A Journey of Understanding

It seems a good of time as any to explain my coming journey, my coming exploration in shalom.

On 31 May, I will leave the United States with a group from my school, and fly out to Tel Aviv, Israel to kick off a trip called a "Journey of Understanding." For the next eleven days we, will learn about the issues surrounding the Israel/Palestine conflict. Complexity is an understatement when it comes to the issue in the Middle East. Culture, politics, history, and religion are all inseparably significant players in the crisis. We will not go to be recreational tourists thirsty for entertainment. Instead, we hope to be humble learners, students of culture.

I admit, I already have a few biases. These I have formed separate from the rest of the group (except for my dad, who is also in the group and shares similar, albeit better informed views than I). From the stories I've heard, the newspaper articles I've read, and the testimonies of a few of my friends who have already been to Israel on previous Journeys of Understanding, I have garnered a basic, theoretical knowledge of the issues based upon common themes among the sources. Though the opinions differ somewhat account to account, a pattern has brought the consensus to agreement on one point in particular: The Palestinians are oppressed by Israel, a nation supported financially by the US.

As a follower of the Christ, I cannot possibly take the side of the oppressor, even if it be Israel and--indirectly--the US. Therefore, I will arrive in Israel partial towards the Palestinians, especially towards my brothers and sisters.

Is it good to arrive on the ground with a preconception such as this, even though I think I am right?