Class Evaluation

Class Discussion: I think our class discussions became more comfortable as the quarter rolled by. In the beginning, I felt unsure if my questions and concerns were applicable to the subject matter. When I found that other people had similar concerns, it helped me steer and confirm my thoughts. I learned a lot through others people’s questions. Many times the class would raise questions that I had not thought of, and it helped me further develop my understanding of the situation. In general I found the class discussions thought provoking and polite.
Video Conferencing: I think the video conferencing gave me a lot of exposure that I would not have received from books. For me, the video conferences with Dr. Held’s class and Pyalara were very insightful. It was helpful to see how two different groups talk about an issue with a totally different perspective. They both talked about daily life in Jerusalem in a completely different light. It was incredible to become in learn about contemporary issues from the people experiencing them. Additionally, I have become more bold and gained courage to ask my questions.
Readings: I appreciated the subject matter of the readings. I am really glad that we read Armstrong’s book. It was very helpful to me, as an outsider to the three religions, in understanding the rich history of the three religions. When people describe the deep seated religious divisions that exist in Jerusalem I understand what they are referring to. Through reading this book, I understand which events sparked religious tensions. The book also helped me realize that there was peaceful co-existence between Muslims and Jews, and refuels my hope that peace is possible. I have learned the importance cultural knowledge through the readings. In addition, I really appreciated readings that traced change in Jerusalem through a cultural context. Salim Tamari’s article about Wasif is an example of this. Even analyzing architecture can provide insight into who was the hegemonic culture.
Lecturer and Speakers: I thought that each of our speakers was very unique and brought a new perspective to the class. I found my opinions of what Kasa Bayasin said to have significantly changed from when the class began through now. I recognize bias related to Israel and Palestine with much ease, even in our speakers. I found Dr. Herrmann to be incredibly helpful and easy to understand. He laid out complex relationships and policies in an elucidating manner. I really understand the politics of Israel and Palestine much more because of him. I found the three scholars of religion to be a good supplement to the Armstrong reading, but very conservative.
Blogging: I was very new to blogging before this class. I find that it is a great mode through which I can express myself. I realize that what is written in blogs has the potential to elicit strong emotions from readers. My individual blog helped keep me responsible and kept me on track with the assignments that were due and the readings. I liked the class blog because it was a very for me to stay connected with the class outside of the classroom. Also, the class blog kept me updated about any amendments that were made in class. I liked that the reading assignments were also there; it was easy to manage. It was also a way for me to share something I found interesting with the entire class and learn about from other people’s interests. I enjoyed reading other people’s blogs and learning from them. Many times, I would agree with what they had to say and appreciate their comments, but I would not know what to write besides that I concur. Through reading others people’s blogs I had the opportunity to learn how their thoughts are shaped what the way they perceive information.
Syllabus: I found the syllabus to provide clear directions most of the time. There were instances when I was a little confused. I think that is because of the nature of this class. The class is very dependent on the lives of our speakers and current events; it adds an extra dimension to our class. However, because of the class blog and updates provided in class, I found it very easy to stay on top of what was due.
Final Project: I learned a lot about the wall through compiling my own project. I realized how emotionally charged people become because of the presence of the wall. Although walls do not speak themselves, they do elicit an outpour of emotions from people located on both sides. I also found movement an aspect of culture that is changing as a response to the conflict. I have become more interested in experiencing Gaga for myself and seeing how it impacts my kinesthetic sense. I wish that I could have somehow found a more personal way of conducting my project. While I learned a lot through my project, I feel as though I presented James Graham’s thoughts and work. I would have liked to experience a Gaga class for myself and conducted interviews about how other people feel about the wall. I am glad I had the opportunity to learn how to create a multimedia project. I learned a tremendous amount about various topics through others people’s projects. The projects were interesting and informative. I enjoyed seeing what things other students were interested in and how it all ties in with Israel (i.e. Poetry Slam and Painting). Further, through observing other people’s projects I also more ideas of how I could better conduct mine in the future.
Personal Reflection: When I started this class, I thought it would be more of a political science course and we would discuss what can be done to bring peace to both groups of people. I thought that both side would be misinformed and that once they realized this, everything would be okay. I have learned that no part of the conflict is black and white. I have also learned that no group should emotionally blackmail another group by proclaiming the number of people killed because it is very ineffective. I have a clearer picture of what the situation is like in Israel and Palestine, but my conclusions for bringing peace are more muddled. I would have liked to learn more about the Gaza strip, especially because of the recent raid in the flotilla. I would like to actually visit Israel for myself to learn more about the conflict and experience the tension for myself. Until then, I can increase my awareness for events that are taking place to raise awareness about the conflict from both sides and read the news. I will be sure to keep my eyes open for any peaceful demonstrations and documentaries that are showing nearby. I definitely want to stay engaged with what is going on.
Last Project Response: I thought the project about Holy sites was very creative. It offered a holistic perspective. I wonder how Ashley got in touch with the Israeli soldiers. I liked to compare how my opinions align with the opinions of an interviewee. I found it interesting to compare the identity of the speaker with their opinions, and how it relates to stereotypical stances.

