Page 14 - C.A.L.L. #21 - Spring 2003

KALEIDOSCOPE
Inside KOMMUNJA No. 52 of Fall 2002 (published this time It’s all so simple and obvious, but just to
by ZORROW of Berlin) we discover several commentaries remind yourself – please list 10
about the communitarian attitude toward the Israeli- activities you enjoy practicing
Palestinian conflict. Under the title “The Near East lies very (and also, make sure to do
near!) we find a few remarks by Leh: them frequently!)

“Somehow I don’t know anymore how to go on. I wonder what would actually happen, if
the leftist scene wouldn’t judge from the safe distance of thousands of kilometers, and Ways to improve your self esteem
issue more or less smart evaluations – but rather would be involved itself?
· Don’t take yourself so seriously and be able
It’s easy to stamp real or supposed Fundamentalism with the imprint of “Anti-Semitism” to laugh with others at life and yourself.
or “Anti-Islamism”. But does that meet the core of the problem? Direct relations or · Acknowledge your successes and your
friendships to Israelis and/or to Palestinians would probably contribute a lot to a more accomplishments and give yourself a pat on
precise understanding of the situation. But whoever disposes of such contacts? To my the back.
regret, I don’t. I deem myself like a totally depoliticized monster…”. · Start enhancing yourself by going to
workshops and seminars and invest money
In the last issue of “CALL”, No. 20, I found an important (to · in yourself.
Give yourself permission to be lazy and do
me) thought, written by an anonymous Israeli kibbutznik: the things that you want to do at times.
· Stop putting yourself down and being
The vast Arab and Moslem world (including most of its politicians, intellectuals and critical of yourself.
religious leaders) would like Israel to disappear. The legitimate resistance to an · Allow yourself to accept acknowledgments
occupation has been converted into a worldwide attack on the Jewish people and the and compliments and don’t invalidate
Jewish religion. The horrific scene at San Francisco State University on 8 May, 2002 – others positive thoughts and feelings about
with its posters of soup cans with labels on them of drops of blood and dead babies, you.
marked “canned Palestinian children meat, slaughtered according to Jewish rites under · Wear clothes that you feel good in.
American license”, etc – is only an extreme example of the officially inspired hatred of · Stop comparing yourself with others and
anything Jewish. see yourself as being of equal worth.
· Try to avoid thoughts that start with “I
Few Israelis dispute the rights of the Palestinians to a state of their own. But no less, ought to, I need to, I should do.”
the Jewish people has the right to a state of its own, the right to live in peace and · Start a folder/box and put in all good things
security. that have happened or achievements i.e.
any certificates, letters, newsclippings, etc.,
A veteran left-wing kibbutz member has written two illuminating articles about the tragic · or anything that makes you feel good.
Focus attention on enjoying the present
situation in this part of the world. He doesn’t try to defend one side or the other, but rather than living in the past or future.
applies his political, psychological and sociological knowledge to the conflict. In his · Start thinking of yourself as self sufficient
articles, readily available at tzetze@baram.org.il, he gives sound advice to those who rather than needing relationships.
wish to contribute to peace. In brief, his 3 principles are: · Examine why you feel you need other
people in your life.
· Don’t Point Out the “Guilty Partner” – since no one is really guilty. · See every crisis as an opportunity to learn.
· Don’t Generalize – There is no “them” as against “us”, in each camp there are · Do not feel guilty of making mistakes. Get
many and different viewpoints. the most out of them, use them as a
· Don’t Suggest Solutions – Any suggested solution, coming from outside, learning tool.
only arouses defensive reactions. · Replace your thoughts of being inferior and
inadequate. Generate positive thoughts of
th
May I add a 4 principle of my own: Before you express an opinion, try to find out as · feelings of love and acceptance.
List 10 things that you enjoy doing and do
many facts as possible about the conflict – from different angles! I can well imagine them frequently.
how you feel when seeing the terrible scenes on TV and reading about them in the · Frequently acknowledge others by telling
press. Most of us don’t usually trust the media implicitly. Whay do so now? them that you like and appreciate them
A Kibbutz Member especially your family, friends and
workmates.

14