Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Vicki M, Cincinnati, Ohio — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:52:23 GMT

We may live in a small world, but there are people with even smaller minds. She should keep going; don't let those people with small minds stop you.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Pan, Grass Valley, CA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:54:00 GMT

Many times in the past Muslims (Arabs) and Jews have lived in peace side by side. This isn't Muslim vs. Jew. It's European Jew vs. Arab. That's what it's about.
It's always the women who set things right. Start listening to them. Honor your mothers. Set down the guns and pick up the violins. Have a feast together. Get everyone some water and electricity and food and a job, and everything will be right.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

chris, alabama — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:55:21 GMT

And they say it is the Israeli's oppressing them. Seems they are doing a pretty good job on their own.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

John Davis — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:57:12 GMT

She tried to tell the children while they were on the "bus"??? On the way to concert? The children were tricked and shame on Wafaa Younis for her actions. She should have been clear from the beginning what her intentions were.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Nikki Cravotta, Black Lick, PA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:02:11 GMT

It is such a pity that the "Who cares?" attitude blankets the world so heavily these days. Who cares... if genocide was government sponsored then (and now)...if a group of people was singled out for torture. death, etc. because of race or creed then (and now)...if the world only cared about the bottom line and not human decency then (or now)...nobody cared about anyone but themselves then (or now)? I guess we as a species never learn that the sum of our parts is greater than the individual ones.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

michelle — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:04:25 GMT

she certainly has my respect. of course only the ignorant would believe that she had a political agenda. if only we could get everyone to think the way she does, the world wouldnt be in this mess.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

marc sommer chicago, il — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:04:53 GMT

While the Palestinians and the Arab world in general are quick to define Israeli actions in Gaza and the West Bank with terms taken directly from WW II their people are ignorant of what a real Holocaust is. If the Palestinians think that 13 youths playing music for a small group of Holocaust survivors is a political act, I wonder if there is anything a Palestinian can do with an Israeli that they would not consider a political act? We need a lot more interactions like music to promote at least a peaceful atmosphere.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Palestinian — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:14:25 GMT

As a Palestinian who is for peace, I think what she did was not right. I like the idea, but to hide her agenda from the kids and their families and tell them on the bus while they were on the way to the concert is just wrong. I am sure she would have received lots of support had she been upfront with more details regarding the concert.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Ilse Hadda, 2440 Walnut Street #5, Berkeley, California — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:15:48 GMT

It makes me extremely sad to see so many examples that my fellow Jews who have suffered discrimination as I have(having had to leave my native land under the Nazi regime) that they have learned nothing from their own experience! After driving out the indigenous people (whatever you want to call them--Palestinians or Arabs) from the homes they inhabited and creating Israel, they continue to harass, persecute and even kill them. Do they really believe that this will earn them goodwill in the world or make some kind of positive solution with the Palestinians which will be honored by righteous people? This Palestinian woman single-handedly tried to create an event for Holocaust survivors which
should help to unite, instead of causing division and more hatred.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

basilikon, Middle Georgia — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:21:19 GMT

While I am an American Jew born too late in the century to have experienced the Holocaust (thank G!d), I have to say that I sympathise greatly with those who endured it and witnessed its atrocities.

I am touched by the efforts of this woman, and I am deeply saddened that even in the Holy Land, politics are alive and well and strong enough to snuff the plans for peaceful resolution to the ageless conflict between Israeli Arabs and Jews.

My prayer is that G!d will reward Younis in this life and the next for her endeavours, and that He will likewise give to Hindi in this life what he justly deserves for his efforts at keeping alive a conflict the retirement of which is long overdue. Shalom.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Marla, Miami, FL — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:23:49 GMT

What is this world coming to? If we do not learn from our past mistakes and put down the arms we will eventually blow this world and each other up. There are so few Holocaust survivors left in this world. I hope the world does not forget or it will happen again. This hatred of Muslim vs Jew or any other "infidel" will destroy us.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Marina, NY, NY — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:23:58 GMT

I wonder, why patriotic Palestinians allowed their children to study violin at all? Is it a Palestinian business, to play a violin? Do they want to be like those Jews? It is only fitting that they disbanded the group. It is surprising, they allowed it to exist long enough that the kids even learned to play.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

John Z, CA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:30:38 GMT

Using these children to entertain their Jewish oppessors is no different than Jewish musicians having to play for their German oppessors over 60 years ago. Israel has used the events of WWII to justify violations of international law, the stealing of land and ethnic cleansing for over 6 decades. What might have been a good idea starting an orchestra has been turned into a political football with the children suffering because of Younis' misguided agenda. Until Israel ceases their ethnic cleansing of Palestine Palestinians should not be used to entertain their killers

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

George King, West Montroe, La. — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:31:25 GMT

Sad. Let's make something political out of something as pretty as young people mastering a concert and giving the pleasure of it to a bunch of very old people. Way to go Palestine. You guys must really have glass belly buttons.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Gordon — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:33:07 GMT

Anyone who knows first hand what is happening in the Middle East knows that the Arabs and Jews are first cousins. They want the problems to end, but government interests won't allow it. I doubt that there will ever be peace in the Middle East. If there were peace, then all of the incoherently chanting, unwashed fundamentalists would be out of a job. Can you imagine if there were intellectual, artistic and economic freedom among all the people in the Middle East? I guess that's way too much to hope for.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

MJ Chevy Chase,Maryland — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:34:40 GMT

A concert for old people, by a well meaning "teacher', who sees no geographical boundaries in music, political issues with children, or prejudice between Israeli and Muslims when it comes to kindness is attacked, left homeless and is going to be robbed of money meant for her students.......Ala Akbar

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

linda gargiulo, Foster City,CA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:36:56 GMT

i HONOR Wafaa Younis for attempting something POSITIVE against all odds.

Why is it we always kill the PEACE makers....

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Atheist, Seattle, WA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:38:13 GMT

Typical of the middle east today. There is no way to be e moderate Palestinian. If you are lucky to be an Israeli Arab you are just banned from entering again. If you happen to be from the territories, god help you, you will be afforded the honour of asking for his help in person very quickly.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Tim — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:38:23 GMT

Here is a true candidate for the Nobel PEACE prize

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Al Vail eugene oregon, OR — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:38:31 GMT

Bravo Ilse Hadda right on the money.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Angela, Boston, MA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:39:15 GMT

This story reminds me of a music professor in Venezuela who started teaching music years ago to children from poor, criminal and abusive background. Now the kids play music everywhere, in Venezuela and internationally. Since playing music, there is very little recidivism as far as kids returning to crime. Many of them have grown up to become good students and law-abiding citizens. And they could care less about politics. The same opportunity should also be afforded to the Palestinian children. It takes a village to raise a child, so it doesn't matter how far you live from Israel/Palestine, everyone should have a positive stake in the children's future.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

CT, ATL, GA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:39:18 GMT

EVERYTHING is political with regard to Israel/Palestine. Israel tries to stifle Palestinian art and economy, to negate a people and continue to steal their land, while Palestinian leaders do not want to give legitimacy or cooperation to their oppressors/occupiers.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Guillermo Zepeda — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:43:47 GMT

This lady will be rewarded in heaven big time and she will lead angles in praise to God with legions of violin players!!

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

John — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:45:42 GMT

she hopes that Palestinian boys will put down their stones. Will the Israeli's put down there tanks and attack Helicoptors? Will there be no more Israeli military occupation? Will there be a right to return for Palestinian refugees?
DIDN'T THINK SO!

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Maz, Los Angeles, CA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:49:16 GMT

The sad commentary is that if she told the children and their parents of the concert and they decided to continue, the Palestinians (and those here saying they are for peace) would simply find another way to discredit them. They are all phonies, especially those who claim to be for peace.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Sakito Nisei, Manhattan, New York City, New York — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:49:23 GMT

Although I wonder how these children truly didn't know that they were playing for such a political reason, still, kudos to her for trying to keep them away from violence in such a violent country.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Douglas Miller, Detroit, Michigan — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:50:09 GMT

The PA has been glamorized by the media as the "moderates" in the Arab war against the Jews. How are decent people supposed to react to this hateful attack by the PA against an Arab woman and school children who were just doing an act of kindness.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Da Butly — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:50:16 GMT

What is the Big Deal here?? Come on let's live in peace.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Allan Richard Macon Georgia — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:50:24 GMT

I want to respond to Marina,NY,NY. It is your attude and the same attude that the Palestinians hold that will keep them in a war that they can not win with Israel. I know some young Israeli Plaestinians in Mobile Alabama and they will not budge one inch to make peace. So in my opnion let them suffer with their unwillingness to come to peace.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

rich hurdle bend,oregon — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:51:01 GMT

Hi,
I am very touched by this article. I have some violins and strings and violin parts that I would like to donate to her. Is there a way to contact her to send here these things.
Thank You,
Rich Hurdle

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Pray for Peace — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:51:53 GMT

I returned from visiting Israel for the first time 3 weeks ago on a christian holy land visit. I entered through the 28' high walls the palestinian people are being prisoned by in the West Bank. If you had seen the living conditions the Palestine people our living in your hearts would surely go out to them no matter what side of the conflict you support. Please pray for peace and look to the future not the past.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

zahra, Montreal, QC — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:52:29 GMT

why doesn't she try to teach the israelies to play a concert for the palestinians and put down their guns!

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Mary Little Egg Harbor NJ — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:53:06 GMT

Marina--Your comment is a perfect example (unfortunately) of why there will be no peace in the Middle East in my lifetime. In your view a Palestinian is only patriotic if they are not like "those Jews" learning how to bring the beauty of music to the world. At least this woman is TRYING in her own small way to improve the world instead of hating. Why are we so quick to lash out at her for telling these children who they were going to entertain while on the bus instead of giving her the benefit of the doubt that she did not think that there was going to be such an outcry by some foolish individuals? I am Catholic and can see both sides of this complex religious issue between Israelis and Palestinians, it is fanaticism on both sides that are doom to any peace.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

bydand — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:54:13 GMT

Thank you Mr Davis and also Marina. It is people like you with your small hateful minds who are the cause of all the misery in the world today. Oh by the way, since when does a violin have a nationality?

