Coming Soon...

My thoughts on Israeli and American Jewish youth and the importance of keeping the peace movement alive in Israel and the Occupied Territories.

In the meantime, visit me on facebook at facebook.com/pharreze

-Matan

And I Begin...

This is the first posting in what I hope will become a platform for grassroots change, education and personal transformation and empowerment. It is my strong opinion that political change and democratic reform, from Israel/Palestine to Iran to the United States, cannot occur without identifying, acknowledging and then breaking down our personal, inner barriers and prejudices and embracing our sacred union with fellow man and woman.

With that, I think a personal introduction is most appropriate for "opening night." In the writing that will develop here, I will make no mention of my nationality, citizenship or political affiliation. The latter will obviously become more clear to the reader as my thoughts develop, but it is immensely important for them to to stand apart from any particular political ideology or movement.

I will say, however, that I have lived in Israel and the United States during both times of relative peace and times of war and violent conflict. It is also relevant that, although my spiritual practices are uniquely my own, I am firmly rooted in the Jewish history and practices of my people and our ancestors.

Many peace activists, especially today, state that they are realists and that they only wish to be able to live a life free from fear of occupation or death. They have little or no interest in grander themes of humanity and our inherent decency and collective spirit. Regardless of whether this position is genuine or an effort to avoid being coined "cheesy" or trite, it is legitimate and I support it wholeheartedly. I don't believe the peace movement has any room to be picky about individual identity. However, I am not afraid to say that my commitment to peacemaking stems from my utter faith in the inborn decency and potential of mankind, and a vision of that potential becoming reality for generations to come.

I have been fortunate enough to experience very early in life true generosity of spirit, and I would be nothing if I did not at least attempt to give that back in some lasting way.

Therefore, it is with a full heart that I welcome you to my individual effort. Please communicate with me in whatever way you can, as dialogue is so essential to growth and change.

Shalom v'Salaam שלום ו سلام

Matan