Final Project Update

The dancer who I interviewed for my final project, James Graham, has made a dance and documentary about the Wall as well as a dance about the Dead Sea.

As I said in class I would post the link to the dead sea dance. It is titled Rift. It is pretty unlike The Wall.
http://blip.tv/file/3126272

The Wall, is a dance and documentary about the people's perspectives about the presence of the wall in Israel. I have integrated clips from this into my final project. The version that he has up is not yet complete. I think it present many issues that we have discussed in class. For example, interviews people who from both sides of the issues. I think it is worth viewing for yourself. In addition to the readings, his project really helped me gain a more clairvoyant understanding about the impact of the wall. It provides useful information through interviews and movement.
http://blip.tv/file/3684906

New and Old Walls of Jerusalem Response

I can imagine the reality of the wall described in this article clearly after hearing the student from Pyalara and from viewing James Graham's project about the wall. The Israelis argue that the Wall gives them protection, not really taking the time to understand what hardships Palestinians undergo because of its presence. To be honest, this makes me feel very frustrated with the situation. From what I have learned in making my final project and reading this article, I feel as though I empathize with the Palestinians' pain caused by the wall. It is crazy to me that one intended barrier can inflict so much suffering.

Pyalara

Upon reading the overview of Pyalara, I think that the organizations intentions are great! I think it's incredible that a youth organization can have such a powerful role in the government (creating a youth fund). I wonder if the rap artists, especially MC Tamer, from the Channels of Rage have any affiliation with this organization. It seems like a pretty well known and established Palestinian group and I wonder if its media projects had any role in enhancing MC Tamer's success rate.
I am curious to see what they mean and their mode of providing self-healing guidance.

I found the over of politics to be particularly helpful in understanding the strife of females. I did not know that young Palestinian women were so disadvantaged. This greatly increased my sympathies toward the Palestinian youth. I am glad that Pyalara exists for them. However, I wonder if Pyalara encourages any peace talks amongst the Palestinian youth. Reflecting back on Dr. Herrmann's lecture, I am interested to know if in regard to peace with Israel, this organization supports the Palestinian strategy of bargaining with the sense of being a victim.

Post of Wounded Spirits in a Promised Land and Poems

I found the Wounded Spirts in a promised land article relate very well to what Kasa Bayasin said about her vision of Jerusalem and reality. It also related very well to the wall article in saying the Wall doesn't hold anything from migrating, but serves as a witness to the flow of faiths and hatreds. I think that this was very well written and moving.

In a Sense of Freedom, the author profoundly states that he is not recognized as an individual but is viewed as a prototype to represent his family. Even yet, he still finds a great sense of belonging in Jerusalem. I think this conveys similar emotions as Kasa Bayasin.

Again, in A City of Stone, the author describes Jerusalem's magnetism.
It very interesting to read poems by authors living in Israel and speak with Kasa. Through these poems, I feel as though both sides express the same feelings. I wonder if these people have the Nosgalic view of Jerusalem, similiar to what Dr. Held was describing.

The Wall

I found the the article about the politics of the wall to be incredibly helpful. Before Dr. Herrmann's lecture, I was very unfamiliar with the impact of the wall and how its meaning and structured changed throughout Israel. It is interesting that this wall has so much impact in the politics of identity. I never realized that the wall was not simply a divide, but it serves to oppress Palastinians. Much of this reading a an expansion on some of the topics Dr. Herrmann described in class.

