No learning in a vacuum

Letters

Editor: You ask (Editorial, Bulletin, March 21) whether the Bulletin should be a mirror, reflecting only "voices supporting the views of the majority of the Jewish community," or a window, giving readers "a view outside of their environment."
I support your preference for the "window" approach. Without windows we suffocate. I know I don't think effectively in a vacuum, and observation leads me to believe that the same is true of others. Listening to a range of arguments sharpens my own, sometimes changing, sometimes reinforcing them. Refusing to hear others denies them the human respect and dignity I know they deserve, and that I hope to receive in my turn.

I've had many conversations over many years with people on many sides of the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. Some of those conversations have been difficult and painful but I know I would be the poorer had I turned away from them. I believe that having the courage to listen to challenging ideas helps us learn about ourselves, our partners in dialogue and the world we share.

As Rabbi Michael Lerner articulates in his compelling recent book Healing Israel / Palestine: A Path to Peace and Reconciliation (Tikkun Books, 2003), Jews and Palestinians (and, I would add, others) need to hear each other more, not less. We need each others' stories if we are to move beyond pain and rage: "As long as each side clings to its own story and is unable to acknowledge what is plausible in the story of the other side, peace will remain a distant hope."

Stephen Aberle
Vancouver

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