Kat, thank you for this insightful piece. By linking one friend's tragic loss of her father (although he was still alive he was lost to her) because of his Viet Nam experience, to another friend's loss in the horrific attack in Israel, you have helped universalize the experience of loss through war.
I wonder, wouldn't it be a wonderful breakthrough if "each religion," as Amir says below, could realize that they are both correct? That "God says they have a right to this place?" If both sides could recognize the Divine right of the other, might that be a great starting point? The result might be not either or, but both.
"In our brief time together, Amir said, 'It is an impossible situation. Each religion feels their God says they have a right to this place.'”
It really would be a wonder, Denise, if that "small" (mountain-sized) shift could be made--the journey from either/or to both/and. It is truly the miracle we need . . .
Kat, Your latest piece is poignant and timely, as always. Although I have not been in the Cu Chi tunnels, I did go into the Vinh Moc tunnels up near the former DMZ. The experience brought home to me the desperation and terror of war like nothing else.
Karen, that must have been the most harrowing of "tourist traps." If you feel inclined, I would be happy to share that experience/chapter in this space, too. Like me, you have a multi-faceted viewpoint to offer.
Good idea. I’ll send you something to post in a couple of weeks. Just getting organized again after being away.
Terrific. Take your time and take care as you settle back in!
Kat, thank you for this insightful piece. By linking one friend's tragic loss of her father (although he was still alive he was lost to her) because of his Viet Nam experience, to another friend's loss in the horrific attack in Israel, you have helped universalize the experience of loss through war.
I wonder, wouldn't it be a wonderful breakthrough if "each religion," as Amir says below, could realize that they are both correct? That "God says they have a right to this place?" If both sides could recognize the Divine right of the other, might that be a great starting point? The result might be not either or, but both.
"In our brief time together, Amir said, 'It is an impossible situation. Each religion feels their God says they have a right to this place.'”
It really would be a wonder, Denise, if that "small" (mountain-sized) shift could be made--the journey from either/or to both/and. It is truly the miracle we need . . .
Kat, Your latest piece is poignant and timely, as always. Although I have not been in the Cu Chi tunnels, I did go into the Vinh Moc tunnels up near the former DMZ. The experience brought home to me the desperation and terror of war like nothing else.
Karen, that must have been the most harrowing of "tourist traps." If you feel inclined, I would be happy to share that experience/chapter in this space, too. Like me, you have a multi-faceted viewpoint to offer.