Rabbi Yitzchok Adlerstein writes:
An Orthodox young woman who works for MOTB argued that the greatest change she has seen in a decade is that Israelis have learned how to do a traffic merge – quite a change from the old standstills and shouting matches. They have become more Westernized in other ways as well. The tour included many upscale restaurants and the best hotels. The quality of service was amazing, fully up to the expectations of Americans used to superior service – polite, quick, and intelligent. The providers were equally represented by Jews and Arabs, working harmoniously together.
The result can be comical. I was one of the first to check in at our hotel in Tveryah. The fellow behind the desk asked if I had a reservation. I did, but he could not find it under my name. I explained that I was with the MOTB group, but he could not find that reservation either. Quickly it dawned upon him. “Christian bloggers!” he exclaimed triumphantly, but eying my black yarmulke suspiciously. I explained that I was not Christian, but indeed a blogger. I asked him where I could find a beit knesset in the morning. He thought for a moment, took a good look at me, and responded that I would probably be happier at Stolin then Chabad! Did I mention that he was an Arab?
In the restaurant in the morning, chassidim, Christian bloggers (and tourists) and one Muslim imam took breakfast together without the slightest amount of tension. I saw this in other areas of the country as well, particularly in the north, near the traditional Israeli Arab communities. I used to think that Haifa was the exception to the rule, the place where Jews and Arabs lived generally peaceably with each other. This is not the case at all. It is Yerushalayim (and Chevron) where the tension between Arabs (non-citizens by choice) and Jews is palpable. The foreign press (present in greater number than in any European capital) experience only this tension, which helps shape their (negative) opinions about Israel. They never see the proven capacity for Jews and Muslims to live together in a democratic state. The ridiculous charge of “apartheid,” falsifiable in so many ways, melts before visual scrutiny after 60 seconds in the Mamila Mall – even in Yerushalayim! – as Jews and Arabs shop together in elegant stores…
Plans for the Museum are equally accommodating. Each guest’s stay at the Museum will be personally programmed and guided by a tablet. There will be a Jewish option for those who just don’t want their kids or themselves exposed to overtly Christian material. This option will steer them away from all of it, taking them only to more pareve exhibit areas.
The people turning the Museum into reality have put their lives on hold to put the project together. They are friends of the Jewish people, and friends of the State of Israel. They include the people behind what in effect is a Christian Birthright program, that will be a powerful tool in creating positive sentiment for Israel among young Christians. Their passion for, and devotion to, what they regard as the word of G-d is a pleasure to behold. To be sure, there will be bumps in the road ahead. My guess, however, is that we will be able to talk through our differences amicably and cooperatively.
