Published by sallybs
Sally Bowden-Schaible is a psychotherapist, educator, human rights advocate, and Buddhist student/practitioner. (www.sallybowden-schaible.org) As a human rights advocate, I am informed by the core teachings of the Buddha which emphasize wise understanding, ethical living and compassionate being-in-the-world as means to the ending of suffering. I view social action through human rights advocacy as an integral part of my spiritual practice. For the past nearly two decades my focus has been on promoting full human rights for all people in Israel-Palestine. I have traveled to Israel and the West Bank of Palestine several times and have developed friendships with both Palestinians and Israeli Jews. I have seen firsthand, and felt the effects of, Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian Territories. I am founder, coordinator, and blog curator of Buddhist Alliance for Non-Violence and Human Rights in Israel-Palestine (BANVAHR) www.banvahr.org.
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Buddhist Travels in the Holy Land 
I just now finished reading Aviv Tartasky’s thoughtful reflection, and I am deeply moved by his wise understanding of the Dharma and of the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. Aviv is courageous in his speaking out about the harm that can result from inaction and silence and how the Dharma, when integrated fully into our lives, is a guide for engaging with rather than avoiding what contributes to the suffering of so many people—those living in the Palestinian Territories, as well as those living in Israel. Perhaps Aviv’s speaking up will encourage others (even give perceived permission) to investigate, speak up about, and take direct action to end harmful actions and/or inactions. What happens in this part of the world—the home of all Abrahamic religions—is far-reaching and affects people in all parts of the world. Practitioners of the Dharma in Israel, as well as in other parts of the world (such as the US), have much to offer in engaging with others in efforts to bring a just peace to Israel-Palestine.