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Ricardo, Fort Lauderdale FL — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:54:25 GMT

What an ignorant comment. The ones who made this issue a political issue where the palestinian politicians. The girl was just trying to teach these kids something other than hate. How is LEARNING how to play an instrument unpatriotic? Just as I expected from a small mind, to put barriers on knowledge.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Danielle.Little Rock,AR — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:55:10 GMT

You know it is time that the jews let it go about the holocost,no i do not mean forget it.
The holocost happened in germany not the middle east,and it is as usual the european jew who screams and shouts about what is happenning in israel.
Can you imagine if america was told that we had to gibe back the land we took from mexico what would happen here.
The fact it is done and the palestinians are now having the same done to them as gemany did,i think we would fight for our homeland.
The majority of jews who have settled over there are from here and europe.
It has to become one state again and we have to discuss it openly like they do in isreal,here you cannot say anything that is not in total agreement with isreal.
Also the ones who actually in isreal who are the extremest do not work they are subsidized to study the torah and provided housing etc.
We have to learn to live together no race is superior to any other race.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Arab for Peace — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:56:02 GMT

I find it ironic tht the people who suffered the most prsecution are now causing these children and millions of other refugees live in camps, while thier homes are occupied by Israeli Jews! Enjoy the show!

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Michael, Huron, South Dakota — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:57:33 GMT

I feel for the children. They are caught in the middle of a political agenda. If they are capable to play a small concert, they have probably been working long and hard at learning the stringed instruments. Now, they have had all of their hard worked pulled out from under them, and their orchestra has been disbanded. The heartache they are having to endure is wrong. It is wrong that people are making this political... All they did was play for some elderly people.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

andy gump Boston, MA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:58:35 GMT

You are right Marina. Why would Palestinians want to learn anything cultural or explore outside their self oppressed territory? Why see what the civilized world does or looks like? See demoracy, technology and higher education in action? Why bother, isn't it just better for them to live the way that they do? As a matter of fact how can you live in NY with so many Jews around you? Why don't you just go live in the West Bank or better try Gaza.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Maryam, Salt Lake City, Utah — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:58:49 GMT

I understand Hindi's rage; why not tell the children who they were playing for? Certainly they would not be against the Holocaust survivors, but rather against the Israeli government that is in itself inflicting their own Holocaust on Palestinians, esp. in Gaza.

It is a shame that survivors of the Holocaust are inflicting their own Holocaust on Palestinians:

***DOV WEISGLASS, ADVISER TO ISRAEL’S PRIME MINISTER OLMERT, SAID IN 2006: “THE IDEA IS TO PUT THE PALESTINIANS ON A DIET, BUT NOT TO MAKE THEM DIE OF HUNGER.”***

*****

STATS: 50,800+ GAZANS ARE NOW HOMELESS
400,000+ ARE WITHOUT RUNNING WATER

ALL LACK BASIC NECESSITIES

900,000+ PALESTINIANS HAVE BEEN DISPLACED FROM THEIR HOMELAND SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE ISRAELI OCCUPATION IN 1948 [WWW.HUMANRIGHTSHOUSE.ORG.]

Too unfortunate... this is NOT an issue between Jews and Muslims, as the media wants you to believe. Rather, this is an issue of Zionists forcing their ideologies on others; what if Christian and Muslim Palestinians do not believe in the Zionist ideology, that 'God gave them the land??' Even if they don't believe in your particular belief, you will still enforce it on them? Now, that's NOT A DEMOCRACY; THAT'S AN ETHNOCRACY. And besides, many Jews are against the state of Israel, believing they should not get their own homeland until their messiah returns. And even Jews who do not believe this are against the human rights violations imposed by Israel on a daily basis, inflicted on an already victimized Palestinian civilian population.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Melissa, San Francisco, CA, USA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:58:54 GMT

Sick. The only way to end this conflict is through the children. By not not poisoning their minds with hate. The Palestinians do nothing but shoot themselves in the foot at every opportunity. Some of the comments on here are ridiculous also. European Jew vs. Muslim rather than Jew vs. Muslim? Your an idiot. The vast majority of Jews living in the ME were forcibly exiled from their homes in Jordan, Morocco, Egypt, etc. These were not Euro Jews. Plain rubbish. Read the Koran and the Sunnah, you'll see. Jew hatred is rampant.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

June Getraer, Greens Farms, CT. — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:59:22 GMT

It is said that music is a universal language. This action by the Palistinian political leader is more evidence that the Palestinian people are being cut off from any communication which will lead to their being able to reach common cause with their neighbors in Israel. That they do not know of the holocost wrought by the Nazis, gives rise to the question whether they know what a holocost really is and leads one to wonder if they have even heard of what has been going on in Darfur with their fellow Muslims.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Carol S, Port Orchard, Wash — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:01:46 GMT

This just shows the mindset that prefers destruction over building up, death over life and a lie over truth. As long as hate trumps love, there will be this violence and backward thinking that enslaves the Palestinians.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

World citizen — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:04:19 GMT

The abused become the abusers. Israel treats Palestinians the way they were treated during the holocost. These children in Jenin have grown up in a concentration camp witnessing things that no children should witness. The idea of playing music has good intention however to trick them isn't.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

dj,pdx — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:06:19 GMT

“Adnan Hindi…called the Holocaust a political issue.”

It is a politcal issue because people KEEP it a political issue. Did anyone ask the people at the concert if they minded so very much that the children were Palestinian? I am sure they do not hold the children responsible for their past pain.

Learn then leave the past in the past. No one holds a grudge like the Arab nations.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Phil Marley — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:06:28 GMT

Everyone's missing the point. The Israeli's have taken Palestinian land, divided its people, dehumanized them, and now to add salt to injury, induced their children to honor the holocaust while continuing to deny the existense of the atrocities committed against the Palestinian people. This is a like a dirty joke.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

FM seattle,Wa — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:07:51 GMT

I commend her efforts but i understand why the Palestinians took offence. Could she not see that it was a politically charged concert potentially offensive to the Palestinians.
Where are the Jewish boys entertaining or helping elderly Palestinian victims. As always it is always about the jewish victims.
The jews have not learned from their past. They have no empathy with their neighbors. They are doing many of the same things that were done to them.
She missed the point that the boys are the victims now. The elderly survivors should have let go of their past long ago and used their knowledge to be peacemakers with their neighbors. They should be entertaining the boys in equal measure, buying their instruments perhaps as they can well afford to.
We see the Jews as revelling in their victim status while dishing out pain to others.
I commend her for trying to do something peaceful but she totally missed the fact that the jews are hurting the Palestinians and the concert was tactless and shows that the Jews do not get it.
Honesty with the students would have been the best thing as it always is, i wonder why she left it so late to tell them.
Is she aknowledging the Palestinian culture or trying to change them to fit with Jewish ideals.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Ahmad Jibirilla, Houston, TX — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:08:39 GMT

I don't think its right to take advantage of children in that manner. I say this only because of the way Israeli's treat the Palestinians (Even President Carter calls it apartheid). It seems to me that all they (Palestinians) have is their dignity and playing for the alleged holocaust(?) survivors isn't really on top of their agenda. I mean what about the infinte number Palestinians that Israel has murdered and continues to murder? I commend everyone who works towards peace. And to dedicate a song to an Israeli terrorist???? thats pure exploitation of children for political gain.
Truth be told. After the war in Iraq and Bush's lies. Im not sure what really happened in WWII. It seems the victor has the luxury of writing history. If the holocaust happened it is awful but I wonder why if someone questions the holocaust they are condemned. what is Israel hiding? Did Hitler really commit these unspeakable crimes? Or is this just another lie by Israel?

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

D.N.O, Allen TX — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:09:41 GMT

May God Bless You Wafaa Younis (Yevarechecha HaShem MiTzion). "May Hashem Bless you from Zion, and may you gaze upon the goodness of Jerusalem, all the days of your life..."(Psalm 128:5)

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

edward rosenbaum,teaneck,nj — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:09:51 GMT

pam, for your information more than half the jews living in israel are not from europe they come from arab countries from which they were driven out. boes that change your understanding of the situation?

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Rob Bachand, Browns Mills, NJ — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:11:02 GMT

It’s refreshing to see people who care enough to reach out for peace. It is to bad people in leadership roles don’t put forth the same effort.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Jeff B. — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:11:55 GMT

Yes, Marina..you are SO right ! How could people not SEE that ? WHAT, in heavens name, are Palestinian Children doing learning the violin ? It takes too much time away from their rock-throwing classes. If this not nipped in the bud, soon they will be learning how to read, write, get advanced degrees and contribute to building society instead of tearing it down ! The SHAME !

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Onecontent, NY, NY — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:12:45 GMT

Marina,

A lot of Jews are lawyers and doctors. Would it be unpatriotic for a Palestinian to study law or medicine?

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Gregory — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:16:55 GMT

It saddens me to see how quickly a great effort for peace and togetherness in the Middle East is ruined, blasted by the political maniacs. This woman should be recognised by the international organizations for peace. She should be interviewed, put on TV, in an effort to try to raise public awareness (and maybe money) to cultural and artistic ties and not the political and religious differences. God bless this woman. God bless her deeds!

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Walter J. Murdock, Cincinnati OH — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:17:42 GMT

Acknowledging the Holocaust creates sympathy and obviously some Palenstinian leaders don't want people feeling sympathy for Isreal or its citizens.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Mark, DC — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:18:08 GMT

People like Marina, NY, NY are either very poor at sarcasm, or are just full of hate. Either way, this is what leads to situations like this story talks about. Intolerance of anything that isn't exactly like your "world".

The Palestinian authorities are the biggest problem the Palestinians have. Not Israel or the Jews.

The Holocost isn't a political issue. It's a historical issue, and just like the wrongs that happen to the Jews, Blacks, Slavs and Palestinians, they should be taught, and remembers so that one day mankind can evolve past it. But I may be too optimistic for our species.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

JL Fulton — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:18:49 GMT

Marina in NY is an ignoramus, the likes of which keep this world in turmoil with that small-minded attitude. Go back to your cave, Marina in NY!

