I recently viewed the documentary Occupation 101. Like any film it is skewed a certain way and is not the only side to one story. One the other hand, it is the side that is not often discussed in the media, for fears concerning the accusation of anti-Semitism.

So let me explain: any terrorism that comes out of Palestine is horrible. One Israeli civilian death is one too many. But Palestinian terrorism also destroys the reputation of Palestinians - Muslim AND Christian alike - who would seek to end the violence non-violently. Terrorism often reflects a far, far, far-out view of people who are suffering genuine disparity, but suffering does not justify further suffering.

With that in mind, what is the justification of the Israel government's military presence in Palestine? Is it do solely to terroristic threats? Another possible reason is a purposeful displacement of Palestinians in order to create settlements and expand Israel's territory. This is Zionism, which is 1) NOT a view expounded neither by all Jews nor Judaism and 2) is a view that can find support in Gentiles such as evangelical Christians in the United States (once again, don't we just love those crazy evangelicals?).

What is most distressing for me in the US role in Israel. The US is perhaps the most generous, giving country in the world; but where do most of those funds go? To Israel's government, both to the military and to building settlements (and very likely that imposing, new wall). Does Israel have a right to defend itself? Yes, every country has that right. But its military has used excessive force and displaced people who legally own the land on which they live, whether they are Muslim or Christian Palestinian.

Once again, NOT all Jews are Zionist, and apparently not all believers in Zionism - the expansion of Israel's territory throughout the "Holy" Land - are Jewish, religiously or genetically. And I haven't the resources at this time to visit Israel and Palestine to view first hand what is going on. Even then I don't think I could truly fathom either side of this grim situation. To say "In general war and conflict just suck" is not enough; to me this is an insultingly dismissive phrase. I encourage every one to explore BOTH sides of the story - not just the one handed immediately to you by a fearful media - for at least 10 minutes before commenting.

Because I have the impression I'm not getting all my perspectives, and the non-terroristic Palestinian side is being dismissed,