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What is so special about this book is the hope and belief among the interviewees that there can be a solution that will free all the inhabitants to live free from fear and war.
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21 Voices from Israel and South Africa: Why the Palestinian struggle matters
Marthie Momberg
Naledi
9781928530794
This reader impression was written and sent to LitNet on the writer's own initiative.
I have been aware of the Israel-Palestine conflict/problem for several years. I attended a talk by Miko Peled, the son of General Matti Peled from Israel, who changed his view of what solution would be a fitting one for Israel and Palestine after he realised the damage the constant fear and war are doing to both Jews and Palestinians. Fear brings war, and war brings fear for all who live in Israel: this is also the tragic conclusion of the people who were interviewed by Marthie for her doctoral studies, now published as 21 Voices. The book by Miko Peled changed my view on Israel, but Marthie’s book brings along more insight and a balanced view of the problem.
What is so special about this book is the hope and belief among the interviewees that there can be a solution that will free all the inhabitants to live free from fear and war. To me, this book and the detailed explanations in the section called “Key terms” were very valuable, and I will definitely reread this book a few times in my life. Why? The enthusiasm, commitment and sense of justice of these 21 people are contagious. In the midst of pain and suffering and rubble, they can all still see beauty and believe in the path of activism they have taken, no matter the cost to themselves or their loved ones. I realised that this was the type of activism that internationals embodied for change in South Africa prior to 1994.
Marthie’s questions to the activists delve into their reasons for activism. This sparks answers about their lives, the events that brought them to see the world differently, as well as their values. All of their values include non-violence as a way to connect to the human in the “enemy”. They do not see the other as an enemy, and have different routes by which they influence and advocate their belief that there is a solution for Israel and the Palestinians. Their work involves the enlightening of people about false information that has brainwashed so many Jews, Christians and others. They all believe that even baby-step progress is still progress.
Due to my interest in the lives of the 21 people, I could not wait to read a new conversation every day for 21 days. With all the sad and tragic news that surrounds us daily, I can recommend reading this book – buy it, you will reread it – and hopefully all who read it will start saying, “How can I help?” It takes your focus off your own hardship and pain.
If the world had not opposed apartheid in our country, where would we be in South Africa?
