The power of that lesson is to apply it bilaterally, rather than selectively. Applying it blindly in only one direciton turns it into a weapon rather than reflective wisdom.
Some will see it as applying only to Israel as the former victims of Nazi extermination, later becoming oppressive to Palestinians, feeling justified.
The power of that lesson is to apply it bilaterally, rather than selectively. Applying it blindly in only one direciton turns it into a weapon rather than reflective wisdom.
Some will see it as applying only to Israel as the former victims of Nazi extermination, later becoming oppressive to Palestinians, feeling justified.
Others will see it as a warning that Palestinians, the current designated victims, ever gain the power to accomplish their aims, they would try to exterminate Israelis, feeling justified.
The deep lesson is that both can be true, and that ANY victims can become the oppressors, period. If we get too emotionally attached on one demographic, we can slip into seeing only half of that picture, and turning that insight into a framing for perpetuating the seesaw of oppression, rather than escaping from it.
The power of that lesson is to apply it bilaterally, rather than selectively. Applying it blindly in only one direciton turns it into a weapon rather than reflective wisdom.
Some will see it as applying only to Israel as the former victims of Nazi extermination, later becoming oppressive to Palestinians, feeling justified.
Others will see it as a warning that Palestinians, the current designated victims, ever gain the power to accomplish their aims, they would try to exterminate Israelis, feeling justified.
The deep lesson is that both can be true, and that ANY victims can become the oppressors, period. If we get too emotionally attached on one demographic, we can slip into seeing only half of that picture, and turning that insight into a framing for perpetuating the seesaw of oppression, rather than escaping from it.