Talk with Hebrew University

I found the idea Dr. Held's statement "conflict is life" to be extremely insightful to discern the difference between our living Jerusalem class and living in Jerusalem. I appreciated her comment that Jerusalmites worry about traffic jams during holidays much like we in the U.S. do.
Further, I like that Dr. Held brought up the difference between Authentic and Nostalgic Jerusalem, and stated that people should not indulge in a nostalgic view.
I found it interesting that the two students that decided to stay after were Arab, being that everyone else was leaving early becuase it is a Jewish holiday which they celebrated. I am little confused because I thought that Dr. Held stated that there was only one Arab student in the class, but the two students we talked to were also Arab? I think I have some fact wrong.
From talking with the students, I realize the dynamic of this class and ow different it must be for the two other University students. We are all looking at Jerusalem from a different perspective and trying to engage in meaningful dialogue and further our understanding.

Reflection From Dr. Herrmann's lecture

I found Dr. Herrmann's lecture to be very elucidating. I really liked his use of maps when describing the conflict. I have a stronger grasp as to where the issues regarding land actually are after his explanation. Further, I found his explanation of why a two-state solution will not work to be helpful in understanding Jerusalem's role in the conflict. I appreciated his insightful commented about how the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is analogous to the Pakistan-Indian conflict; I never related the two before. I wanted to ask him what he thinks about Alan Dersho9witz and Norman Finklestein. I would like to know if he is supportive of Finklestein.

Response to Channels of Rage

This video was very helpful in elucidating the existing tensions between Isrealis and Palestinians. It helped me realize that the conflict literally infiltrates very aspect of the people's lives. It is ironic that they sing about how the system is corrupt, but really there is fighting amongst the rappers subliminal and MC Tamer as well. I had not yet thought about the impact of the language barrier until watching the video.

Final Project

I will be doing a media project as final project. I will be focusing on the Gaga dance movement in Israel created by Ohad Naharin. The Gaga movement has become very popular is Israel and can be for dancers and non-dancers. In some ways Israelis are becoming more interested in the Gaga movement as a response to the constant conflict and intensity in their lives. As all Israelis are required to join the army, they constantly bear the conflict, and the Gaga movement creates a space for people where they can simply just be in themselves. I am working with James Graham, a student graduating Masters in Performing Arts, who has done research in Jerusalem, Palestine, and Tel Aviv. He has interviewed artists living in the area about how living in a society with conflict has shaped their art. In addition, he has choreographed a piece with Gaga influence and I will be incorporating footage of this piece.

Response to week 7 readings

The promised gas masks- The depiction of the Isreali soldiers reminds me of the way Isreali soldiers were treating the Palestinians and Jews living in Palestinian land in Talia's documentary. The Isreali soldiers were depicts a senseless figures of authority who do not have an understanding of the situation. I remember the Israeli soldier in Talia's documentary stating that he thought he would be the hero of the Palestinian woman's life, yet instead, she spat on him. I particularly like the analogy created between chaos and delineation to Palestinian liveliness.
A dog's life- This story explores the crossroads between a racism and sexism. In the beginning it seems as though the narrator must pick her poison. This story depicts how something as little as getting one's dog vaccinated can become a huge ordeal due to rules, regulations, and bureaucracy. This story raises the question what is the conflict really about and how much does it interfere with daily life. I can't believe it's easier for a dog to get a passport than a human and think it's absurd.
The a Mother of All Cities- I feel as though this is offers a feminist approach and interesting way of viewing Jerusalem. After reading Armstrong, I agree very much with Rokem that whoever is in charge of Jerusalem can only be in charge temporary and they will relegate their reign after sometime.

Review links to Channels of Rage

Salim Tamari

I think that Salim Tamari's approach to tracing modernity requires a lot of insightful thinking. He traced one person's life to help provide a detailed reflection of the changing social context in Jerusalem. I hope my understanding of Wasif is correct: he is an orthodox Christian who was deeply immersed in Muslim culture? Initially I thought they were all Muslims from the way their names were written. I wonder if Wasif's readings of the Qur'an and Bible had any spiritual impact on him or if they only helped him expand artistically. Even Jawhariyyeh's eulogy is a reflection of the change in attitude between the Christains and Jews. Did the Christian's side with the Muslims around 1948 war? I wonder if, as a Christian, Wasif was better able to maneuver into both Muslim and Jewish cultural spheres. Again, we revisit Zalitimo, the Palestinian bread from the first article and movie.
I like that Salim clarifies that "Nativist" is a retrospective term. Was it innovative for Tawfig Canaan's time to examine peasant culture and assume it serves as a window to ancient Palestinian culture?

