Lunchtime Talking Point: Part 4: is it too taboo to discuss Israel/Palestine?


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Part 4: Our ongoing conversation regarding the Israel/Palestine issue, initiated last week, remains at the forefront of our discussions. While it is apparent that we, as individuals, may not be able to single-handedly resolve the conflict, this should not discourage us from delving into our philosophical inclinations and contemplating our own moral compass. As Socrates proclaimed, "An unexamined life is not worth living."
Mahatma Gandhi, an Indian leader and activist, shared a similar sentiment about the value of life (all life is valuable); he argued that non-violence is the best way to solve problems in the world.
By internally examining our purpose and existence, we empower ourselves to take collective action and effectuate meaningful change. Through this introspective process, we gain the ability to inspire nations to engage in peace talks and foster a pathway towards reconciliation.
Once again, our objective is to explore shared values amidst the dispute, emphasizing the importance of introspection before delving into individual perspectives. We encourage you to express your thoughts on both the common values you believe exist and any diverging ones, prior to our upcoming meeting. Your insights will greatly contribute to the fruitful discussion we aim to have.
------- POST FROM 1st WEEK BELOW:
The essence of taboo lies in its nature as a social or religious custom that prohibits discussion or engagement with specific topics. Usually, this is because certain subjects are deemed offensive or sensitive, making them off-limits for discussion.
However, it is virtually impossible to avoid talking about the ongoing "war" between Hamas and Israel, as well as the multinational protests taking place worldwide against Israel, without potentially offending someone or a group of people.
As this conflict continues to dominate global conversations, it brings with it a complex history deeply rooted in Israel's occupation and the struggle of the Palestinian people. Although opinions on the matter may be polarized, individuals are confronted with the task of grappling with what they perceive as right or wrong.
Our perspectives on these matters are influenced not only by the way media presents the news but also by our own moral compass. Consequently, it is natural for individuals to hold strong and diverse opinions.
In a democratic society, taboos should not prevent us from engaging in important discussions and expressing our views, emotions, and thoughts on crucial matters.
While it may sound trite or cliché, achieving peace ultimately requires open dialogue and an earnest attempt to understand one another. This dialogue should encompass intercultural exchanges, transcending barriers and involving individuals from various backgrounds, rather than confining the conversation within a single cultural context.
Taking into account the insights and writings of scholars such as Edward Said, Noam Chomsky, and Ilan Pappe, who have extensively researched and written about Israel and Palestine, I propose having a discussion about people's sentiments regarding this highly divisive conflict. The aim is to identify shared values in the dispute before delving into the differences between individuals' perspectives.
Please feel free to share your thoughts on the common values you believe exist, as well as those that you perceive as divergent, in advance of our meeting.
Ali
Rules:
Welcome to this friendly discussion and debate on various issues. It is likely to be passionate, but it's important to adhere to a few rules. Firstly, attacking or being rude to the other participants is strictly prohibited. Focus on addressing the argument, rather than personally attacking the person making it. We will not tolerate misinformation, untruths, racist remarks, or extremist nationalistic ideologies that insult the participants. We understand that there is a fine balance between free speech and moderation, but as this is a private discussion group, we believe it is crucial to prevent harmful rhetoric.
Secondly, please refrain from discussing personal backgrounds, education, or other personal details. We will only know each other by our first names. This ensures that the discussion and debate maintain a level playing field, as we all have different backgrounds and can learn from one another.
Thirdly, the selection of discussion topics will be determined either by myself as the moderator or by the group through a majority vote on the day of the discussion.
Lastly, it is strictly prohibited to record any part of our sessions in any way. Please note that you should not record our sessions under any circumstances. There is no requirement for cameras to be turned on during our discussions.
I am excited to meet with all of you and engage in meaningful conversations.
Ali

Lunchtime Talking Point: Part 4: is it too taboo to discuss Israel/Palestine?