Holy Land Trip | Part 7 | Syrian Border

The sad ending of our trip came too soon. However, we spent some time thinking on the last day about the current geopolitical environment of Israel. As a part of this, we traveled to the border between Israel and Syria on the Golan Heights.

Many would imagine this to be a violent and active place that you would never want to go to. However, standing at a distance with the border between the two countries in clear view, all was quiet. In fact, it was hard to even see a border there as portions of it were simply metal fencing. If it weren’t for military bases and signage, you would never expect that this was near the Syria we hear of in the news.

We learned about how this border has been home to UN Peacekeepers and to humanitarian operations that cared for victims of violence in the Syrian war. Israeli Defense Force soldiers would take wounded individuals to be treated in Israeli medical centers. They would also provide needed resources across the borders to those in need. In short, there has been peace here on the border for years while Israel is engaged in military action in other parts of Syria. It was an interesting dynamic to witness.

To add another level of complexity, I am struck by how insignificant this border appears to those we saw near Jerusalem. There, much larger concrete walls and observation towers separated Israel and Palestinian territory. Are the Palestinians seen as a larger threat than Syria or is the difference simply a matter of proximity? Amidst all the turmoil of the Middle East, shouldn’t Israelis and Palestinians work together for safety and security?

While answers to those questions are hard to come by, one thing remained certain. This was not at all what I expected.

I end the trip better informed about the conflict between Israel and Palestine but am unable to wrap-up these posts with clear verdicts. As seen at the Syrian border, there are many players in this region that all can make rapid changes here. Still, the conflict remains.

In the end, its clear the Jewish people needed a home. Palestinians need not to lose theirs. Both sides have made mistakes and destroyed trust with the other. Both are surrounded with conflict in their region. Both need to support the other in finding a solution and peace.

Before grabbing dinner and heading to the airport, we visited ancient Roman aqueducts on the shores of the Mediterranean. Looking out, all you can do is think of how special this place is to those whose heritage has always been in this land and to those who found refuge here amidst chaos abroad. Your heart breaks when naturally trying to take a side.

In the end, I’m left feeling the need to support both at the same time. I’m left with recommending both Israelis and Palestinians need to work to build bridges of understanding between each other. Only when they talk and see through the other eyes does this conflict seem to have hope for an end. Standing on the Syrian border with conflict seeming to come from all sides, shalom or peace, is the cry you seem to hear everywhere.

Shalom and Salam