Armstrong Fifth Reading

Chapter 16- I get a better sense of Armstrong's objective stance when she says, "If charity and loving-kindness were indeed hallmarks of the faith, Christianity had clearly failed in Jerusalem." I am confident that I am getting a neutral as possible account of Jerusalem's history. I realize the strategic philanthropy that was employed by Jews across Europe so that Jews could establish themselves on Europe. I also understand the overwhelming influence of archeological finds in providing people with the authority to claim that "they were there (Jerusalem) first." The influence of nationalism and Zionism makes sense. I don't understand the importance of the settlers in the kubbutzin area.

Chapter 17- The concept of physical toil in the Zionist movement is intriguing. I am interested in how Gordon persuaded other Jews to feel similarly. It is saddening to see how one terrible incident, like the Jewish boy who was murdered playing football, propels more devastating events. The more similarly Arabs and Jews felt about Jerusalem, the more conflict and tension arose between them.
I don't understand how and why the Arabs were able to persuade the British the repeal their support for Zionism during World War Two.

Chapter 18- I wonder how the other Arab nations felt about the 106,000 Arab Jerusalemites being displaced? Did they all feel strongly antagonistic toward the Jews? From this chapter, I understand how the intifadah came about.

Armstrong Fourth Reading

These chapters develop to appear historical opposed to religiously historical because they are based on more concretely documented facts. For example, Ezekial's viewing of God in the past chapters seemed biblical, but events in this set of readings seem more real-time.
I think it is very interesting that Christian denominations became so distinct and quarrelsome, that a Muslim family was given possession of the key to the Holy Sepulcher. I am surprised that Christians could not overcome their own ideological distinction to such a large extent. It was also surprising to see that Jews were the heaviest population in Jerusalem even prior to World War II. I wonder if the correlation between British beliefs, Jewish occupation, and Jerusalem prospering financially has something to do with increasing the Jew's confidence for remaining established in the city. I find it interesting that even though the Western pilgrims weren't coming to Jerusalem for religious reasons, they still helped religious groups in Jerusalem reassert their beliefs.
I wonder if the beliefs that Gordon embedded in Jews has a role in the current tensions between Jews and Muslims today.
I now understand that how the intifadah arose and how more direct events that lead to the current situation in Israel.

Armstring Third Reading

Chapter 10- I like the notion of tactile spirituality that is used to describe Christians. In a sense, this served to give legitimacy to their claim to Jerusalem. I feel as though the dominating religion turns to artifacts to heighten spiritual notions, whereas the subdued religion returns to un-materialistic spirituality. Melania seems like a very modern woman for the times. I don’t think it was very common for women to abandon their lives in the pursuit of religion in those days. I realize that she was widowed and had a family, but I wonder if she was a forerunner of a nun. The attacks on the Jews that visited Jerusalem during Sukkoth was very disheartening and I am surprised that Christian monks were found to be promulgated this violence. I am curious to see how the Palestinians treated the shrine Eudokia implanted.
Chapter 11- To be honest, I have learned a lot about the foundation of Islam through this chapter. I am really surprised to find that Islam began as a pluralistic religion until Muhammad and that it was really accepting of the believers of Judaism and Christianity. I am also astonished at how compassionately Armstrong’s accounts of Mohammad becoming a prophet and the humble ideals of Islam are written. Although this is not unlike most of the tone throughout the rest of the book, Armstrong’s portrayal of the development of Islam makes the religion seem more pure and compassionate than the beginnings of the other religions. I wonder how Jewish people felt about Muslim polygamy. Was it common for Jews to be polygamous back then too or was it simply undisputedly accepted? Were the austere ideals of the mosque design removed in favor design for more grand buildings because they became the centers for social activity? Many of the mosques I have seen today seem very elaborate. The tolerance that Jews had for Muslims during this time period is very interesting because there seem to be similarity between to two, than between Jews and Christians.
Chapter 12- I see the followers of Islam now behaving a little more similarly to the followers of Judaism and Christianity now. I wonder if the law that none of the dhimmis’ could have a place of worship equal to or bigger than the mosque was a law that was created when Muslims first conquered Jerusalem. Islam seemed to incorporate aspects of Christian belief into their faith proudly, like the story of Mary and Jesus, so I wonder to what extent the Muslims found Christians challenging their religion. This chapter lays the beginnings of how Christainity spread to Europe.

