1. Conflict in the Middle East has deep historical roots, resulting in pain for both Palestinians and Israelis. It's essential to acknowledge their shared suffering to find a path toward peace.

2. Both peoples have experienced trauma and loss, which has led to their current actions. By recognizing this, we can better empathize with their struggles and work towards a resolution.

3. Understanding the historical context, like displacement and occupation, can shed light on the reasons behind their actions. Compassion for the pain on both sides is vital for fostering reconciliation.

4. It's important to remember that people on both sides are affected by the conflict. Their actions are often driven by fear, anger, and a desire for security, making it crucial to empathize with their perspectives.

5. Listening to personal stories from Palestinians and Israelis can humanize the conflict and highlight the deep-seated pain and suffering that drives their actions.

6. By acknowledging the shared suffering and recognizing the humanity on both sides, we can work together to find common ground and move towards a more peaceful future.

THERE’S NO ‘SIDE’ BUT THE INSIDE

Film: The Universal Pain-Body

The disentangling of a person from his race, religion, and country - seeing each perpetrator of violence as individual, empowers the overwhelming majority of the peaceful, within every race, religion, and country.

See the oppressed in the oppressor. The oppressed become the oppressors, until we witness the cycle with compassion and understanding.

If we divide into two camps - even into violent and the nonviolent - and stand in one camp while attacking the other, the world will never have peace. - Ayya Khema

Even the most peacefully intentioned among us, if we find ourselves anti-Israel or anti-Palestine, we are unconsciously contributing to war.

I S R A E L : ' We are commanded to love our neighbor as ourself. How can I do this if my neighbor has wronged me? '

The rabbi answered, ' You must understand these words correctly. Love your neighbor like something which you yourself are. For all souls are one. '

I N E X T R I C A B L Y   B O U N D — **I N E X T R I C A B L Y B O U N D**

The division of an atom is mass destruction, only because it was once O N E . So with the oneness inherent in the descendants of Abraham. Here, it is possible to put the atom back together.

The root of all people is made of two desires: The desire to give of themselves, and to be known, seen, and heard. When there is an obstacle in the natural flow of this happening, war is c r e a t e d .

**The survival of everybody ( person and p e o p l e ) on this planet is contingent upon everybody on this planet feeling known, seen, heard. • ( L i s t e n , S e e , K n o w . )**

W E   A R E   E A C H   O T H E R   . — **W E A R E E A C H O T H E R .**

' It may happen that your hand makes a mistake and hits you. But would you then take a stick and punish your hand because it lacked understanding, and so increase your pain? It is the same if your neighbor, who is of one soul with you, wrongs you because he does not understand. If you punish him, you only hurt yourself. ' - Rabbi Shmelke, Nikolsburg

Wherever on the body it is hit, the One is wounded.

THIS IS THE UNIVERSAL PAIN-BODY.

The implications of there being a Universal, Collective Pain-Body are many. It suggests that human suffering and emotional wounds are interconnected, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries. It implies that the pain experienced by individuals or groups in different parts of the world can resonate with others because there's a shared human experience of suffering.

In this context, when one group or individual experiences deep pain, trauma, or conflict, it can create a ripple effect that impacts the collective consciousness of humanity. This shared pain can contribute to a cycle of violence and conflict because the suffering of one group can trigger responses from others who empathize with or feel threatened by that pain.

Ultimately, the idea of a universal collective "pain-body" underscores the interconnectedness of human experiences and the need for empathy and understanding across borders and cultures to break the cycle of violence and promote peace and healing.