Shana Hazboun & Ophyr Hanan
This pandemic is definitely showing people their similarities rather than their differences and how they can be together in spirit even while being apart. In a center where we run Peace Talk simulations and deal with conflict resolution, we find ourselves now on the same side facing a common enemy while dealing with our own personal thoughts and feelings. The question is, after this is all over, can we maintain this empathetic mindset when dealing with the conflict between the two nations?
As an Israeli, social distancing has been difficult. Some of the main characteristics of mine that I feel are synced with my nationality include warmth and close relationships with family (whom I have not seen in a while). The country is under almost full quarantine- we are only allowed out to supermarkets or drug stores. I worry for my family, but trust that at least I am doing my part to keep them safe by distancing myself and abstaining from physical closeness. It’s our duty as a nation to take control of the situation and to stay home as much as we can. I currently moved into my own apartment and the economic repercussions have started to take their toll. Sometimes I feel hopeless, while seeing people in Tel Aviv walking around with their kids, strolling in parks, and making picnics on the beach- it makes me furious, worried that people aren’t taking this seriously. Seeing people show ignorance to the gravity of this pandemic makes me wonder if this period in time will ever end. Yet, I try to stay optimistic and work as much as I can from home, less for my sake but for the sake of others that aren’t as healthy as me, others that don’t have the luxury of being 22 and not at risk. It also motivates me to watch the country take charge of the situation with responsible proactive steps. One day, we all took a stand by unanimously taking a break from our lives in order to go out and applaud the medical staff for their excruciatingly hard and brave work from our back porches. That made my heart swell with pride for my country. I am confident that we can learn from this and in the long run reach a positive awakening as to how to live our lives in a more peaceful manner. As for now, I suggest we take things day by day and stay calm.
I was one of the many who previously underestimated the power the virus because I was selfish. “I am a healthy 19 year old, I am safe.” I slowly began to understand the fact that I am putting every immunodeficient person around me in jeopardy. I understood how important it is to practice social distancing. It helped me realize a few things, like how often I tend to touch my face, or all the different ways I can occupy my time without having the need to go out or interact with others.
I am currently thinking of my gap year and all the ways this virus affected it both positively and negatively. I am also thinking of my academic future, in what ways will it be affected? Moreover, I am thinking of all the people who are unemployed because of the pandemic, all of those who are currently struggling to put bread on the table, the economic recession our world will have to deal with, but I know it will pass.
I am proud of Palestine and my people for taking responsible actions right from the start to deal with this pandemic. Just seeing so many people being so involved with the current global situation, and their worry for themselves and those around them motivates me to do it as well.
We would like to thank all the nurses, doctors, janitors, delivery men and women, and all of those who are working insane hours away from the comfort of your own homes to tend to those who need you, now more than ever, our hearts go out to you.
We believe in spite of Corona’s best efforts, we can grow immune to it by uniting against it through acts of kindness, generosity, awareness to other people’s needs, and realizing that we are all on the same boat. This terrifying phase in society could lead towards greater opportunities for cultures to gain perspective and see eye to eye on what's really important.
“There is a world B.C- Before Corona- and a world A.C- After Corona.”
Thomas L. Friedman, New York Times issue, March 20th, 2020
Maybe this was the boost that we needed in order to implement how to build and become a better world, a new world.