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Harry, New York, NY — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:19:28 GMT

When I first read about this concert (on Haaretz), I forwarded to all my family and friends, saying that we need more stories like this coming out of the Middle East.

Now I read this epilogue to it and I'm astounded! Telling Palestinian children about the Holocaust is NOT political propoganda, it is simply telling the truth about man's gross inhumanity to man. Perhaps if the Palestinians knew about the Holocaust there'd be more understanding and peace over there.

I applaud this brave woman and hope that this does not deter her from continuing this noble mission.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Skip Booth, Linthicum,MD — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:20:04 GMT

So much hatred in the world. I wish people would just get over it. Life is too short and the world is too small.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Bunyard, TEXAS — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:20:55 GMT

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Peter, Chicago, IL — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:21:13 GMT

How can learning to play music be considered negative? Since when, does learning, peforming and sharing music constitute a problem? How can anyone -- i.e., Marina -- think those children shouldn't have been taught and nurtured in music?

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Mark, DC — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:22:51 GMT

"alleged holocaust survivors" ???

Are people still that ignorant to believe this is 1) a political event 2) that it didn't happen?

I think I will now believe that all the horrors that the Palestinians and other Arabs faced is "alleged", therefor I can believe it didn't happen, and I don't have to care about them, and don't have to do anything to help those that suffered. OK?

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Michelle, Akron, OH — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:24:32 GMT

I'm sure it's my own ignorance, however I don't see why it matters in the least bit who the children were playing for. They were there to share their new learned special talent/education that was given to them by someone outside their country. Since when do artists determine who their audience is???

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Paul C, Katzmark, Southbury, CT — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:24:42 GMT

Our time spent here is short, but our deeds can stretch over millenniums. Lets’ hope that the candle of knowledge can be reignited. Maybe, a little reconigition for Younis work by the UN, or the Nobel Peace Prize could move this mountain

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

queen esther — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:24:49 GMT

hey pam. my family lived in arab countries and we were forced to leave. how does that grab you. doesn't sound like it was a paradise for the jews.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Jeff Scott, Jenks,Oklahoma — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:25:00 GMT

What a break through, to have the children put down the rocks and to pick up the violin. How long did this take to learn, to play the violin well enough, to want to play in front of any group. Yes, she could have told the children earlier, of whom they would be playing for, but wouldnt that have palced more fear into the children. Dont we tell some things to children way to soon, and all it brings is hives, tears of fear, or upset stomachs. They could have played with all of their hearts, not knowing whom they were playing for. I will make an effort to find out where I can send a donation, so they can buy another violin. Wafaa Younis is a beautiful thing, and shows the potential of all human race.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Cecilia, New York NY — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:25:16 GMT

So they were willing to play for Jews- who they've been taught to hate their entire lives- just not Holocaust survivors? What is the political issue in that? Are Holocaust survivors considered to be particularly threatening or dangerous? No. It's only that the Arab politicians in gaza want to continue to keep their children in ignorance of history so they are more susceptible to their own propaganda. How else do you to turn children into hatefilled murderers? If they actually taught their kids about the Holocaust, they might have empathy for the so called "enemy" and where would that leave the weapons dealers and war mongers? Instead of using billions of dollars in international money which is given to them for arms and hateful rhetoric, the "leaders" in gaza should turn it to music, education, jobs, food and electricity, even if that means funnelling less into their pockets.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

BazMann — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:25:42 GMT

Bringing Israelis and Palestinians together is a noble endeavour. Yet, what this article failed to mention is that neither the performers nor the spectators knew anything about this arrangement. The Holocaust survivors had no idea that the Performers were Palestinians according to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz. Wafa Younis took an extremely sensetive issue and blew it. Her claim that she tried to tell the students on the bus while they were on their way to the concert does not have a ring of truth to it. The performers are from the village of Jenin which was pulverised by the Israelis few years ago during a ruthless offensive that killed 54 people from that village. I am afraid that the picture is not black and white as this article portrays it to be, there is a lot of grey in between.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

R. Zipp GB Maryland — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:25:45 GMT

waffa has a big heart. Children are brought onto this earth to change the world. If not them who else? It's a real shame adults have to be involved. I hope that she keeps working towards this incredible cause.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

zz, new haven ct — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:27:50 GMT

There's two sides to this conflict, and they're not Arab vs. Jew; they're those who want to end the conflict vs. those who want to keep it going.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

LH — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:27:59 GMT

Marina-By denouncing the violin, you denounce the beauty of life and you promote violence. What are you doing living in the U.S.??? It's a shame for the minority of Palestinians for peace that your ignorance and destructive attitude confirms what I overheard from a gentleman this weekend...he said "Take away all the guns from the Israelis and there will be genocide and war. Take away all the guns from Palestinians and the war will end." Marina, you should hang your head in shame for your narrowmindedness - it feeds violence.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Pauline, Jacksonville FL — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:29:32 GMT

This makes me embarassed to be considered human.

The article itself, no.
the comments below? Yes.

My best friend is Palestinian, and I know much about the conflicts going on over there.

But in the midst of all this talking you are all doing about one person VS the other, and how who got driven out of what country, and how so and so is wrong etc, you're all truly missing the point.

and it's sad.

This is while there'll never be peace. Everyone will be too busy arguing over who deserves peace more, or who started the wars to begin with.

No one is better than anyone else.

It's wrong the things that go on, and killing is killing, no matter what race is doing it.

the fact is, someone was trying to introduce peace for the future generations, and it can't even be validated because everyone's SO worried about who and how and what.

The ignorance is embarassing on this forum. Love each other, and end the violence to ALL people. Why isn't that anyone's concern??

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Sandy Brill, Lee's Summit, Missouri — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:31:48 GMT

No wonder Jesus said the two most important things were to love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength and then to love others as you love yourself. If we wll only did those two things, what an incredibly different world we would all live in.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

olga, VA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:32:10 GMT

Onecontent,
I guess, Marina should have wrote "sarcasm" before and after her comment...
and for those who keep calling the West Bank and Gaza a 'concentration camp' - you should come to the Auscwitz then you would stop blatantly mis-using the word.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Roger Arbogast, Indianapolis, In USA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:33:15 GMT

wow the world still had good people, this story made my day.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Ginger, Pennsylvania — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:33:51 GMT

And somewhere out there is an Arab woman who is trying to educate Jewish kids as Ms Younis was with Arab kids. I wonder if the Israeli govt would try to put a stop to it. I'm sure no one would write a story about it if they did.

And for the Holocaust, I guess we have already forgotten about the gypsies, christians, and other non-jews who also died....

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Joe Hill, Durham, NH — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:34:25 GMT

Hey Mark, DC, Your post is self serving propaganda. Israel is the biggest problem Palestinians face. Israel bulit the wall, Israel runs the brutal checkpoints. Israel murdered thousands in Gaza.

Maybe you'd have more hope for "our species" if you were to recognize the truth and accept the responsibility and guilt that accompanies your mindless support of Israel.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Jake Washington DC — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:35:54 GMT

Younis could not tell the children before they departed because as a minimum their parents would have ensured the event never occurred, and others might even have attacked the bus on the trip. She was protecting the children from people who didn't want the event to occur and weren't going to offer an alternative, such as going to Disneyland, for those children.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Shaheed NJ — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:36:02 GMT

Ahmad Jibirilla My dad fought in WWII and that is not a lie. To say someone is hiding something as huge as WW II is nonsense. That would mean alot of people who fought and died in this war did not die at all that it was all a lie and about your statement for the elderly to be paying for the voilins not everyone has money. You just assume because they are jewish they have money. I would never say this but some people might just by seeing your name think you are a terrorist and that is so wrong in so many ways and so is type casting a group of people. Please open your eyes.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Ciaran, Dallas — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:37:51 GMT

Andy Gump said: "Why see what the civilized world does or looks like? See demoracy, technology and higher education in action?"

Palestinians have had each and every one of those rights denied to them by the Israeli government and the blood thirsty IDF.

Forrest Gump would have contributed a better informed opinion.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

James, VA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:37:53 GMT

"The Holocaust is a particularly sensitive subject for Palestians."
It shouldn't be - the Germans were responsible. It has nothig to do with the current conflict.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Rick, Houston, TX — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:37:57 GMT

I'm certain her heart is in the right place. It is unfortunate that nearly 3,000 years of history could not show her what Adnan Hindi did in minutes: her efforts are both unwelcomed and futile.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

John Shocked, California, USA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:41:56 GMT

The story writer claims "I know Younis".
One important element which is left out of this story is if he knows whether Younis knew what mass murder crimes the Israeli Jews committed against Palestinian civilian women and children in 1948, in cities like Yassin, which caused the Palestinians to flee their homes in the first place.
I hope Fletcher can update his story to fill in that important element.

Anyone can do a Google of " +1948 +yassin ", to find out the truth about the crimes jews committed against Palestinians which caused the cycle of violence which is ruining US foreign policy and bankrupting out nation with unnecessary wars and higher prices for oil from aggrieved oil rich nations.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Michael D. Philadelphia, PA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:43:18 GMT

There should only be more people like Wafaa Younis!Until the Palestinians love their own children more than they hate the Jews, there will never be peace. How sad that most Palestinian children don't even know what the Holocaust was.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Dennis E, Denver, CO — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:44:28 GMT

What a daunting task this woman has in her heart. But...really, she didn't think anyone would mind? Very naive.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Milt, Salt Lake City, Ut. — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:45:13 GMT

THis whole matter appears to have an attitude of ignorance and extreme bias. While either faction is at conflict both ar engaged. Noone can really accuse the other of attrocities as both are guilty. Pointing fingers only reassures the accusation of the accuser and ensures neither party can win. If you believe this effort was politically based, good for you. If you believe this action was centered around a small step in resolution and respect, better. When people allow bigotry and ignorance to prevail (reference to " did the holocost really happen?"), the challenge to you would be to go back and ask the civilians who lived in the area of genocide what really happened, if you have the courage. On the same token did and does genocide really exist anywhere? Only the blind or ignorant would respond, no. Numerous accounts of mass murder have populated world history, too many to think about rationally. Justification for actions on either side by example is sheer stupidity, take action to create peace and understanding else you will never see a happy and equitable conclusion to your strife.