Armstrong Third Reading

Chapter 8- It is most interesting the various modes through which Jews found comfort. They studied the Torah, stressed charity and compassion in the place of sacrifice, and even turned to mysticism. To me, this resembles the Jewish religion that I am familiar with today. I am certain this the due to the coming of Jesus, and the Christian's and Jew's distinct beliefs about his divine identity. I am also surprised how relentless the Jews' were in their hopes for a new temple. I am still a confused as to why if John wanted continuity between the Judaism and Christianity, why he was against building a Temple. I really like the analogy of the sea and the cave to the presence of the Devir. Interestingly, the Jew's idea of the sacredness of Jerusalem was not changing; however, their belief of how to connect of Shekhinah changed. I also don't quite understand the distinction between Jewish Christians and the circumsized Jews. Did the Jewish Christians believe that Jesus was a Messiah, and the rest of the Jews turned to asceticism?
Chapter 9- - This chapter depicts Christians gaining a sense of sacred land is Jerusalem even though, at first Christians denounced Jerusalem before because it was the site death and resurrection site of Jesus. There is an importance given to artifacts and memories, like pieces of the cross on which Jesus died, and the Eucharist and Bread. I find it interesting the Christians, like Jews, believe that God can be found anywhere too, but still want to build a New Jerusalem. It seems like Jews and Christians both have similar appeals. I now understand why Judaism and Christianity both became so distant from one another. To me, the reading makes it seem like there are not immense differences between Judaism and Christianity, but it was the way they were treated by the rulers of Rome.

Armstrong Second Reading

Chapter 5- I found this chapter quite interesting. I wonder how Ezekiel convinced the Judeans of the concept that they were able to connect to connect with the divine anywhere and to follow the new imitatio dei. I like Armstrong's integrated approach and the fact the she takes into consideration the concomitant spiritual accounts of other countries. I feel as though I have a comprehensive historical understanding from reading the chapter, and can see how this book seems less subjective than others. Ezra's role in transforming Sukkoth to a carnival is interesting. The idea that separateness signifies holiness is a little disturbing; I am a little shocked that Ezra ordered Isrealite men to send away their foreign wives.

Chapter 6- The distinction of Jews held onto older traditions and those who embraced Greek ideals is very economically class based. I appreciate the unifying and culturally embracing concept of the Hellenizing project. Embracing modernity and still honoring traditions is an interesting struggle for followers of many others religions even today. It reminds me a little of how the less conservative Jews in Isreal travel to Palestine on the Sabbath. Antioch seems brutal and ruthless. I wonder where the Hasmoneans actually came from. Jerusalem was much more expanded under the Hasonean period than it is today.

Chapter 7- Herod's newly built temple seems as though it was more inclusive than the other temples because it permitted the entrance of female pilgrims. According to the map it even included a Court of Women. There is still the notion being located in a holy place forms a strong bond with the divine. Does the idea of sacrifice ever lose its importance in Jewish religion? I now see the relationship Romans, the Jews, and Jesus' crucifixion.

First Armstrong Readings

Chapter 1: I really like the universal, humanistic approach the Armstrong begins with with. I think the idea that people want to journey to a sacred place to feel larger than life itself. Armstrong broad approach can be applied to Hindu holy sites as well. In India, there are many disputes between Hindus and Muslims about the rightful ownership of lands. I think both cultures share a distinct and rich distinct roots in the same land, and find it difficult to ascertain who was there first.
Chapter 2: Honoring the beliefs of Yahweh and El seems like a novel idea becuase I am surprised neither the Canaan and Isrealites did not try and impose their values on one another at first. The idea of sacrifice is also interesting to me because it seemed to say that kill only what one must to survive, and not cuase excessive pain to creatures. Many christains justify eating meat by claiming that Jesus served fish, so it must be morally justiable for them to eat it today. Is this notion of sacrifice somehow related?
I also found the pictures of the Jewish people trying to reestablish a sacred link fascinating becuase it relates to what was said in Chapter 1.
Chapter 3: I am completely unfamiliar with biblical stories and I am very impressed with David's character. I understand his role in the expansion of Jerusalem. I don't think I understand how David has sinned though.
Chapter 4: I understand how Isrealit.es are transforming to a more monothestic belief system from this chapter

