Still hoping for peace

Letters

Editor: As a member of the Peace Walker Society, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver for hosting our event – Just One Step – on Nov. 30. I would also like to thank all the people who attended this evening of storytelling, music and visual images about walking for peace in Israel and around the world, and to let your readers know that this was a peaceful event and that everyone I spoke to (which was pretty much everyone) considered the evening a great success. There were good questions from the audience about what it has been like, walking for peace these past 16 years. There were also more pointed questions about our walk in Israel in June 2002, such as wanting to know how we were able to remain impartial after witnessing so much pain during our visit there.

I generally respond to questions with stories from my "walking" experience and this evening was no exception. I explained that we are not a political organization – indeed we are the opposite, recognizing that peace is a process and must be manifested internally before it can be manifested externally. Yes, it is a challenge sometimes, to remain non-judgmental, but what other way is there to truly achieve peace? This statement is not only my personal belief but also reflects the intention of the Peace Walker Society.

Some of your readers may have read the letter that was published recently in the Jewish Bulletin from Jack Chivo entitled "Re-examine peace walkers' motives." (Nov. 22) I also received an e-mail from Jack and was shocked by the tone of both letters. How is it, I wondered, that a grandfather such as myself, who is simply concerned for his grandchildren's future, could possibly be construed this way? I responded to Jack as best I could and he responded back that I still didn't understand.

I want to understand and, to this end, invited him to attend our event or to meet me under other circumstances that were acceptable to him. Jack wasn't at Just One Step on Nov. 30 (at least he didn't make himself known). However, he has since agreed to meet with other (Jewish) members of the Peace Walker Society but so far not me.

It saddens me, to be honest, because I can see how easily misunderstandings can manifest themselves, despite people's good intentions. I'm left wondering, how can we possibly expect peace in the world when the Jacks and Dereks of the world can't even meet to discuss their differences? I'm still hopeful though because, without hope, all is lost. Shalom.

Derek Walker Youngs,
on behalf of the Peace Walker Society

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