As a historian I am always trying to learn and understand what is happening in the world. Over the last year I have had many questions about the world, and how we see the world. The last week has really brought forward the idea that I will never fully be able to understand some things. Seeing the escalating violence in Gaza and Israel has made me want to know what is best to say and support all those suffering. However, as woman raised in a Christian American household, I don’t think I will ever be able to properly understand either side. Now that being said, my heart hurts for everyone involved, I want there to be peace between the Palestinians and Israelis. But I do not feel I have place to truly have a say, as I am not as educated on the subject as I would like, or be able to have to the proper understanding because of where I come from.

This has lead me to the questions. Even if I become educated, is my place to take a side or a stand? Is there a right place and time to take a stand? As an American raised in a Christian household, is it right for me say anything? I don’t want to input my opinions in something that is not necessarily that affects me personally.

The United States and the world have become so polarized in the recent years. Seeing us become more and more polarized has led me to question if we will ever be able to find a middle ground again. When did it become one or the other? Why is it all or nothing? These are not questions I have answers to or a way of creating steps to start breaking down those barriers again.

For me, I am taking the steps to read more, try and learn what I can. By no means am I ever going to have all the answers but my hope is that to continue to educate myself, I will be able to start answers these questions for myself.