P.S. learning to play a violin is not a business, it is the process of developing talent and expression, expanding your awareness.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Marc Langer Cleveland , OK — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:45:28 GMT

Doesn't anyone see the fact that Marina in NY was being ironic ?

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Elizabeth Cole — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:46:07 GMT

How sad that such good intentions turned into another fiasco! TRAGIC! How well put, "No good deed goes unpunished." Music is the bridge that connects the gaps among people. As evidenced by this article, Hatred lives and it is well and thriving. Ms. Younis, carry on. Never give up. Never give up. Never give up.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Marata, Grass Valley, Ca — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:46:38 GMT

Let Freedom Ring, Let peace abide and let the music soothe the troubled mind.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Bunky, Baltimore, MD — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:47:45 GMT

Maryam in Salt Lake City, you write about the many "Palestinians" who don't have water, food, etc. Isn't it the job of a nation's government to build such infrastructure and ensure it's availability? And isn't there freely elected governments in Gaza (Hamas) and West Bank (PLA)? So why aren't they taking care of these needs for their citizens? There's plenty of foreign aid coming in to pay for it. Where is all that money going? Could it be that it's politically expedient to have the citizenry suffer? Why else would Hamas and PLA have destroyed habitable buildings built by Israel to enable them to leave the camps? Didn't hear about that did you. Yeah, it happened.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Jake, Portland OR — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:48:15 GMT

For a century, the worst enemy of Arabs in Palestine has been their own political leadership. Besides its own corruption, it has preferred violence and hatred to policy. Nobody has suffered more from this than those suffering people we call Palestinians.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

MS Dubai UAE — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:48:48 GMT

If this lady wants young boys to put down their guns she should start with Israeli children who will actually have access to guns as members of the Israeli Army not Palestinian kids who only throw stones. If this lady is so interested in promoting peace, let her start with the warmongerers who are the Israelis.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Bobby, DC — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:50:38 GMT

I'm trying to figure out a contradiction in this commentary string. How can some folks say to forget about the Holocaust, yet still call for the right of return for Palestinians? They're both from the 1940s. Would someone please explain rationally?

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Jacqui, Orange, CA. — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:53:11 GMT

The intention was good, the manner in which it was done was not. How could Wafaa not realize it would be an issue who those Palestinians children played for? For those of you who wrote doubting the Holocaust, shame on you! With the wealth of information the world has about this historic period, casting doubt shows the depth of your ignorance. Learn and then maybe you can talk!
Peace will be achieved if and only if both sides can learn to compromise. If that doesn't occur (it hasn't so far), then that side which is strongest will prevail.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

LJ, Santa Clara — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:53:25 GMT

this lady should have told the Palestinian kids well ahead of time and the political implications (and asked the parents for consent, for those who are under 18)... let them (or their parents) make the decision whether to play or not... whatever the situation may be.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Teresa, Canada — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:56:50 GMT

I came back from Israel about 4 months ago. It was not Jews who took that slice of land, but the UK that gave it to them, I don't agree with it, but that's what happened. There will never be peace there (not until the end)- if you know your bible you know that is true. This lady was trying to have these children think of something other than violence - Just like the Palestinian and Jew who had an Israel children's soccer team participate with "Right to Play" in an international tournament. Both Jewish and Palestinian children were on the team and they came in third place.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Octavian, Syracuse, NY — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:00:06 GMT

Joe Hill from NH what you said goes back to you. You have you mindless hate for Israel. Who is at fault here many have said it. Those who want the fight to keep going. This is on both sides of the fight. Not just Israelis and Palestinians but Americans like you who blame a whole society and Governments that fund both sides. Israel put up a wall and checkpoints as a result of the suicide bombings. These bombings occurred because Palestine was never declared one state and it gave too little land to Palestinians. Europe at the end of the war should have set aside both land for Sovereign Jewish state in both Europe and Judea(renamed to Palestine after Rome exiled all Jews). This would give more land to both Palestinians and Jews to live in Peace. There is no peace because there is too little land for both to live peacefully.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Brad, Atlanta — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:04:53 GMT

Just to clear something up for "Arab for Peace", there are 10 UNRWA Palestinian refugee camps Syria, 12 in Lebanon, 10 in Jordan, 8 in Gaza, and 19 in the West Bank. These camps have been in existance for almost 60 (yes that is 60) years. They came into existance after the Arab countries lost the first attempt to destroy Israel when they declared war against Israel at its founding in 1948.

Note the locations of the UNRWA Palestinian refugee camps. None of them are in Israel. Israel turned over control of Gaza to the Arabs (by the way, Israel offered to give it back to its original owners, the Egyptians and the Egyptians refused to take it!). The West Bank is also under Palestinian rule now. Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria are all Arab countries. So answer this question - why, after 60 years, do the surviving families of a war started and lost by the Arab countries in which they now live still reside in United Nation run "refugee camps"?

Why haven't their Arab brothers and sisters allowed them to move into their cities and become part of their countries, with full rights as citizens? Why are they still living in camps in areas THEY now govern? Is it because their Arab brothers and sisters promised they would kill all of the Jews in Israel and return the land to them?

Their Arab brothers have certainly tried over and over again to do that - starting in 1948, then with the closing of the Suez canal in 1956, then with the mutual defense pact of 1967 that precipitated the 6 Day War, then the Yom Kippur war in 1973.

Those are just the open, declared hostilities and don't include the subversive actions undertaken from Jordan and Lebanon until Arafat and Fatah were expelled from both countries.

Oh, and the Israelis didn't drive the Palestinians out of Jordan - King Hussein of Jordan did. It's called Black September and occurred when the Palestian guests of the king decided he wasn't doing enough for their cause and tried to overthrow his government.

The camps exist for at least three reasons - they generate money for the rulers of these regions and countries, they provide a focus for Arabs to remind them of their goal to destroy Israel, and they keep the "Palestinian problem" from infecting their own countries.

There's a quick history lesson for you, Arab for Peace. It's one I'm sure you didn't learn in your own country and probably wasn't known to many of the folks in this audience. Peace starts when we move forward. That means accepting the consequences of our actions. In this case, that means disbanding the camps, granting citizenship to the people in the camps in the countries that they have lived in for the last 60 years, and learning to live with Israel as a country. Perhaps one day their descendents could immigrate and assimilate peacefully as a citizen of Israel.

That's a nice thought, but unfortunately that's not the goal of people like Arab for Peace.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

lEE FARMINGTON nM — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:05:45 GMT

Israeli military says "civilian deaths hearsay"stop investagations OF COURSE ! these civilan deaths were suicides?

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Shelley, Russellville, TN — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:09:46 GMT

Enough please! The Jewish people don't have a monopoly on genocide. Think of Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur, Sudan. Move on already! By holding on to hate, you can't heal and do what's right for everyone - Jews and Palestinians alike.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Octavian, Syracuse, NY — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:09:50 GMT

I guess they did not like the length of my last post.
Joe from NH you are not better than Mark from DC. Both sides are at fault and you are on one of them. Stop being so hollow and look who is innocent. It is the children on both sides that have been brought up to hate each other and the Jews/Palestinians that only work for peace.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Jarret Herrmann Luray Va — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:12:59 GMT

Shouldn't they have been playing to survivors of the more recent holocaust, namely the bombing and invasion of Gaza by Zionist storm troopers? And why are there no Israeli violinists coming to play for survivors of that horrendous act.

If people want peace, it has to come from the Zionists. They hold the power amd enjoy this war because there is no risk to them. Claiming that Palestinians playing for the amusement of their oppressors is a step in the right direction is the same as claiming that a slave picking his master's cotton is a sign of harmony on an antebellum plantation.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Atiyyah, Toronto, ON — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:14:41 GMT

In response to Melissa, San Francisco, CA, USA, as you say hatred toward Jews is in the Koran, I want to study that. Can you please tell me which page and which line to look at.
What I am trying to say here is have you really studied Koran or are you just blabbing as its the easiet thing to do.
The only way to peace is education and knowledge.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Jim Saleen Bend Oregon — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:16:50 GMT

Wafaa Younis has tried to bridge a wide devide in this turbulant tumultous world of politics, religous zealates and racism. although I do believe that she should have talked not only to the children but the parents as well about her intentions for this concert. We must instill in our youths that hatred and one mindedness is not what will heal a country or this world!

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

dov jersey city,nj — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:19:29 GMT

I agree that a there must be peace in the middle east and a Palestinian state must be established. But the circle of viloence must stop. More then once a peace plan was put forth for the establishment of a Palestinian state and was in Arafats hand he said no. Every concession so far has been made by Israel and the Palestinians still have the destruction of the state of Israel in their charter. I agree there must be a moritoium on jewish settlements in the west bank in order to go forward. For those of you who speak out about the jews and the holocost do you know that during the war the Grand Mulllah of Palestine met with Hitler and was give plans to set up an extermination camp for jews? If the germans were not stopped in north africa it would have happened. As for the barrier it has prevented to a large degree of the homicide bombers from performing their work. I am sure they are heros to some of you. Unforunately far to late to prevent my cousins wife his 3 year old daughter and the baby in her belly from being blown to pieces on a bus one spring afternoon. The palestinians may live in terrible circumstance and reaction to the recent fighting has largely been a comdennation of Israel for over use of force, but after being shelled on a daily basis by the palestinians how would you react? Standup shake your finger and say no no no! As a combat veteran of the vietnam war we all learned you don't stop shooting till there is no one left to shoot at. Israel always stops long before that. It is high time that the palestinians be held accountable for their actions not only Israel.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

dov jersey city,nj — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:20:26 GMT

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

chip — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:25:06 GMT

Ahh religion...isn't it great? Catholics vs Protestants, Muslims vs Jews, Hindu vs Islam, Buddhism vs Christianity... I've never heard of a war between atheists - well wait...neandrathal vs cromagnum...ok i stand corrected - anyway, Allah, God, Buddha...could the three of you get together and do something before us mere mortals destroy this panet?

