Comments on: Thoughts on Identity… http://www.cecisibony.com/2008/08/thoughts-on-identity/ Through North Africa and the Middle East Mon, 06 Sep 2010 04:34:31 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Ceci http://www.cecisibony.com/2008/08/thoughts-on-identity/comment-page-1/#comment-31 Ceci Wed, 13 Aug 2008 20:07:47 +0000 http://www.cecisibony.com/?p=23#comment-31 Lyd, All very intelligent questions, of course to be expected from you :) Truth is, the Christian population here is super tiny and I wouldn't even know how to get in touch with them. I've seen 1 church since I've been in Casablanca, and if I happen to pass by it again, I will definitely stop in. As far as implications go, I can only assume that this form of differentiation only divides the "sides" further. Personally, I see equal similarities in Jews and Muslims from Arab lands, as Sephardic and Ashkenazic Jews, only the former is based on culture and the latter is based on religion. However, until the rest of the Middle East begins recognizing this as well, it will be very difficult to find common ground on which to base peace. And perhaps, this is my life's work haha. Love ya, Lyd Lyd,

All very intelligent questions, of course to be expected from you :) Truth is, the Christian population here is super tiny and I wouldn’t even know how to get in touch with them. I’ve seen 1 church since I’ve been in Casablanca, and if I happen to pass by it again, I will definitely stop in.

As far as implications go, I can only assume that this form of differentiation only divides the “sides” further. Personally, I see equal similarities in Jews and Muslims from Arab lands, as Sephardic and Ashkenazic Jews, only the former is based on culture and the latter is based on religion. However, until the rest of the Middle East begins recognizing this as well, it will be very difficult to find common ground on which to base peace.

And perhaps, this is my life’s work haha.

Love ya, Lyd

]]> By: Lydia http://www.cecisibony.com/2008/08/thoughts-on-identity/comment-page-1/#comment-30 Lydia Tue, 12 Aug 2008 19:24:24 +0000 http://www.cecisibony.com/?p=23#comment-30 You say - "Regardless of what the family speaks, however, the Jewish people identify themselves as Jewish and the Muslims as Arabs." I am wondering if you have had much experience with other religions and their identities. Is it only Jews who do not identify as Arab? Or do other people also retreat from that title? If it is only Jews, what are the implications for Jewish identity, both in the Middle East and all over the world? All very interesting stuff - keep up the good work!! I miss you!! You say – “Regardless of what the family speaks, however, the Jewish people identify themselves as Jewish and the Muslims as Arabs.” I am wondering if you have had much experience with other religions and their identities. Is it only Jews who do not identify as Arab? Or do other people also retreat from that title?

If it is only Jews, what are the implications for Jewish identity, both in the Middle East and all over the world?

All very interesting stuff – keep up the good work!! I miss you!!

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