The challenges that I feel the Jerusalem Project 2011 faces is dealing with the current state of affairs, with regards to Palestine's recent bid for statehood. It seems like the talks are at yet another stalemate. The challenges that have faced past projects are the same that are faced this year. The struggle to get people to come together with mutual respect and the desire to really change towards peace.
For an activity for the future, I think it would be an interesting exercise to look at other countries who have gone through struggles about borders and how the issue was or not resolved. Jerusalem is a unique case because I cannot think of any other city where three prominent religions claim as their own. However, insights might be gained through looking at other struggles over borders, as well as, countries where there is conflict between cultures. I also think it would be a good exercise to look at the importance of names.
I agree, it would be helpful to look at other case studies, which involved countries who went through struggles like this. When Naomi mentioned South Africa in her presentation and how they dealt with the national anthem, this a a good example of how this cross-cutlural analysis could occur and be helpful when understanding Jerusalem.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with you and Amber. In the readings for Monday they discuss the tension that Belfast feels among the protestant and catholic populations. I don't know if they are succeeding at all in peace, but we could perhaps examine this situation and see what isn't working there.
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