The following article has been taken from theage.com.au and also appeared in Saturday 25 March Age newspaper. It is written by Martin Flanagan, Journalist & Peace Team Australian Delegation.
Martin Flanagan
A FEW months ago I had reason to reflect on my mortality and realised that the cause which interested me most, the one I give the greatest weight to, is peace.
I realise, to some people, peace is an empty word. Perhaps it is best understood by considering its opposite – war, particularly as it is fought nowadays, with lots of civilian casualties. Children with limbs blown off, that sort of thing. I think war is hell. I’m not a pacifist, but do think there are people who carry peace with them through the world and they have my undying respect.
I’ve gone to Israel for 10 days. I’m part of a delegation led by Tanya Oziel, the woman who organised the Palestinian-Israeli football team that competed in the AFL International Cup three years ago and is preparing to return. For the record, I am paying my air fares but my accommodation is being sponsored by the Peres Peace Centre, which also sponsors the Israeli-Palestinian team, hence its name – the Peace Team.
A FEW months ago I had reason to reflect on my mortality and realised that the cause which interested me most, the one I give the greatest weight to, is peace.
I realise, to some people, peace is an empty word. Perhaps it is best understood by considering its opposite – war, particularly as it is fought nowadays, with lots of civilian casualties. Children with limbs blown off, that sort of thing. I think war is hell. I’m not a pacifist, but do think there are people who carry peace with them through the world and they have my undying respect.
I’ve gone to Israel for 10 days. I’m part of a delegation led by Tanya Oziel, the woman who organised the Palestinian-Israeli football team that competed in the AFL International Cup three years ago and is preparing to return. For the record, I am paying my air fares but my accommodation is being sponsored by the Peres Peace Centre, which also sponsors the Israeli-Palestinian team, hence its name – the Peace Team.
He wept addressing the Peace Team during their final game. ”I’ll miss you f—ing blokes,” he cried. His last speech to the team deserves to be recorded. He was speaking, let it be recalled, to two of the most violently conflicted groups on earth. ”We gotta stay in touch,” he said. ”When you play footy with someone, you might not see ’em for years. Then you see ’em walking down the street and say, ‘F—, what are you doing?’ ” That, I reckon, is Australia at its best.
I know I’m going to a deeply troubled region. I also know I’m going to a powerful land. Three great religious dreamings emanate in one way or another from there.
Reg Saunders, Lionel Rose’s uncle, told me the Christ stories came alive for him when he was in what was then called Palestine as an Australian soldier during World War II. Aboriginal people believe in the power of place. So do I.
Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/society-and-culture/peace-is-more-than-just-a-word-20110624-1gjom.html#ixzz1QNBEMc72
