[HANASHIR:11294] Where's the music??

[Cantor Brad Hyman <cantorb...>]

Finally! After reading through 18 postings with political overtones, there
is a request from Sue for piano accompaniments, or something like that. At
least we haven't forgotten about the music. Perhaps that's why I share
Judah's curiosity regarding the Arab poetry and music of peace. However, and
more strongly... I feel Sholom's skepticism and doubt when it comes to the
Arabic concept of peace. I don't see them as being equal. In fact, I haven't
seen anything equal to come out of the Middle East. Let us not forget that
there were money changers in Jerusalem even at the time of Jesus! Our
[American] version of peace is a lot different than that of the people
actually living in Israel and the neighboring areas. Our interests and needs
are not the same. Many of us have sympathy... and even empathy... but as my
professors in Jerusalem taught me not so long ago: "unless you live and pay
taxes in Israel, you have no business trying to run her."

Right now, all I can feel is doubt and pain. All I have is anger and
frustration. I admire the hope in many of you. I admire the courage to look
beyond the politics and get down to the "people are people" attitude of the
healing process. I, for one, am not ready to start healing. I'm afraid that
if I start to put energy into healing, my "wounds" will not heal right
because of the daily changes and bombardment in the region. It's amazing to
think that just 18 months ago, the majority of us would be spouting messages
of "peace, love, harmony, and the ever-so-timeless 'can't we all just get
along?'" Now, there is no place for the moderate. I fear that the
Palestinian radicals and fundamentalists have hardened my heart.

I mourn my innocence. I mourn the loss of hope. I certainly mourn the loss
of life, of all peoples.

Perhaps it will be the music that brings us back together. In every time, in
every age, there was a song to be sung.

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