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To pilpel-adom: Hi Chen	KevRyan	::	2009-03-07 7:11
My overwhelming feeling is one of sadness for humanity Chen - I think you know and appreciate this - because of the focus of my photography and experiences i think it sometimes comes across that I am a little one sided here on TE but that is not the reality of where i am coming from as a whole. After you sent me the images of the rocket attacks that time I also spent time researching the films of Hamas rocket attacks on Southern israel - people may see now the impact of the appalling bombing of Gaza but really do have to balance that against the experience of people just trying to live a life in your own land. Policy and politics and leadership are a different matter though - this arena of the conflict needs something so much more than most people around the world who care are currently giving it. Our own situation in Northern ireland also seemed intractable for decades but the process of peacemaking and reconciliation - although not fully completed - gives hope that your own situation might be resolved in time. If i can come again to the region i would like to spend more time in Israel - particularly to meet up with our old friends the Ormes - both photographers who trained here in the UK in Nottingham - Eyal was also a captain in the UDF. The images from Gaza (people are shocked and appalled) have done nothing to help Israel in Europe, - not directly - but perhaps in time - as with the power of images and perspectives which came from Vietnam in 1968 - the shift in public opinion and pressure - whilst less supportive of Israel (and particularly Israeli leadership) for now my give a greater impetus for the energy to promote and work for peace in the region. As you know, above all I pray for the real and brave leaders the region needs both locally and internationally. Forgive me at times if my objectivity appears to slip, it is sometimes difficult to know where the lines on truth and objectivity lay...and of course we may disagree on interpretation and strategy but I am not an idealogue....and genuinely want to understand more about all sides and all possibilities in resolving conflict - for the sake of the possibilities for ordinary people to live lives without fear and in freedom from the worst of human aggression. The world will become more difficult as resources become more scarce and the pressures on us all grow......your lands are such a symbol for our world - you mustn't underestimate the importance of this - because of the experience of the Jewish people but also because of the complex religious and geo-political realities of the region.....and the religious, social and political impacts this conflict ultimately has on our own society. Inter-racial/religious conflicts and attitudes, even here in my home town are fueled by and intensified by the conflicts closer to you. By my small work in the West Bank i have been able to counteract aspects of a growing radicalism of young Muslims here - largely because I have heard so many heart felt and peace orientated arguments from Palestinians - they may want a level of freedom and justice as they see it but not at the cost of the potential to co-exist with israel. We need to hear these voices more not less. Every killing on either side pushes their voices into the background. I was hoping you would respond to this one.....and thought it might have some resonance to your own service.... i am really happy you did - thank you for that. best wishes to you and yours Kev			PalestinePalestine Guardian's of Rachel's Tomb KevRyan (22418) *
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Thread	Username		Date
To pilpel-adom: Hi Chen	KevRyan (22418)	::	2009-03-07 07:11
:Re: To pilpel-adom: Hi Chen	KevRyan (22418)	::	2009-03-07 18:12
:Re: To pilpel-adom: Hi Chen	pilpel-adom (3016)	::	2009-03-07 23:19
::Re: To pilpel-adom: Hi Chen	KevRyan (22418)	::	2009-03-08 06:17
:::Re: To pilpel-adom: Hi Chen	pilpel-adom (3016)	::	2009-03-08 21:36
::::Re: To pilpel-adom: Hi Chen	KevRyan (22418)	::	2009-03-09 03:43
:::::Re: To pilpel-adom: Hi Chen	pilpel-adom (3016)	::	2009-03-09 06:33
::::::Re: To pilpel-adom: Hi Chen	KevRyan (22418)	::	2009-03-09 10:08
:::::::Re: To pilpel-adom: Hi Chen	pilpel-adom (3016)	::	2009-03-09 14:42
::::::::Re: To pilpel-adom: Hi Chen	KevRyan (22418)	::	2009-03-09 17:14

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