A Reflection on New Perspectives
North Carolina Hillel is proud to have offered our third Perspectives trip to 20 incredible student leaders to explore the Israeli/Palestinian conflict first-hand.
The May 2022 trip, the first since the pandemic began, included 16 non-Jewish and 4 Jewish student leaders from UNC Chapel Hill and was staffed by Senior Jewish Educator Rabbi Melissa B. Simon and local Jewish author Emily Alice Katz.
Perspectives, a ten day-long educational experience, is an opportunity for UNC students to dig deep and learn about Israel, one of the most complex and talked-about areas of the world. Participants meet with Israeli and Palestinian citizens, politicians, artists, and activists on all sides of the political spectrum, and learn through experiences and open discussion about the different people, cultures, and political opinions that shape the region. Thanks to a generous grant, the application-based trip is free to student leaders who are selected to participate.
Aidan Blevins, a non-Jewish participant on this year’s trip, is a rising Junior studying Economics & Public Policy. Last year, Aidan served on the Student Advisory Committee to the Chancellor and is currently the Senior Advisor to the Student Body President. Below is his reflection on the importance of our trip and how he wants to share his experiences back at home.
“I am jealous of your privilege to choose violence or nonviolence. For us, we fight, or we die.”
These two sentences are profound. It comes from my discussion with a man living in Netiv HaAsara on the Gaza–Israel border. As a 19-year-old American, I cannot fathom living in war. Frankly, minuscule conflicts with family over “issues” such as choosing Chipotle or Panera for dinner are rare for me. Although, for some people, war creeps itself into everyday life and the most inconsiderable tasks. Simple things—going to school and grocery shopping—can evoke fear. These recent experiences constantly remind me to remain grateful for my freedom. I will elaborate.
Last month, I spent two weeks studying the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the Middle East on a fully-funded trip. I traveled to Israeli and Palestinian territories to hear perspectives from across the spectrum on both sides of the issue. I met with officials from the IDF in the Golan Heights and a representative from the Knesset in Jerusalem. I spoke with Fatah leaders in Ramallah and Bethlehem. I conversed with Palestinian citizens and business owners in Jericho and Bir Zeit. I talked with Israelis in Nazareth and Tel Aviv and even discussed Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories with a resident in Beit El. I ate dinner with a family in Ein Kinya to learn more about Druze culture. Undeniably, this journey impacted me profoundly.
Despite being the size of New Jersey, peoples’ cultural, familial, and religious history originate in this small region and spans thousands of years. Consequently, and rightfully so, people feel deeply attached to the land. However, over this time, groups have—and continue to—wrong each other. In many ways, past and ongoing tensions have blinded people from understanding “opposing” groups. Yet, they all have unique experiences and perspectives that validate their anger and fear. Many systematic barriers prevent Israelis and Palestinians from engaging with each other, obtaining the truth, and reaching a peaceful resolution. If sustained, I cannot see a peaceful ending to the conflict.
I want to note that this oversimplifies a deep-rooted, very personal struggle. Truthfully, I did not return to the United States with a solution to the conflict. However, I came home with a vital lesson:
Listen to people’s stories and empathize with their experiences.
Without this understanding, we will not and cannot peacefully coexist. In a country where most of us have the privilege to choose violence or nonviolence, choose nonviolence. Listen to those around you. Often, we hear others but refuse to listen. Instead of giving attention and consideration to people’s thoughts and experiences, we try to anticipate their next point and win the debate.
In my short life, I have realized life is not about winning. Life is about growing. Especially after this journey, I strive to challenge myself. I want to continue learning and become the best, most compassionate version of myself. I am incredibly blessed to have experienced this amazing place at such a young age. I will not take my experience for granted, and I hope to use this journey to drive positive change at home and abroad. I hope you gained something from this short post, and I would love to talk more with you all about this experience.
First and foremost, I want to thank the wonderful, kind people who welcomed me into their homes. You did not have to share your lives with me, but you trusted and believed in me to create change. For that, I am eternally grateful. I also want to thank my trip staff, facilitators, and the UNC Hillel for making this experience possible.
Perspectives Trip 2022 - Aidan is standing in the back row, farthest right