A handshake between longtime adversaries offers hope, sets standard we all should emulate
I had a special invitation last week from neighbors, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, to visit their special exhibition recreating Bethlehem. Congregants dressed up in the costumes of ancient Judea, telling the New Testament story of the events that led to the birth of Jesus of Nazareth.
Each station read from the Christian holy scriptures about their roles, and we had a chance to ask questions. Church members told me that they aimed to bring the Bible to life by enabling visitors to see what life was like in this special town made famous over history.
I listened and learned and had a chance to visit with my good friend Bishop Craig Dixon, who led the effort. This is a time for peace in the world — and to recognize the miracles, particularly in the Christian tradition of the birth of a Jewish child called Jesus, the son of Joseph and Mary.
Who can deny the power and blessing of goodwill by making peace in the world? When it works, there is really something to celebrate.
As a Jew, I want to share a different scene that brings these same sentiments of hope for a better world. There is nothing better than seeing former adversaries open their hearts and risk defying old prejudices in order to make shalom or peace.
When I witnessed Israeli Prime Minister Naphtali Bennet step off an EL Al flight into Abu Dhabi at the invitation of the Emirati Crown Prince Sheikh Zayed Al Nahman, I felt that sense of renewal and hope — not just for Israel but for the Middle East. It is a small moment but a huge one.
Just to watch the smiles on their faces and their embraces gave me pride in Israel but also hope that things can go in a better direction for the Jewish and Arab peoples. Just a few years ago, Israelis were not even allowed to visit this kingdom.
Of course, that hope ignores the politics surrounding alliances and the fear of Iran, which always looms over the Gulf States and the Arab Emirates. Israel may be a valuable ally, not only in defense issues for Abu Dhabi, but, also in the economic realm, which will bring the best kind of security to both nations.
What a great time of the year, from a western perspective, to watch Jewish and Muslim leaders embrace and shake hands! That would have been enough for me. I see these rare moments as miracles of shalom, or peace.
If only we could see such handshakes amongst adversaries in our own nation, sitting down to discuss not only their differences but to find paths to live with each other into the future.
We are so good at extending a helping hand when a tornado wipes out communities. We excel at saving lives during hurricanes, fires and floods, blizzards and earthquakes. Do those natural disasters distinguish between party affiliations? No, we are just human beings, regardless of our views on politics, race, or whatever issue divides us.
Nature does not care what we believe when it rages through our communities. In these situations we pull together, perform and witness heroic acts. Afterwards, when life returns and we have benefited from the help of strangers, can we acknowledge that we’ve seen the light? Can we say that our eyes have been opened to the goodness of people from all walks of life?
Peace among adversaries can lead to enduring stability for future generations. We should never give up on trying to make peace. It is the ultimate prize.
In the case of the leaders of Israel and Abu Dhabi, their handshakes carry a promise of peace for their children and grandchildren. All of the Christian world can also join that hope for peace in Bethlehem in a broader sense.
Remember Proverbs 16:7: “When a man’s ways please the Lord, even his enemies, He causes to be at peace with him.”
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and for the peace remembered by Christians all over the world in Bethlehem. Pray for the survivors and victims of the tornadoes in Kentucky and in other Midwest states.
I pray for all Christians a peaceful and spiritually uplifting Christmas and a happy New Year.