Reflections on a Journey Through the Holy Land

I just returned from my bi-annual medical check-up. “How was your trip to the Holy Land?” my doctor asked. It was hard to answer after spending three weeks witnessing the harsh realities of crossing Israeli checkpoints in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. In stark contrast, just 45 minutes away in Tel Aviv, the beaches were filled with people in swimsuits, while armed forces and security guards were ever-present, even on the beach.

To explain the sensitive reality in Palestine and Israel, I shared an analogy with my doctor. “When you visit your dentist for a root canal, you don’t feel anything at first,” I said. He agreed. “But as the dentist keeps digging, he keeps asking if there is any discomfort. When you go home, the pain starts again.” This ongoing process reflects the lives of the 15 million people between the river and the sea, many of whom are numb to their pain and unwilling to share it for now of course, let alone feel the pain of others. The event of October 7 and the current war in Gaza starkly reminded us of this reality, exposing the deep wounds of the Jewish people from the Holocaust and the ongoing trauma and pain of the Palestinians from the Nakba in 1948 and the 1967 Naksa, compounded by the current war in Gaza.

 Both nations are deeply entrenched in their narratives about the beautiful land called Palestine. We cannot ignore the trauma of the past, but we also cannot deny that the land bears the scars of suffering and loss. The path to peace seems more elusive than ever, with violence and retaliation reinforcing the cycle of pain.

True reconciliation requires a deep, empathetic understanding of each other’s histories. The international community must support efforts to foster dialogue and healing based on UN resolutions. How can violence be justified when it perpetuates suffering, especially among children and the vulnerable?

 My recent visit underscored the urgent need for a holistic and inclusive approach to peace building. We must not let these messages of pain and suffering be forgotten. This means recognizing the human dignity of every individual and working towards a just and lasting peace. Let us remember, “My humanity is your humanity,” and strive to end the cycle of valance.

Hisham Jabi is an American Palestinian based in Washington DC and can be reached at hjabi@jabiconsulting.com He is the CEO of Jabi Consulting at www.jabiconsulting.com