 [1] | Peter Miller of Partridge, Kan., is learning more about the issues that confront people on a day-to-day basis in Palestine and Israel. (MCC photo by Ryan Rodrick Beiler) |
Living in Jerusalem provides insight into practicing peace
Gladys Terichow
January 28, 2010
January 28, 2010
JERUSALEM – Before living and working in Jerusalem, Peter Miller, 24, thought solutions to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict were extremely complex.
“The details are incredibly complex, but I’ve come to realize how simple it is – it is recognizing that this land needs justice, and the application of international law is a good place to start,” said Miller, a Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) service worker. Miller is from Partridge, Kan.
Miller, a recent graduate of Bethel College in North Newton, Kan., works for the MCC office in Jerusalem and provides support to Sabeel EcumenicalLiberation TheologyCenter. A Christian organization in East Jerusalem, Sabeel brings together Palestinian Christians from 15 denominations and breaks down barriers among Christians, Muslims and Jews.
His responsibilities include editing Sabeel’s quarterly publication, Cornerstone, and assisting with activities that create greater international awareness of the current political situation in Palestine and Israel. Through this work and personal friendships with Palestinians and Israelis, he is learning more about the issues that confront people on a day-to-day basis.
Palestinians, both Christians and Muslims, live mainly in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, which includes East Jerusalem. This region came under Israeli military control in the Six-Day War of 1967, and usually is known as the Occupied Territories.
“The issues are primarily related to the occupation – the Israeli military control of the Palestinian civilian population,” explained Miller. “Israelis and Palestinians both need peace and security for a normal life. And this peace won’t be found at the end of a gun or behind a concrete wall. They can only do this if they have better relations.”
Israel’s separation wall, security fences, travel permit system and numerous checkpoints are some of the barriers that make it almost impossible for Israelis and Palestinians to get to know each other, explained Miller.
Generally, the only interaction between Palestinian and Israeli youth takes place at checkpoints run by the Israeli military. “That sets the tone for the relationship they will have down the road,” he said.
The structural barriers also make it difficult for Christians to connect with people from their own denomination and other church denominations.
“Because Christians are a minority they tend to retreat into their denominational structures, leading to a fragmentation of the community,” said Miller.
Christians, he added, have a strong historic connection to the land, but many families living in Bethlehem and other towns and villages under occupation see emigration to other countries as the only option to escape harsh political and economic conditions.
In 1967, Palestinian Christians accounted for 10 percent of the country’s population. Their numbers have declined to less than 2 percent, said Miller.
Emigration from such a small Christian community threatens the future existence of Christianity in this land where Christian churches have had a continuous and uninterrupted presence for more than 2,000 years.
When he completes his assignment in July 2010, Miller hopes to continue integrating his experiences with efforts to expand international awareness of the need for justice.
“The church is a good place to apply this knowledge,” said Miller, a member of First Mennonite Church in Hutchinson, Kan.
“These are theological issues that need to be considered within the church. Justice-oriented people of faith have had a role in ending different forms of injustice throughout history, and they need to play a role here.”