Over 2,000 Lebanese and Israeli citizens are dead. Hundreds are injured. Countless more are under the rubble of war-striken Israel and Palenstine. Two nations are devastated and divided. The abduction of two Israeli soldiers, and subsequent attacks in Israel by the Palestinian regime, Hezbollah, early this July, led to a full scale war in the two countries, leaving death and destruction on the consciousness of anyone who afforded the war the television time. Nations around the world watched as the war escalated. The casualties became countless, and the devastation insurmountable on both sides. However, as the worst fears about the discourse in the Middle East appeared to be unfolding, politics took its place amongst unwarranted and polarized opinions and condemnations. Who was wrong? Who was right? These are questions that most asked as they watched the Lebanese casualties surpass Israel's everyday, in contrast to what appeared to be Israel's relentless motivation to defend it's existence in the Middle East. But as the 34 days of war wore on, and the prospects of peace dwindled, it appeared to be evident that the complexities of such an enigmatic conflict were beyond that of allying with or against either country. As the Goucher community prepared to return to campus this year, in the midst of yet another controversial war, these complexities were ones that were heavy on the minds and hearts of many. Emotional investments made it difficult to return to friends, comrades, and classmates, but the Goucher community is, as always, ready to transcend boundaries. Sarah Abdelnaby '07, a Muslim student whose family hails from Egypt, said that she was shocked and panicked at the magnitude of the war, and the discourse on campus was a fear of hers. "I was shocked at the strategic points from which Hezbollah chose to launch an attack on Israel," Abdelnaby said. "But I was also shocked at the level of intensity on Israel's part. It seemed that Israel had emerged with all its might, and was very relentless in its mission. Abdelnaby said that she was also anxious about facing oppositional views on campus. "I was a little worried about coming back and facing the might of the campus campaign in supporting Israel and its actions," Abdelnaby said. However, she said that this only results in making her more assertive in her mission to promote and be more involved in a campus dialogue about the Middle East. Abdelnaby has been instrumental in both organizing and participating in events focused on Middle East politics, with the purpose of creating a balance to popular sentiment. In her efforts to start a Muslim group on campus, she said she does fear retaliation. "I already feel stigmatized and labeled from organizing and participating in some of the events that I have," she said. "Though I haven't spoken publicly, I feel that I have experienced the repercussions." Abdelnaby said that while she does discuss the topic with close friends, she would not shy away from discussing the issue if given a platform in a Goucher-centered discussion. But she does see her political science courses as her most important platform. She admits that she did not know what to expect in her return to studying politics in such a tumultuous time. But she wants to contribute as much as she can in class whenever the issue is brought up. "I don't know what to expect from class or professors, but I do feel that you should always contribute something that will bring a different perspective," Abdelnaby said. "I'm always prepared to do that." However, Abdelnaby said that she has not found herself having to address the issue as much as she had anticipated. She said that although students have been keeping abreast on the Middle East during the last three years she has been here, it has not been as prevalent an issue on campus in the last two weeks. Like many other students who are personally invested in the outcome of the conflict, Abdelnaby said staying informed about the conflict is very important to her. She watches the news every day. But, she noted that she does not take anything at face value and tries to think critically about the issue, no matter how hard it is to put emotion aside. "It saddens me to think about... how it's gone on for too long," she said. "If political leaders can't grasp the issue, what model do I follow [as a political science major]?" Abdelnaby shares a concern that she thinks is critical to understanding the conflict; it is not all about politics. "If I had the choice, I'd take Peace Studies courses so I could know how to approach and navigate this topic," she said. "In political science you're taught to think critically and analytically, but never really how you resolve it." Still, Abdelnaby said that she is hopeful that in her last year at Goucher, a constructive dialogue will emerge to discuss such a complex topic, and expressed that she has no doubt that the campus will come together to promote this dialogue soon. Similarly, in anticipating various discussions about the conflict at Goucher, Abdelnaby advises that the opportunity be taken with much consideration. "In starting my 4th year at Goucher, I've come to realize that college is a unique place and experience," she said. "We are provided with unique opportunities to express ideas, and this is an environment that doesn't exist anywhere else. In some ways it's like a safe haven and we need to take advantage of that. But embracing our differences doesn't necessarily mean changing things about [ourselves], but [it does mean] being open to and embracing differences of others." She continued, "Keep in mind that for all parties involved, the issue is very complex and there's a lot of gray area. ...I've come to believe that there's not a right or wrong solution. There's a human solution. For every action that's taken, there's a human consequence. If we keep our humanity and the humanity of others around us in perspective, we can make more sensitive decisions."
War penetrates the Goucher Bubble
Published: Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Updated: Monday, August 9, 2010 20:08
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