So to begin with, my first impressions of Israel. Having traveled with my sister (hereafter Charlotte) for a week before the program began, I had already experienced a sliver of both the Jewish and Arab cultures. Israelis, while generally friendly and helpful, are also much colder and blunt than their Palestinian and Jordanian counterparts. I have to wonder if much of this is due to the military culture that presents itself in Israel. Not only has the the entire population served in the armed forces at one point or another, but they continue to see their country existing in a state of siege. I think this is also a result of greater Westernization of the Israelis. The Arabs, on the other hand, are friendlier and more generous. I have noticed this trait in many third world countries and I think much of it has to do with the importance and reliance on extended families. A willingness to help a third cousin who you barely know is little different from helping a complete stranger and welcoming that person in to your home, especially if you are trying to make an impression on that person. The downside to this is that, being from a third world mentality, there is a higher chance that they will take advantage of you as a tourist who doesn't speak the language or know the local customs. This has happened to me as well. I am also infatuated with cultures different from my own and, while Israel is certainly different, it is much more similar than the Arabs.
We are fortunate to see the country from so many points of view. I arrived here with an opinion on the conflict. I am not so ignorant that I I will blind myself to the points of view of either side, especially when I know that what is right and just is a subjective concept and realities of power and politics are what truly dictate outcomes. I am trying to keep my personal opinions to myself and look at the issue objectively especially considering the internship that I will be participating in. I can only assume that those working in counter terrorism will have a more conservative outlook on the security situation than many of the NGOs that my fellow students are working with. Justice for Israelis and Palestinians is a moot point when looking at terrorism. From a political standpoint, there is one imperative - Keeping civilians safe. Whether this is through a large military presence and a separation wall or through development projects and community outreach, the goal is the same. The military should leave politics to the politicians. I imagine that many American exchange students didn't agree with Communist ideology when they studied in the USSR, but they are able to learn much about the people and culture by doing so. This is not to compare Israel to the USSR in any way shape or form, but one does not have to agree with a policy to learn much from it. Israel is very good at counter-terrorism and they certainly use different tactics than the United States. This will be a fantastic opportunity to compare and contrast strategies and learn what works and what doesn't.
