“President Biden may soon accept an invitation to visit Israel” (New York Times, 16 Oct 23). The Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, in an unprecedented shift of conscience, has announced a major policy change.
He turned his “War Cabinet” into a Peace Cabinet, listening to the vast number of Israeli citizens, and others throughout the world, desirous of a change to peace and progress in the Middle East.
Israel will not invade Gaza. Instead, Israel will halt war preparations. It will proclaim Gaza and other areas of Arab residence to be free to form, as soon as possible, a new State of Palestine! Calling on the United Nations to observe and assist, it will re-instigate efforts to mend relations with the United Arab Republic, with Egypt and other surrounding States.
It will proclaim Jerusalem an “open city,” welcoming Jews, Muslims, Christians, and other religions to worship. Israel, thus, will astound the world by taking the lead with these courageous acts. Others will be encouraged (Russia, in Ukraine, etc.) to cease and desist belligerence, to “make love, not war . . . ”
Wait! Is this true? Is this a dream? (Yes, except Biden’s possible visit). But, the rest? “Inshallá, (Arabic), Ojalá (Spanish/Portuguese), or “May God make it so.” Could it be? It must be first dreamed, agreed, then, encouraged, instigated, supported. There will be no peace in the Middle East until this happens. It happened before; the current warring tribes lived together in peace in the Middle Ages. Too late now? Let’s hope not; most now know how violence in one area affects all. In South Texas, we are affected. Many are frightened. Could the violence strike here?
Rabbi Nathan Farb, of Temple Emanuel, McAllen, Texas, notes, gracias a Dios, neither he nor his synagogue have received threats. Are there antisemitic people around? (Anti-Jewish and/or anti-Arab; both are Semitic people). Could be. Racism knows no bounds. But the Rio Grande “Valley” is lucky. So far, few overt manifestations of that disease.
Never say never. But, luck has been with us so far. We give thanks. But the Rabbi notes the reason: “Local Imams and Mosques have long participated with the Temple and other groups in joint community events;” and now, most “hope for peaceful solutions to international problems” (Brian R. Svendsen, “McAllen Rabbi Speaks About Local Impact of Israel’s Conflict,” Valley Central, 16 Oct 23). What are we in the Valley doing right? We don’t kid ourselves.
We hear the drumbeat from State officials: “Razor the River; Build that Wall!” We see the occasional huge pick-up with large, often desecrated black or blue flags, along with the ubiquitous orange banner; the “in your face,” pumping audio. Many of us have our suspicious neighbors or that angry, right-wing uncle on email. But, generally, Anglo Americans, Mexican Americans, African Americans, Native Americans, others, have lived, inter-married, worked together down here in relative peace for generations; we don’t tolerate intolerance.
We note and welcome the large number of immigrants (agricultural workers, domestic workers, doctors, nurses, so many others) who have settled and blended nicely into the economy. Other places, currently in the U.S., are riven with ideological splits; the Texas Governor stirs the pot by his expensive “busing” stunts. New York, Chicago are deliberately bestirred and divided.
Some college campuses are disturbed (Stanford, University of Pennsylvania). But students and professors on our major campus, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, remain peaceful (perhaps too quiet?). Is our “peace” a dream? Will our tranquility burst? Let us think, converse, share, work, (pray?), do our best to maintain the joys and benefits of the “lower Rio Grande Valley” of Texas. Inshalá! Ojalá! May God make it so.
Editor’s Note: The above guest column was penned by UT-Rio Grande Valley Professor Emeritus Dr. Gary Joe Mounce. The column appears in The Rio Grande Guardian International News Service with the permission of the author. Dr. Mounce can be reached by email via: gjmounce@gmail.com.