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Brian, Chicago — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:29:08 GMT

Anybody on this thread that bashes the idea of these children playing in this concert are enemies of peace despite what they say. They have no ability to put aside their own opinions of this conflict and see this for what it is, which is a purely positive act. There is nothing negative about it. Posting stats of body counts from previous wars have no place on this post because it has nothing to do with the article.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Lana, Los Angeles, California — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:32:05 GMT

this girl should be nominated for nobel price....She is a hero....We can find millions of reasons to blame and to hate to panish and to divide...But in the end it bares no fruit of progress. This Girl is what makes us humans be proud of our nature... The world had to donate all the violains it can to this girl...If there is a God...she is the his great creation...

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Barb, Missoula, mt — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:34:30 GMT

What a wonderful woman, and what a sad story! I will pray that things turn around for her.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

James McNulty-Sterling, Colorado — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:36:15 GMT

I think the world needs more musicians and a lot less politicians.
Some people just have to have someone or something to hate. These people need to take a CHILL PILL!

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

neaj notron, hammertown, ga — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:38:35 GMT

It's time to give the "Holy Land" to the Disney Corporation so they can make one giant Religous theme park. There would be no Palestine or Israel just one park with diferent worlds Muslim World, Jewish World,
and Christian World. The uneducated gun toting masses could all get jobs portaying different hordes of people as they re-enact scenes from the past 4 times a day for millions of tourists and or pilgrims.
Fighting over religion is like washing your hands before you pee.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Thom, Minneapolis, MN — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:40:12 GMT

I'm betting the kids didn't care who they played for. Why is it always the adults...with their rules and hatred?

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

VHH-MA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:41:29 GMT

Maybe the palestinian children should be playing for the oppressed palestinian people in their "Homeland" a refugee CAMP or send them to a hospital in Gaza if they would be granted permission to enter. Telling them on the bus was crazy! I would think the song for Gilad Shalit (she is an Israelli soldier) is a political issue. Anyone with any integrity and half a heart would like peace, war is HELL! How do we get to peace without honesty?

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Alan, New York, NY — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:41:57 GMT

I support her in what she was trying to do, but not to think that holocaust is something that Palestinians wouldn't be offended by, is pure ignorance and disregard. Every Israeli knows that Holocaust is political issue between Jews and SOME Muslims. If she didn't think it was a problem, she wouldn't have waited till they were on the bus to tell them that. I am sure her intentions were good, but she went about the the wrong way. She tried to be a peace mediator, instead she became a villain. I still respect what she tried to do. Next time, if there is a next time, think about the consequences.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Donna M. — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:42:22 GMT

Ahmad and all the others who doubt the existence of the Holocaust, you are morons. Go to Germany or Poland and take a look at the concentration camps left standing as a constant reminder of the unspeakble horrors that were perpetrated against a people because of their religious beliefs.
As far as this brilliant attempt to bring music to the lives of your children-Did you even look at the picture that accompanies this article? Did you see the woman on the right litening to the music and clutching her heart? Is that really political? Did the children take a look at the audience they were in front of and refuse to play? Certainly not! They are children and are much smarter than their political agenda parents. Did the audience of Holocaust survivors care that the children were Arab and refuse to listen? Your ignorance is dangerous for your children in particular and for the world in general. You have taken something wonderful and turned it into a sordid political foray. And by the way, I don't hear the Arabs making a big political stink about the fact that Palestinian children receive advanced medical care inclusing organ transplants, in Israel on a regular basis. Perhaps you can fashion that into a poltical juggernaut as well? Music is a language that transends all political divisions! I think some time listening to music would serve you well. It's called civilization. Welcome to it.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Kat. S. — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:44:46 GMT

It is disgusting and sad to see examples of extremism even here on this posting. Rather than villianizing this woman, I would recommend her critics recognize her actions for what they are- giving music and trying to foster acceptance in a hostile region of the world. She was not being "oppressive" she was not "tricking the children." Yes, she should have stated where they were going prior to being on the bus, but to claim that what she did was wrong is ludicrous. It was a concert for Holocaust survivors. To say that this is negative by any accord is disgusting. Palestine- get over your issues. And to those who react hatefully to what this woman did? I can only hope you open your hearts to her acceptance.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Byron Raum, Beverly Hills, CA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:46:03 GMT

Reminds me of another time, another place...Nero fiddling when Rome burnt. With so many of Gaza's buildings having been razed to the ground just two months ago, it seems highly inappropriate to be celebrating anything in that area, whether or not it is for any sort of survivor. Is it not important to remember the 1500 dead civilians who died during the bombing? Or, shall we just ignore these because their number is so overwhelmingly less than the people massacred in the Nazi Holocaust?

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:46:26 GMT

OK, so some children...
played the violin...
for old people...

who probably did nothing to anyone who is writing in this post. This has nothing to do with war or peace. This also should have nothing to do with someone's religion. You should never be mad at someone just because they are from a group of people. If a dog bites you, should you hate/kill all dogs? If Germans killed everyone I ever knew, do I have a right to hate all Germans? Well, if I did, I would have to have to also hate the Germans that protected me when I was a kid and died because of it. Education, and international integration solves these ridiculous issues. Learn from each other, get to know one another and realize, that in the end, you're making a big deal for a piece of land. And if it really is Holy, then God (whatever God, person, or thing made it Holy to you), would weep and suffer at the pain that has been caused for it.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Sonja, Lake Charles, Louisiana — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:46:40 GMT

Isn't it a shame that the children and young people of our world who are struggling to achieve peace can't actually be the leaders of our world. Shalom.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Amelia Williams, North Carolina — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:47:35 GMT

When you speak to her again- Tell her thank you from myself as well as the children's whose hearts she did change. We will never forget her attempt at kindness and humanity. I work with homeless children and know first hand how politics can overshadow kindness. Tell her to remember that politics can only overshadow kindness and like a cloud overhead politics will blow away and then the magnitude of her kindness will be apparent to all. Tell her too to hold steady and believe in what she is doing.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

RighteousThug Charlevoix, MI — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:52:19 GMT

Yes, Ahmad Jibirilla, Houston, TX 1:08pm, the Holocaust did occur. I had many Jewish friends as a child in Texas, friends whose parents & grandparents still had tatoos from the Nazi concentration camps. This was only 10-15 years after WWII, long before ppl began to 'forget', and before your pali forefathers started brainwashing you and all subsequent generations.

Shalit is not a 'terrorist', he's a soldier kidnapped by Hamas, the group sworn to wipe Israel off the map. Absolutley nothing is keeping the palis from declaring their own state, it's just not what the pali leaders from araphat to the present want.

"If the arabs laid down their weapons there would be peace. If Israel lays down their weapons there will be no Israel."

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Barbara, Harrisburg, PA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:52:46 GMT

To Melissa in San Francisco: You really must do some research. My in-laws live in Morocco, and the current king's grandfather refused to turn over the Moroccan Jews to the Nazi's, thus ensuring Morocco's entrance into WWII. Fez and Essouira both had huge Jewish communities, and only after the creation of Isreal did they leave Morocco, although a few still remain. After leaving Morocco and being SAVED by the Moroccan kingdom, an Islamic country, some turned around and said the only good Arab was a dead Arab.

No one was exiled from Morocco. I cannot speak for the other countries, but I wonder....have you every seen "the easiest targets" video http://www.ifamericansknew.org/about_us/easiesttargets.html, which included a Holocaust survivor?? You may wish to watch it and educate yourself, because you are truly ignorant.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Tina, Austin, TX — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:53:51 GMT

To Edward R of Teaneck, NJ - You have missed the point. It is the history of European Jews that is used against Palestinians, as if it were the Palestinians who committed the holocaust. How sad the have palestinian children play to holocaust survivors as if to apologize. The holocaust was committed by Germans, not Palestinians.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Fort Worth, TX — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:54:56 GMT

"If the holocaust happened it is awful but I wonder why if someone questions the holocaust they are condemned. what is Israel hiding? Did Hitler really commit these unspeakable crimes? Or is this just another lie by Israel?"

Responding to Ahmad

Wow. Intelligent.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Brian H, Columbus, OH — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:57:55 GMT

Would it be any more shameful to perform some music from the great composers of Russia? America? Who the concert is inteded for should not be an issue. All forms of music is beautiful. The situation became political because people wanted it to be political.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

JohnParisi — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:00:14 GMT

The Arab countried in the region are more to blame for the Palestinians' situation than anyone else!! They absolutley refuse to help the palestinians or take them in. They do that purposely because they want them to continue to take up arms against Israel because having a democracy so close to their facist muslim countries makes them look bad. The jews are treat much worse in arab countries than the arabs are treated in Israel!! That is a fact!! Another fact is that the arabs are even treated better in Israel than they are treated in their OWN countries!! Another fact!! Don't be blind sheep, Israel is not the oppressor - Israel is just trying to defend itself against terrorist countries bent on it total destruction!! The arabs and palestinians are the oppressors!!

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Francisco, Fort Lauderdale, FL — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:03:47 GMT

Mr. Martin Fletcher, I have a violin that I am not using, and most likely will not use. I will give it to Wafaa for a child to use. I tried to look for a link to contact you, so if you read this, please send me an e-mail. I will send the violin. We cannot let hatred from either side get into our hearts.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Laura, Seattle, WA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:03:58 GMT

I agree with "Palestinian" above: Younis' actions in founding the orchestra are terrific and her intentions with the concert were good, but it was not right not to tell the kids what they would be doing until they were on the way to the concert. They (or their parents) should have had the chance to decide for themselves whether to participate.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Zak, Seattle, WA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:04:11 GMT

We live in a world where, more or less, in one way or another, much emphasis is given to the acquiring of accurate knowledge and the effective role it plays in a healthy society. Unfortunately, there are people today who speak out, thinking that they speak out of knowledge and concern, but in fact it turns out that they know nothing to begin with.

Melissa, San Francisco, CA, USA - you have proven the point I made above. If I were to assume that you were Christian, I can do exactly what you did, and throw an unfair accusation at you by saying: all Christians cannot, ever eat shrimp, and that you all are required to stone your women for committing adultery.

