To not fall prey to the party line or propaganda from either side (they’re both at fault here). To keep an open mind about a historically complex issue that has destabilized the region for decades, if not centuries.
It’s much different - from my perspective at least - from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has one clear aggressor, despite some trying to blame NATO.
The following will break down what I’ve discovered and what I am relying on to date. Be sure to subscribe as we critically explore this issue and others, while hopefully getting closer to practical solutions that bring us closer to peace.
First, learn the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
I really respect Coleman Hughes. This YouTube video that he published a few months ago about the historical context of the conflict could not have been more timely. It’s a good place to start if you want to enhance a baseline understanding of the history.
This article in The Conversation also does a good job summarizing the history.
And as much as I hate to admit it, this recent Lex Fridman interview of Jared Kushner (of all people!) is actually pretty good. Kushner surprised me with his knowledge, thoughtfulness, and geopolitical awareness. Despite both him and Lex being Jewish, they’re both very sympathetic to the Palestinian cause. A must watch.
I recently came across this great piece on Medium, a site that many regular readers of this newsletter know is one of my favorites. You can subscribe to my regular writing there.
Anyways, this piece by Isaac Saul is titled, A personal, non-partisan perspective on the Israel-Hamas war, and it lives up to its promise. Saul is Jewish. It’s personal. And refreshingly non-partisan. Highly recommend reading it for a balanced perspective on the current conflict.
Be careful with mainstream media
Yes, like most media these days, it tends to be biased. What happened to Walter Cronkite?!
One of the worst stories to date since Hamas’ attack was one by The Wall Street Journal claiming “Iran Helped Plot Attack on Israel Over Several Weeks.”
They initially reported this, apparently based on evidence from Hamas leadership, but with nothing directly linking the attack to Iran. A number of competing media organizations and government officials have called them out for reckless reporting, but the story is still live.
How could a leading news organization be so reckless? I read The Wall Street Journal almost daily, but this is a new low for them.
Perhaps they want clicks. Perhaps they have an agenda. Hopefully they’re not doing the bidding of more hawkish members of the current U.S. government.
These are the types of stories that could lead to a world war, whether true or not.
Which is why I prefer to get most of my news on these types of issues from journalists on the ground, as I’ve done for the entire war in Ukraine.
Journalism with perspective
From citizen journalists to formal publications like The Times of Israel or The Jerusalem Post, there are a number of options to follow for on the ground coverage. Although I’ll admit, I’ve struggled to find quality sources from a Palestinian perspective. If they support Hamas, a recognized terrorist group intent on destroying the Israeli state, I can’t take them seriously.
One source who may not be on the ground in Gaza or Israel, but who I’ve trusted during the Ukraine crisis, is Terrell Jermaine Starr. He’s based out of Kyiv, but he’s passionate about the Palestinian cause. I don’t always agree with him, but his arguments are thoughtful. All I can ask for.
I also read an enlightening piece from a journalist who has covered Hamas and much of the Palestinian diaspora over the years. Unfortunately, I took serious issue with the defensive posture the author had towards Hamas, but beyond that point, it was a solid article. I might give her future work a chance to make sure I don’t lose a balanced perspective.
Two other great accounts to follow: David Collier and Hillel Neuer. These guys both have interesting perspectives and give overall balanced takes.
Stay balanced
That’s my best advice when consuming news about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Read both sides. Give people a chance, even when their views may seem extreme.
There are many passionate opinions on both sides of this conflict. They’re all rooted in years of history and struggle. It’s reasonable to expect that emotion wins the day over logic and reason on occasion.
In order to attain peace, we’ll need to be patient and give others the benefit of the doubt. Many have friends, family, and colleagues directly in harm’s way. It’s hard to know what everyone is going through.
What should be easy for all of us though is to never legitimize the killing of innocent civilians. Anyone who does should be condemned, in addition to the inhumane behavior itself.
Not legitimizing that behavior is a low bar. We should all be able to clear it.
Most importantly, we should be promoting peace in any way possible.