Joost talks to Mirjam Schild and Zohair Elabd, both supervisors 30NOW. The reason is the events in Israel and Palestine. Mirjam is Jewish, Zohair has Palestinian roots. In an open meeting, from heart to heart, the conversation is about their feelings. How do they experience the news and seeing the spiral of violence? Zohair: 'I noticed in the first weeks that I could not sympathize with Israel, there was no compassion.' Mirjam: 'I had doubts about the meaning of existence: why are we here on earth if we all do this to each other?'
Zohair and Mirjam share their feelings of pain and sadness and how difficult it is to remain open to other views, not to identify with one's own group, but to look at this conflict from a bigger picture. "I think it works too," says Zohair. Working on connection, tuning in to compassion, not getting caught up in bitterness. They both argue for a humanization of the world and find each other in the words of Etty Hillersum: 'One thing is certain: we must help increase the supply of love on this earth'.
Nice respectful conversation, a nice ending with Etty Hillesum's statement -
Increasing the Supply of Love on the Earth
Thank you for the honest, comforting and hopeful conversation. Mirjam thanks for the strong words from Etty Hillesum.