Student: Hi Eione
Eione: What’s up?
Student: Did you know what happened on the east side of the Mediterranean Sea?
Eione: you mean the conflict that we hear every day?
Student: yeah… That was shocking. Why are they fighting?
Student: When something happened in the area, I always hear a word “Palestine””パレスチナ問題”. What is it? Is it a name of place or people living in the place?
Eione: It may be difficult to explain everything, but I will try to explain as simply as possible. It has been a region of battle since BCE.
Student: what is BCE?
Eione: What? You stopped there! Do I need to explain what BCE is? It stands for Before Common Era (紀元前). I hope you will continue to follow what is going to be explained.
What is Palestine? Where did it come from?
The name “Palestine” first appeared in the 5th century BCE. The name became more popular after the Roman Empire reorganized the region as “Syria-Palestina” in the 2nd century CE, following the suppression of the Jewish revolt. The name “Palestine” continued to be used by various states and empires that ruled the region, as well as by the Arab ethnic group that lives in or originates from the region, known as the Palestinians. The name “Palestine” is still used today to refer to the region and its people, although it is also a source of political and historical controversy. In short, Palestine is both a name of a place and a name of a people. As a place, Palestine is a region in the eastern Mediterranean that includes parts of modern Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. As a people, Palestine refers to the Palestinians, who are an Arab ethnic group that lives in or originates from this region.
Student: I see. Palestine can refer to both a people and a region. However, why are there so many conflicts occurring in that area?
Eione: It is indeed a complex issue, with people, religions, and politics all contributing to the current situation. Questions about ownership and territorial rights are at the core of this ongoing conflict. As we discussed earlier, these arguments are recurrent. Let me explain the history of the region. The region of Palestine has been inhabited by many different peoples throughout history. Unlike Japan, which are bordered by the sea, there are many different ethnic groups of peoples going out and coming in the area. That area has been under the control of the powers that be. The Romans conquered Jerusalem in 63 BCE and destroyed the Second Temple in 70 CE. Their occupation lasted several centuries. When Roman fell, an Islam group took the place, for example.
Student: OH I feel like taking a history class. I’ve started to have a headache.
Eione: Yes I know it is as complicated as memorizing the years in Japanese history. The crucial aspect here is that Jerusalem is a place where people’s thoughts, faiths, history, and culture intertwine. It holds immense importance for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
For instance, the Temple Mount (神殿の丘) is a profoundly significant religious site in Jerusalem, regarded as holy by both Jews and Muslims. The Western Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall (嘆きの壁), holds great religious significance for Jews, while the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock (岩のドーム) are of utmost importance for Muslims.
Student: Muslim, Judaism, and Christianity; three of the world major religions all in one.
Is it a coincidence? or the place is really a holy place?
Eione: What do you mean by that? Well, it is not a mere coincidence. Although some differences can be seen now, their roots trace back to one key figure, Abraham, who is prominently featured in their traditions. Stories such as the binding of Isaac are common threads in their beliefs, and some of the scenes are said to have taken place in the area. so it is a holy land. Therefore, it is important to them.
Student: After hearing from you, I got all mixed up and seriously stressed with all that info. It’s just too much, so I’m calling it a day and heading home now.
Eione: You see. That is what happens. It is so complicated that by the end of a day you forget, no progress is made. It is a truly complex and complicated issue. People so far away from them find it hard to imagine what they are going through right now.
Student: I watch news reports and footages which are devastating. Is there anything we can do?
Eione: Every person has some power in the world. you watch things on social media and you write messages. You have responsible for what you say. to be responsible, you need to know the facts, and think and discuss what you can do. This has an effect on the world. It may not be big, but it has some effect.
Student: I am getting sleepy. I may be information overloaded. I think about this later today.
Eione: Good on you. take care.
Questions