Changing Our Reality

Abstract

For generations, the continuation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has reinforced hatred and opposing senses of destiny, mistrust, and negative stereotypes on both sides (Bar-Tal, 1997; Slone, Tarrasch, & Hallis, 2000; Teichman & Zafrir, 2003). It is little wonder that to this very day, Palestinian and Jewish citizens of Israel live in separate towns and neighborhoods and send their children to separate schools, and experience totally different lifestyles in two diverse societies. The limited occasions on which they meet are primarily for formal services, rarely for communal interaction. Ironically enough, the only site at which both Jews and Palestinians can share the same pain and worry is the hospital, where we are reminded that, ultimately, we are all mortal and human.