Rav Arora

I’m still processing all of the rich, harrowing, powerful experiences I had from travelling to both Israel and Palestine. But some things don’t need to be filtered through political ideology to be appreciated.

This is simply raw, unpoliticized humanity.

These two kids were selling handmade bracelets in a Palestinian refugee slum in Bethlehem to help support their family. As we walked away, we heard their mother cheer with joy — because while the $40 we collectively gave felt small and almost insignificant to us, it translates to roughly a week’s worth of food for them.

These children, through no fault of their own, were born into profoundly difficult circumstances. They deserve our utmost empathy and compassion.

Too often, political discourse flattens real human suffering into abstract statistics. Moments like this are a reminder that beneath every conflict are human beings — and that we are all part of a shared humanity.

I’m not a tribal supporter of Israel or Palestine. I see strengths and weaknesses on both sides and want to see a peaceful solution in the future.

Both sides are welcome on my podcast — from @officialbenshapiro to @theproblemdavesmith (both who I’ve done podcasts with) — as I continue to process this issue.