HONOLULU (KHON2) – Peter Hoffenberg, professor of history at UH Mānoa and affiliated professor at the University of Haifa in Israel, joined KHII’s KHON2 via an online interview to discuss the impact of the war on Hawaii.
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Cone 2:
“We want to talk tonight about the impact of the war on people with ties to Israel and the Middle East here in Hawaii. What do you think? So what are you hearing from others?”
Professor Peter Hoffenberg, UH Manoa Professor:
“Well, we hear a lot from both sides, right? We have Jewish students who have family in Israel. We also have non-Jewish students who have family in Israel. We have Muslims and Muslim children. And I have a family. That’s why people listen to it a lot. I think there are two streams, and the other one is the one that everyone else hears about on the news. And everyone I know is on Facebook. You use it to make phone calls, you use it to send emails. And the fact is, there’s bad news all around you. So no matter your political stance, it matters.”
Cone 2:
“Thank you for sharing such views. As you know, peace in the region has always been elusive. But when it comes to recent peace and normalization efforts, such as the Abraham Accords, these To what extent were the attacks a response to that? And is there a future where such efforts are resumed?”
Professor Peter Hoffenberg, UH Manoa Professor:
“Okay, first of all, everyone recognizes the importance of this timing. This timing also included Iran’s attempts to undermine the court. And it’s a long-standing rivalry that’s been going on since medieval times, not only between the Iranians and the Israelis, but between the Iranians or the Persians and the Saudis. Second, it is the anniversary of the Yom Kippur War. And Hamas wants to assume the role of the main driving force in removing Jews and Israelis from the region. There has also been a lot of discussion about security flaws. Non-Jews and non-Israelis need to be reminded that this was a holiday. Now that the holy days are over, one of the reasons these innocent children were dancing and enjoying nature was because of Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur War, and Simkok Torah. , because it was the end of the cycle in which we read the entire Torah. So there are various reasons for that date. Certainly, the Abrahamic Accords are part of it. But we now know that it was probably I know it has been planned for up to two years.”
Cone 2:
“I mentioned young people in my previous answer, but I wonder how they, our youngest generation, thought about the possibility of peace in the future, the possibility of coexistence with the Palestinians before that. And fast forward to the significance of the genocide. Targeting them at youth and music festivals? What impact did this have on the extent to which these young future leaders wanted prospects for peace? Will we give? Is an entire generation now going backwards?”
Professor Peter Hoffenberg, UH Manoa Professor:
“Well, I think this generation is more fatalistic about peace in all respects, in the sense that both Palestinian youth and Israeli youth, all sides were actively supporting hawkish policies before this. No. Many of them did not support Netanyahu. But just like creating a long-lasting and lasting peace. Most people on both sides never expected that to happen, but they did not support Netanyahu beforehand. I never thought that would happen. So the question is how do you get a valid relationship that is not always based on coercion or fear? Young people interested in peace, and how many Dear people, please. And there are programs that bring children from different ethnic and religious groups to school, and there is an organization called Hand in Hand that has Jews, Christians, Muslims, and Muslims. Within the community there are Shia, Sunni and Jewish communities. As we say, there are three opinions for two Jews, so there will always be a variety, but They all teach collectively. And we want all of these non-governmental efforts, Jewish and Muslim-initiated village movements, to exist. But the big The problem is that these exist as isolated examples, and it will take a generation to push them forward and make them normal. We will get through this terrible period before we can judge their lasting impact. I think it needs to be done. But if I’m a realist, it’s going to be very difficult to get young people on either side to participate.”
Cone 2:
“What a terrible situation that they are in putting their viewers here in Hawaii at risk of some sort? Their awareness of what should happen next is so far away from here, how terrible is it? Can we bring about change?”
Professor Peter Hoffenberg, UH Manoa Professor:
“I think that makes a difference, because maybe you’re in a class or you’re standing in line at Costco with someone you have some kind of connection with. The Hawaiian ethos is that you try to understand both sides. Often. But note that understanding is not egalitarian. For example, we understand the bombing of Gaza. Heading and rape are not equivalent. You know, because it allows us to have a conversation. However, I think we need to be clear about the moral hierarchy. I also think that Hawaiians in general, including Christian Hawaiians who see Israel as the Promised Land, should take a step back. I think. This is not our land. It’s not Christian land now. It’s Israeli Jewish, Muslim, and Palestinian land. And they should be respected for those goals. And it shouldn’t be used for anything else. I also think people are interested in making financial contributions across the board. You know, the Muslim Arabs, the Red Cross, the Red Cross. Shingetsusha needs help, so perhaps there are ways for the people of Hawaii to pitch in as we talk about this to help ease the heat. You know, too much. But excited conversations don’t actually lead to anything?”