But as it is, these accusations are mere snippets taken out of context out of holy scriptures.

If you actually took the time and correctly educated yourself on the subject, you are to find that even the Prophet Muhammed himself took the time and visited and fed sick Jews (oh yes, you read this right) in their own homes.

I guess it's my turn to say "plain rubbish".

As for the article, personally its a bit disturbing that out of all the times that this active woman could have sat the kids down and explained to them where and to whom they would be playing, her "last-minute" explanation amidst a group of "loud" children does not suggest that she made a respectable or even worth-while effort to even inform them in the first place.

Maybe she didn't want to tell them because she knew what would happen if she did. (just a thought)

Cheers for FM seattle,Wa :)

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

RCP, Atlanta, GA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:06:21 GMT

This story confirms what Golda Meir said: "Peace will come when the Arabs will love their children more than they hate us."

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Scott Morrissey, Santa Fe, NM — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:08:29 GMT

If the children were made to play for the Israeli army or the Knesset or any other Israeli political body, then absolutely it would be a politically-themed event and offensive to the Palestinian children and people. However, Holocaust survivors are NOT the ones in power; they are old and frail and for the most part have no hatred towards anyone besides their Nazi captors, most of whom are jailed or dead. Look at the picture of those old ladies watching the show. Their hearts look happy and it seems that they understand the nature of the concert, which was an attempt to bridge a seemingly unbridgeable gap. Shame on both the Palestinians and Israelis who have turned this innocuous, generous-of-heart concert between two generations of "enemies" into a charged political weight-throwing contest. In the immortal words of Rodney King, "Can't we all just get along?"

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Doug South FL — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:09:53 GMT

Ever since the dawn of our time on this planet we have always waged war against one another for one reason or another. tribe vs. tribe family vs. family state vs. state empire vs. empire and in more modern times (circa1400ad+) religion vs. religion. kids pick on the tall kid or the fat kid in school because they are different. conflict is a large part of who we are and there is no escaping it.

while what this woman did was noble we should not be shocked that her deeds were met with conflict.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Palestinian-America, South Jersey — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:10:49 GMT

The bias in this article is unfathomable. To assume that all Palestinians are ignorant towards the events of the Holocaust is ridiculous! They understand the pains of the Holocaust more than any other group on earth because they are the people feeling the effects of it to this day! Also, to assume that throwing rocks at tanks equates a future of guns is ridiculous as well? Are the tanks and extreme guns of the IDF equal to rocks? Maybe Younis should have tried to get some Israeli soldiers to play violins for the people in the Gaza Strip who are now homeless due to the three week tyrade earlier this year. It is ridiculous how biased this article is; typical of all mainstream news media.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

s o m // whitefish MT — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:12:10 GMT

she is damed if she advised both sides & damed if she didn't. would either side have had the fortitude or guts (inner strenght) to allow this concert to go forward with or with out knowledge given about the circumstances to concert givers & concert goers. her reward may be in heaven with the peace giving angels but right now she does not deserve the abuse given out by both arabs and jews CO-ABUSERS of oneanother!WAKE UP both sides before it is too late for earths survival, due to all this continual strife between YOU how can you expect to live in a peaceful world co-existing & being a model & example to all who live on this beautiful blue globe!

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Steve, Springfield, Ill. — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:12:19 GMT

Irresepctive of where your sympathies lie in the Arab-Israeli conflict, it is difficult to believe that the concert organizer was not trying to make a powerful, symbolic, political statement of unity. And if the children and their parents would have been made aware of this from the start, it could have been a truly beautiful event. As it is, the children come off looking like pawns or props, which is brutally unfair despite Younis's good intentions.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

a haynes, cleveland, ohio — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:23:32 GMT

Everyone is missing the point. It is called political correctness. The PA, Hamas are just flunkies for the real power, the muslim brotherhood. I can see that this situation is orchestrated. Hate creates hate, and the cycle keeps on. And the children, well, they`re just pawns. Some of the people got it right, jews and muslims used to live with each other in peace. One day, the human race will end this nonsense by mutual destruction. I hope I will not be around to see the event.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Samuel Hurley, Virginia Beach, Virginia — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:24:35 GMT

When the Europeans who call themselves jews learn to respect others of color, then and only then will the palestinians and Arabs respect them. Just as in the days of Slavery when the black-man had no rights, now those same Europeans are repeating the same genocide against the Palestinians. Remember, the practicing Jews in Iraq, Syria, Iran, Lebanon and Ethiopia, do not look like no European. So my question to those who call themselves Israeli is, What are you?

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Roberta Gallagher-Rivera — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:25:22 GMT

I personally think the volin teacher Ms. Younis, could teach the holocaust history of both Palenstians and Isralis people, to her students. That music is for everyone, and use it as a tool for peace. She could have let the children played for elderly Palenstains as well as the holocaust survivors. Although her intent is noble she could have gone 10 more steps and arranged concerts for everyone. Call it the Peace Concert for the Middle East.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Dennis, Tucson, AZ — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:28:15 GMT

Younis did a good thing. She comforted old people with music and gave the youth something worthwhile to live for. The circumstances of the past history of the audience is irrellevant. They are live people in the here and now listening to music. The students learned that they have something to give that comforts others. The others are not an enemy. As it is with many things, so-called leaders and experts at spouting dogma can negate the good that is in the hearts of individuals. Honor be upon Younis and the children, disgrace to the posturing politicians and officials.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Mike, waialua HI — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:28:40 GMT

I'm confused as to why Palestinians have a problem with playing a concert for holocaust survivors if they are comfortable getting lessons from an Israeli. Somebody please explain to me a legitimate rational as to why this could be wrong. Because they don't believe the holocaust happened? Because they don't think it was a bad thing? I don't think there is one. Sounds like the Palestinians just refuse to reach across cultural lines. This would never happen to an Israeli playing to honor of civilian Palestinian deaths (which happens from time to time). Hypocrisy, racism, and ignorance abounds.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Dan, Guadalupe, CA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:30:15 GMT

I don't really understand how you people can get behind this idea that these children were "tricked". They are children, and as such they have no political sensibilities to be tricked. She raised money, trained the children, arranged a concert schedule. Was she to ask these children if they had moral objections to any other concert venues? When I was in elementary school, every year they would have us practice Christmas carols and go over to the Lutheran home to sing for the old folks in wheelchairs. No one pulled me aside, and said "Dan, we know you're family is Irish Catholic, is it OK if we take you to a protestant chapel to sing for the oldtimers?" I wouldn't have known what they were talking about. And those geezers LOVED our Christmas cacophany. 90 years ago, my grandfather was in Ireland killing protestants, while protestants killed his family and neighbors. My parents never told me that. They never explained to me that our church had been at war with another church. They never told me to hate protestants. And lo and behold I'm not a terrorist. I have friends of all faiths, and I don't feel the need to hate someone because of their ancestry or faith.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Roberta Gallagher-Rivera — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:34:18 GMT

Ahmad Jibirilla, Yes! Hilter did commit vile crimes against the Jews during WWII, and other groups that didn't measure up where also thrown in as well. You don't need former President Bush to clarify the horrors of WWII. Go to your local library and read up about it.

Genocide is horrible. Period. Here in the United States we had our own genocide. Wiping out the Native Americans during the settling of the West. You live in Texas, were many battles were fought, check out and read about it.
I'm glad you and most people are all for peace. I think we all need to work for the common good for both Isarelis and Palenstains. If everyone thinks about it, we're all stewards of this planet, and we all need to take care of one another and this beautiful planet we live on.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Tony, NJ — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:35:11 GMT

Why couldn't the group play in a Palestinian hospital for the maimed and injured Palestinian's of the Gaza War??? I HOPE IT WASN'T A FREE SHOW! HOPEFULLY THERE WAS A DONATION BEING MADE AT THE DOOR OF THE CONCERT FOR PALESTINIAN SUFFERING.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Jane, Seattle, WA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:36:43 GMT

Wow, so many anti-Semitic posts...
President Jimmy Carter is anti-Semitic, anything he say's about Israel/Jews should be taken with a grain of salt.
This woman was trying to help children and put politics aside. She had nothing but good intentions. These children have been turned into victims by their own country. That's the only atrocity here, the Palestinian government's reaction. These are children for Christ's sake! All this will teach them is hate.
BOTH sides are making bad decisions and doing bad things to one another. Let’s step back from the blame game and begin to work together or nothing will ever change.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Tom Stoyle, Tonawanda, NY — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:38:15 GMT

Comparing this event to the forced playing that the WWII Jewish musicians faced is disingenuous at best. This woman's search for a small step towards understanding and communication between Israel and her neighbors should be universally applauded.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

G.I. Silver Spring, Maryland — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:38:44 GMT

May G-d give you strength to continue your attempt to bring love into this world instead of hate and narrowmindedness. I would like to contribute to your cause. You are truly one of the righteous people.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Paul A Trouve, Montague, NJ — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:39:11 GMT

Nothing wrong with trying to do a good deed but there is some politically charged symbolism here. When the Jews were taken by the Nazis to the camps, they were often greeted by inmates playing violins. Now Palestinian children are being used to play violins for those who survived the camps. Considering the fact that Palenstinians see themselves as victims of Jewish oppression, it doesn't take an Einstein to make the connection here. Victims playing for other victims. What goes around, comes around!

