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Perceptions of Israel
"While I am glad to see the Israeli-Palestinian conflict covered in the news, I wish that we saw more of the positive activities that go on regularly throughout the region."
By Rebecca Gittelson
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Youth Radio's Rebecca Gittelson reflects on visiting Israel, and how her perception of the country contrasts its stereotypes in the media. (February 17 on WABE)
On my first trip to Israel, I awakened to a quiet house filled with distant, yet incredibly welcoming family members. My Israeli hostess had prepared a flakey pastry dish for breakfast. The feeling of peace I had eating that meal completely changed my original perception of the nation.
Despite the media image of Israel as a violent nation overrun by terrorism, I felt completely safe visiting the country, whether hiking through the desert, shopping in Tel Aviv, or sharing a meal with new friends.
I, like many Americans, have been bombarded with graphic images of the havoc wreaked by Palestinian suicide bombers and Israeli soldiers. While I am glad to see the Israeli-Palestinian conflict covered in the news, I wish that we saw more of the positive activities that go on regularly throughout the region.
Every day I spent in Israel, I witnessed Israelis, both young and old, performing “Tikkun Olam,” acts to repair the world. Although I did not get a chance to meet with any Palestinians, I know that many are also working for peace.
Israel is not a terrifying country whose people are overwhelmed by violence and focused solely on fighting the Palestinians. Rather, one of the biggest battles Israel needs to fight is in the media.
- Youth Radio Atlanta is produced in cooperation with WABE and funded in part by The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation.
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