Response to Dumper, Rehav, Khalidi

The Dumper Article was extremely helpful in helping me understand the fundamental historical aspects of Jerusalem explain the city's importance today. Reading this article help me understand when and how the Muslim occupation took place. To be honest, I didn't even know that Britain had any role in the creation of Isreal. I felt as though this article was sort of a concise, "objective" History of Jerusalem for Dummies! From reading this article, I feel sympathy for the Palestinians and gage an idea of what Isrealization of Jerusalem means. This reminds me of the bread bakers video we have seen; the Zalitimo is declinign, while the Challah bakers are making more bread.
The Kalidi article help me understand that the history of Jersusalem is not built on concrete evidence; rather, it was built on religious beliefs. It offer an comprehensive explaination as why Muslims also feel a religious tie to the city. Is the 1948 war referring to WWII?
The Rubin article demonstrates how Jewish people have been constanty kicked out of Jerusalem for the past two milleniums. After reading this article, I wonder if Jews and Muslims have co-inhabited and had a collective conscious in Jerusalem for so long, then why are there so many problems today? Why are the two so uncompatible today?

Response to First Reading (again)

I find it interesting that so many people are involved in trying to represent Jerusalem in America. I did not imagine the layers of intricacy involved in trying to wholesomely represent both cultures. Further, I think that I better understand the importance of folk culture. In all honesty I do not understand or have anybackground knowledge about the political factors (Olsa Agreement) that led to the cancelation of the festival.

Response to Video

It is amzing to see how something as simple bread making is a reflection ofthe socio-polital situation. I wonder if the Isrealis realize that when they close everything down for the Sabbath, they are affecting Palestine business as well. I like the fact that one of the authors in our first reading was stating that the thing that she misses most is Zalitimo and then seeing it in video.

About Me Blog

Art: I am crazy about Elephants and Peacocks! I am a Resident Adviser and I make elephant door decorations and adorn my bulletin board with peacocks feathers. I don't know if this is an exoticism my Indian culture, but I have just fallen in love with them and collect them in every form. Hindu culture describes elephants as wise and patient and these are qualities that I value. I love cloth with mirrors and bhandini (an north Indian type of tie-dye). I will not wear or decorate animal products, like leather.

Food: I am definitely a foodie. Many times when I go home from college, my visit revolves around food: planning, making, buying, and best of all- tasting food. Just recently, I learned to roll and bake a flat bread (chapatti) just like my mother- I was quite happy! My favorite cuisines include Indian , Inchin , Mediterrean, and Japanese. I am a vegetarian but I don't eat eggs and do my best to only eat organic dairy. I have been raised as a vegetarian on Indian food and find the most satisfying meal a bowl of lentil soup and rice. Many times, my non-Indian friends say that there is a distinct scent of a mixture spices that they recognize upon entering my home which I cannot seem to pick up. I am used to topping soups and curries off with cilantro as a symbol of freshness and vibrance.

Religion and Books: I am a practicing Hindu. I consider myself more spiritual than religious. I have read the ancient Hindu texts like the Ramayan and parts of the Bhagavat Geeta, and aspire to eventually read and understand the Vedas. I have a difficult time understanding because I don't understand Sanskrit and am not sure how exact the interpretation is. At home my parents and grandmother read religious books that are written in Gujarati, a northern language of India.
Everyday, my mother wears a simple red bindi on her forehead to symbolize her status as a married woman and the wisdom from the precinct third eye. When attending Indian cultural event, she a wears more colorful and fashionable bindi.
Music and Dance: At home, my father is an avid fan on old Bollywood film songs. I have become accustomed listening to these songs as well as songs from new Bollywood movies. I think his interest in this music is because he wholesomely understands the Hindi lyrics and their cultural context. I enjoy listening and dancing to Indian drums called the Tabala. I have been trained in the Indian Classical Dance form of Kathak. When I dance I feel as though I experienced and displayed an essential, unadulterated quality of my culture.