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Mitch, Janesville, WI — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:41:50 GMT

The act was all goodness. The only thing political about it was the jaded Palestinian interpretation. Finding anything positive in any progressive action on Israeli soil rubs against their very charter and foundation.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

G.I. Silver Spring, Maryland — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:42:54 GMT

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Leslie Halls — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:44:58 GMT

You are right Scott Morrisey. This lady, independent of any government programs, is trying to bring a little peace and joy into the world. Remember, no good deed ever goes unpunished. How sad.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Evilbino, Plattsburgh NY — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:45:56 GMT

The Holocaust is definitely a politically charged issue.
Even Here in America, it still reverberates as a political issue. The collective guilt Americans still feel, because we "allowed" the Holocaust to happen is still present, and is used against the population by groups with a political/religious agenda. Funnily enough some of Israels biggest supporters and lobbyists are the religious right. Why? Because the Holy Land needs to be in the possession of the Jews in order for Armageddon to happen. I'm sorry but I'm pretty sure that the Bible is not a credible source for dictating international policy. America cannot look the other way while another Peoples are displaced from their homes, put in "camps" (with razor wire and all the trimmings) and systematically marginalized. With a little research it is not hard to get a REAL picture of the conditions that Palestinians live in. If we all had to live in those conditions some of us would probably launch a few rockets at our oppressors as well. Peace at gunpoint will never work.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

fuad, Toronto — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:46:05 GMT

Why would the palestinian children entertain the holocaust survivors while they have been having their on holocaust for the past six decades.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Ron Howson, Littlerock, California — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:46:13 GMT

I think that having those children play in front of this audience showed poor judgement on her part. I applaud her efforts to teach and think that she is right to continue to do that. But, of course, she must have known that issue would be taken with this and it would most likely end her efforts. Maybe that was her plan. I don't like that the children were used like this and I think that this part of it was wrong.

My dad was sent to Germany during World War Two. I find it hard to believe that anyone would deny that the holocaust had happened. He didn't talk about it very much, but he did describe the horrible degradation and suffering. I also met a few survivors of the holocaust, one who was on the train to Auschwitz when the war ended. Tough times. I also met some Germans who talked about it. Terrible thing, horrible, but I think now that a lot of people have never heard of Auschwitz, let alone spell it. I even had to look it up and refresh my memory.

Personally, if you put a Jew family and a Palestinian family side by side, the only way I could tell them apart is maybe the one with the nice car is probably the Jew family. Other than that I really couldn't tell. I think they have more similarities than differences and the Palestinians are being used and played to be a thorn in the side of the West, and especially Isreal.

I feel sorry for the Palestinians being used this way. I think if I were a Palestinian growing up there, being taught the way they are being taught (apparently), that I would probably be a militant. Seems like the best paying job in town.

I was shocked when I watched a video and saw the huge walls barring the Palestinians from their Arab neighbors. It was shocking because I was hearing on our news media how horrible the Jews were for trying to build a wall of their own and heard the horrible outcry from the Arab nations. What is going on here?

As long as we deny anyone the right to exist, we are wrong. If the Isrealis and the Palestinians ever got together and decided to defend each other, wow. What if they defended each other's rights to exist, and maybe a few other people did the same. Because if we ALL don't defend everybodies right to exist, then really, our own rights to exist are only temporary because sooner or later, someone will come along and threaten YOUR right. It's just a matter of time before each of our rights to exist are going to be challenged if we don't stop our childish behavior and start defending everbodies right to exist. That is all of our jobs.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

TL for peace — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:48:49 GMT

I think what Wafaa and the children did was a great thing for peace and a good gesture to the Israelies and the world. DO you think the Israeli covernment would allow israeli kids to sing or play music in simpathy with the masacars that took place in Gaza? or th human rights violations that have been taken place for the last 60 years? Now that would be a great gesture too. Love and peace to all

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Mara K. NYC — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:51:21 GMT

She should have let the kids and their parents know about the nature of concert. How would Israeli parents feel if the situation was reverse? The Israel would probably carpet bomb Gaza (again). It would be much easier to have a necessary cconversation from two different states and divided Jerusalem.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

LTCSTAN — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:52:03 GMT

Nothing will get these two groups together. There is hatred at every level, from goverment to individuals. It is generational and will continue to be spread that way. With attitudes and reasoning like maryam's of Salt lake, there is truly no hope.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Richard, Los Angeles — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:52:31 GMT

On the same note, the Israeli philharmonic should play for former Nazi soldiers. It should help bridge the gap and create love and understanding.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

KD in LA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:54:00 GMT

Re all the poisonous replies to Marina's comment; did no one but me pick up on the blatant sarcasm in her post? She was being facetious.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Lynn Dils, Chelsea, MI — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:56:12 GMT

Bravo for this courageous woman for trying to better the world; the children with their music and Holocaust survivors with their sweet music in concert. The Holocaust is not a political issue... it is a horrendous fact; and if these children have not learned knowledge of this piece of history I don't see why any explanation beyond knowing they were going to play for Israeli's/Jews is such an issue.

And for the one who thinks the Jews stole the country from an indigenous people, ahem.... Jesus Christ and many other Jews lived throughout history in the now land of Israel. Share the land, live in peace and everyone wins. Seems like the Palestinian authority only cares to control their people with their own propaganda, denying them the peace they could so easily realize if they had honest leadership caring about their people instead of their own agenda.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

khusro khwaja — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:56:14 GMT

The comments from people of the Judaic tradition in this blog have given me great faith in the future of the world. If people can start realizing the evils of their own brethren and raise their voices against those evils, there is still hope. In order to inspire others to make peace, the west, in particular the jews, who are undeniably the brain, heart and soul of the western world, must first change their own ways. God bless you, Ilse Hadda. You are living proof that the human spirit is alive and well.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Shane tucson AZ — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:57:57 GMT

I have had the pleasure of spending time with muslim and jew alike. As a U.S. Marine and as a civilian. I have made some good friends, however i believe thaey should throw out their beliefs and embrace commerce and free trade. everyoneloves money.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

SMill — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:00:06 GMT

Even as a Jew I don't agree with most of you. Seriously think about this for a moment. You can't just jump to the "Oh, the oppressed saint routine." She surely knew that many parents of these kids would object to their kids playing for Holocaust survivors. She didn't just popup in Palestine yesterday. Surely she knew that it would upset some of the parents, so that means that she consciously made the decision not to tell them. That qualifies as using these kids. I applaud her efforts to spread peace, but it's very obvious that the parents of these kids needed to be told. She was clearly being dishonest and then was dishonest again when she lied and said..."Oh, I told them on the bus, but they were too loud and didn't hear."

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Sam — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:01:14 GMT

I think it's pathetic that anyone would see this young woman's great deeds as a trick to undermine Palestinians and Arabs. I guess it's an indication of how truly twisted this region has become thanks to centuries of senseless and brutal hate.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Charles Jaeger,Shreveport Louisianna — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:01:42 GMT

I have seen the ovens in Germany where most of the jews were burned to death. The Palistine people havve no right to dis-allow anything about the holicost. It happened and the jewish people were the victims. No nation should deny that those inocent people had a right to life just as everybody else does. If they can take that attitude then How far away are they from Hitlers way of thinking?

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Javed B, Chicago, IL — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:02:35 GMT

I hope someone in Israel also comes up with a way so that their children do not pick up guns when they turn 18.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

dyinglikeflies — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:03:19 GMT

This dispute which has gone on for over 75 years has become rather trite. Martyrdom by press release. Everyone wallowing in self-pity about supposed subjugation which bears little relation to the everyday lives they lead. Every act by Israel, even if the result is just inconvenience to those who endure its results, is tantamount to another Holocaust. And posters like Marina endorsing the infantile rage of those who neither seek nor want a just solution. People would rather retain their culture of victimhood than to let their children get on with their lives.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Dana, Mesa, AZ — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:03:27 GMT

O.k. So many of you are missing an even bigger point here...blaming the Jewish Israeli government for "forcing" these beautiful, talented children to perform for Holocost survivors. First of all, the teacher is an Israeli Arab (this means she is probably Muslim, not Jewish). Second of all, the concert was for Do A Good Deed Day. Third, no one was forced to perform. Fourth, and I think most importantly, when these children found out who they were performing for, & when the survivors found out that these wonderful children were Palestinians, all anyone wanted to do was to speak to each other and learn from each other. They held no hostility or anger towards each other. Why do we have to hate so much

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Angel, Chicago — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:04:17 GMT

Wow, no one really sees why this could be taken the wrong way? ok picture this, in the months right after Sept 11th, an Saudi-American woman decides she wants to bring peace between the muslim extremist and the US so she takes a group of american children to play for a group of Taliban elders who had lost their men in the fight Russian-Afghani fight that happend 30 years ago. Hmm.. wonder how many amercians would really think that was ok? while their tears and pain are still fresh from what was considered a massacure executed by the Taliban not too long ago?
Let's stop the ignorance and deal with reality! The pain and suffering of the Gazza people is too fresh and many of the folks reading this here have not even gotten half the story on their TV.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Gomez — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:04:38 GMT

This is a prime example that the common people are good, working together constructively and why "governments" are evil.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

M. Young — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:06:18 GMT

It's amazing. Someone out there in this messed up world tries to do a bit of good and gets shut down. Music doesn't do harm, people do. Give 'em a chance and let those children play.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

rob weinberg ,N.Y. — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:07:24 GMT

Maybe all should read a book called"anatomy of peace" by arbinger institute about a arab man and a israeli man who bonded together to help others.The best book you'll ever read.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Chris, Washington DC — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:07:26 GMT

Ahmad Jibirilla, You are delusional, the holocaust happend it is not a story written by the victors. The Nazi documented what they did, don't make comments on something you have no knowledge about. What is going on in Palestine is wrong but trying to make peace in small ways works a lot better than killing. Until both sides learn that there will never be peace and people like you Ahmad Jibirilla spitting out unsupported facts just adds fuel to that fire.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

W.Patterson Bremerton Wa — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:08:34 GMT

Makes no differance what we state here. It is lost in the translation. Words, words mere words.Actions speak best. What about the children's parents, were they all so blind to the fact. The pols let it go as far as it did for thier own purposes. Children are children and now more hope has been plucked from them.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Mark, DC — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:09:09 GMT

Danielle.Little Rock,AR,

Did you read the article? It was the Palestinians who brought it up. All the Jews and this great lady with her Palestinian students, were doing was having a concert. And it was a peaceful, multi-cultural, healing, feel good, forget the past, all for the future type of concert. Are you saying they cannot have concerts anymore, that by this it would be "letting it go"?

