Jabir Asaqla, the Arab facilitator of the group and I have invited the participants
of the Yaad-Miaar dialogue process to see how they are: where they stand–
emotionally-following the war, to see together whether their participation in
the process had an effect on their attitude towards the war and towards the
respective “other”, to discuss the cemetery progress and again—to
think What Next. The group members accepted the invitation gladly and with anticipation.
After the initial excitement subsided, we started talk with a facilitated round
of ventilation. A lot of anger and frustration towards the war were expressed
by both sides. One Jewish participant shared with us her sorrow during the war
at not being able to summon up the energy to call any of the Arab participants,
just as she did not have the strength to call any of her Jewish friends.. Like
many, she was paralyzed and concentrated on her immediate family. Another Jewish
member made harsh judgments about the Arab states and the behavior of Arab citizens
(“dancing on the roof when missiles fell”), but, in the same breath
he added that in his mind, the only solution to the situation is this type of
dialogue processes. “I know” he said, “that none of the people
here would be glad if a missile would have hit my house. This is a seed that
has to be cultivated by having as many similar groups as possible.” Other
participant added:”I knew that when we meet, we would realize that nothing
has changed in our relationships and feelings towards each other.” A sort
of moderation was apparent. All participants expressed their opposition to war
of any sort. As opposed to their attitude two years ago, one could feel their
commitment and willingness to roll up their sleeves and take part in creating
more dialogue groups. They asked us, the facilitators, to set a date, so they
can start spreading the word and persuading members of both communities to join
a concrete dialogue process. Their phrasing was that 'we should make history
in this respect too: have a large number of Yaad-Miaar groups, so that as many
people from both communities will share the experience and have a change of
heart'. They also decided that once they have more partners – they will
start some sort of studying process together and will initiate more projects.
The participants expressed willingness and commitment to strengthen their bond
as a group. Particularly - in their words - to remain close, together, also
in times of dispute. The group agreed on a plan to renovate an old Miaar cemetery
as a pilot project, and, after its completion, they will proceed together in
designing and building of a Memorial park in the area of the old village center.