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Roscoe, Dover NH — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:11:34 GMT

It's not about any of that, let's make it real clear. This is about a lady who wanted to set up music for palestinian children who were not getting any musical joy in their lives. Who cares who they play to, old people from the holocaust, young people from Iran, middle aged people from Iceland, who cares!!!! It's about the gift of music it has no political agenda. Get with the program, you screwed up adults, you are the ones responsible for making the world crappier than it is, let children learn and be children, no race, no hatred, no color, no gender, no sexual persuasion, it's all irrelevant to a child.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Stacey, levittown, pa — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:11:47 GMT

GOD BLESS YOU!

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Simon, Princeton NJ — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:11:49 GMT

She's a wonderful woman, and I wish that she continues in spite of the opposition to her. Palestinians need to stop blaming others and start looking in the mirror at the real enemy--themselves!

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Isaac Van Oss — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:11:50 GMT

Of course this was a political move - she was trying to end years of bloodshed with a simple act of charity. It saddens me to realize that te world is still so full of biggots and anti-semites that this can be allowed to happen to her and her orchestra.

All she did was provide charity, and she happened to ask them to play for holocaust survivors once. In my opinion, asking for a little charity back is no big deal.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Jason — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:12:31 GMT

The Holocaust is an historic fact, not a political issue. That is very scary that some people would treat it as such.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Skripkaman — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:13:20 GMT

Tricked? Into doing something as terrible as playing music for poor old people? 'Tricked' into making the world a better place for a few precious minutes? Perhaps some people have to be tricked into doing the right thing. I don't see any so-called Palestinian leaders trying to bridge the gap between these groups. Only widen it for their own political gain. Once again, the Palestinians just can't seem to miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

KS Huntsville, AL — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:13:28 GMT

Bravo for this Israeli Arab teacher. She is very brave and doing the right thing by teaching the children to bless people rather than taking lives away with guns and bombs.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

kim lee,atlanta ga — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:13:31 GMT

Don't worry harry, palestinian children already know about man's gross inhumanity to man.they see it& live it since they born. it is sham on the world to waitness what happen to the palestinian childern& keep silent.some of you ask why don't they become lawyers & doctors like the isreals, please have some sympathy & allow them to breath or have runing clean water. it's not about love or hate. it is about human basic right to live dignified live. please see beyond the picture.thanks

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Claire - Springfield, IL — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:14:04 GMT

Wafaa Younis should be celebrated for her efforts in bringing some peace, no matter how small, between the Isrealis and Palestinians. If children are forced to interact peacefully with different groups of people, they will grow up having a greater understanding and appreciation for one another as they age.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Sam Baik Chicago, Illinois — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:14:44 GMT

LOving thy enemy is an impossible thing to do without God's help but it has to start with our ations to what we as man (both male and female) must do for and to each other in the eyes of the Creator (Allah or Yaweh) because He determines who goes to where (Heaven or Hell) and He is the ultimate Judge of that!

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Edward Ovadia,Hastings-On-Hudson,NY — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:15:12 GMT

I applaud the courage and humanity of Ms.Younis.It is regretable,though,that they are not more like her and that an official from the Palestanian Authority,the very same body that allegedly wants to live in peace with Israel that is playing the part of the obstructionist.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Ann, Austin Texas — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:15:29 GMT

Its totally disgusting how Israel has gotten away with occupying the homeland of millions while all the time crying about how millions of them were killed and tortured by the Nazis and how we should all feel sorry for them. The US supports this genocide and ethinic cleansing and no one is supposed to say anything or notice. DISGUSTING! It's like a child thats abused all their lives and grows up and does the same and worse to their own children. Its really hard to feel sorry for them. I'm sick of hearing about how we need to support Israel. HMMM, I wonder why Jews are so distrusted and discriminated against historically? Maybe because they only look out for themselves with no attenntion to the suffering of other human beings, especially when its at their hands. Question-How did we all get so dupped? Answer - almost all of the media in this country is owned by guess who? I wonder if they spin it to their advantage? YOU THINK?

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Lee, Northridge, CA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:16:24 GMT

It is irrelevant whether these children played for holocaust survivors or any other person in Israel. Hate breeds hate. To cross from Palestinian territory into Israeli territory to perform a concert provided the ammunition for discourse. The result of good intentions is that regardless of ones desire for peace it cannot be obtained until man can accept man for their perceived differences. Can that happen?

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:16:53 GMT

SHe was doing good work. For anyone to call the Holocaust a political issue is just outrageous. It is one of the greatest (if not THE greatest) example of human cruelty and contempt for fellow humans. Adnan Hindi should really get a lesson in what happened then.

Many people posting should be aware that Jews in Arab and Muslim countries have less freedoms than the Arabs who are Israeli citizens. Jews never drove out the Arabs from the land; the land was bought. It was done by funds donated to Jewish National Fund. Could you imagine if the Arabs had accepted the partition plan in 1947? There wouldn't as much of this as there is now. I hope that people realize that there is much Anti-Semitism (Anit-Jew if you prefer thinking that Arbas are Semites) still today in the Arab and Muslim worlds.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Pete Hainey, Sutherlin, OR — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:20:04 GMT

Reminds me of the concerts the Nazis gave at the concentration camps. Then it was Jewish victims performing for Nazis, and once, for a special audience of little people right before their execution (that was a "funny" Nazi joke). Now we have Arab children being made to perform for their occupiers and brutalisers. The Arabs know all about the holocaust, they just don't see why they have been singled out and made to suffer because Germans murdered Jews, Gypsies, homosexuals, communists, as well as 2 million Greeks and many more millions of Soviet citizens sixty years ago. The Morgenthau plan in 1945 was to take a small area of Germany and create a Jewish state out of it. That plan was rejected in favor of giving Europe's Jews a small part of Palestine. Now they have most of Palestine and what's left is a ghetto-prison for the indigenous population. Too bad, too bad, too bad. Should have gone with Morgenthau! We'll be paying for that mistake for decades to come!

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Geoff, USA — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:20:46 GMT

Adnan Hindi,

"Political issue", No. Its an issue of humanity and recognizing that hatred of humanity is and has been a real thing. Making efforts to bridge this gap for a better understanding and respect of each other and the life we all lead as humans (remember Quran)is a noble cause.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

andy gump Boston, Ma — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:20:56 GMT

They already have Javed from the windy city, it's called the IAF, Israeli Air Force,the best in the world at flying F-18's and hopefully soon F-22's. Look at history from the beginning of time. Israeli's (Jews) have suffered, been conquered, enslaved and nearly exterminated as the world stood by. Never Again! Would you like rockets lobbed at your home from Canada without a response?
Music is a universal medium for peace. Ms. Younis deserves the nobel peace prize for her efforts!

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

musicman, chicago il — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:22:23 GMT

The article hits upon, but misses the point. The past does not dictate the future and for those kids, playing music has nothing to do with any politics. Music is a pure meritocracy. If you work hard, you'll do better than if you never practice. Playing music for other cultures is one of many ways to break down cultural barriers and can help people find common ground.

It sounds like the complaints are coming from those with a vested interest in maintaining cultural barriers. Those kids don't care who they play for, as long as their audience is respectful and encouraging. Kudos to Wafaa Younis. Shame on the naysayers. It's about the kids. It's about the future, not the past.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Glen.Douglas@yahoo.com — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:23:38 GMT

If they want to live and prosper in peace, let them. Just let it go. If you try to get revenge for every single thing you think is unjustly done against you, things will never change. Educate those who do not understand. It will be hard, but those people (who are stuck in their ways), will kind of come around. It will take time. Let them realize that things can be better for all.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

world citizen — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:23:42 GMT

How would you feel if jewish children were to play violin for the Nazi? This is the same situation to the Palestinians. The holocost victims should be crying out for these children and help them out by real activism. I have seen many movies, stories, documentaries, songs about the holocost and I am not discounting the pain. Who is protecting the kids in Jenin? when was the last news you heard about them? when was the last movie you saw about them? The last song you heard about them? How many of them have died so far? How many of them go to bed without food or water, electricity? How many of them grow up without parents? Do you know the answer to any of these? if not, go research then come back and comment.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Kevin, Spokane, Washington — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:24:10 GMT

Since when has something as universal as music become a political hot potato? The sad truth is that extremists on both sides are to blame for continued hostilities with each side being against any prospect of a peaceful co-existence for their own selfish reasons. Since when did God become a real estate agent? It appears that there will never be an end to all the death and destruction until future generations of children are left untrained to hate.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

retire vet, nm — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:25:27 GMT

How can anyone compare this to the Holocaust? You obvousily have never seen a Nazi concentration camp. Isreal is not experimenting on, enslaving, or torturing people.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Don Stockstill, Ozark, Missouri — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:27:32 GMT

I honestly believe that the vast majority of Israeli arabs, Israeli jews,Palestinian arabs and Palestinian jews all want peace. They are tired of the killing inflicted on either side by either side. why don't the ones on each side who simply want to kill each other go find themselves an isolated place where they can kill each other and leave the rest to live in peace. Everything that has been done to each of us in the world is done and we cannot change it. How about all of us in this world looking at the present and then move on into the future and put an end to all of the hatred and violence from all sides in all nations.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Candy M Lincoln, NE — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:27:43 GMT

It is so hard reading these completely uninformed opinions. I traveled in Israel 35 years ago, and at that time, Israelis were being attacked by Palestinians (unprovoked). Now it is the other way, or is it the other other way? What is this battle really about? Does anybody really remember? It's time for the 'adults' to grow up and listen to the music and the voices of the 'children'.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Henry Tela — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:27:55 GMT

Kudos to such an innovative woman. Wether a political issue or not, those who suffered under the hands of the Nazis lead a tough life. Not to say, that of course these young girls are oppressed to a degree. Nevertheless, Wafaa Younis is innovative by seeing the glass half full than empty, because after all, we are all human who live on the same earth.

Palestinian discord over Holocaust concert

Tammy, Odessa, TX — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:28:02 GMT

I admire what this young woman was trying to do, just not how she went about it. Imagine that this group was in America and your child is a part of it. The children go on a trip to play a concert and afterwards you find out that the concert was given for terrorists that helped plan the 911 attacks. Uh oh, the shoe is on a different foot now. The concert was about peace and the intentions were good but....