Traveling in the Middle East...
The Gaza Conflict Dec 27-Jan 19

Part I, two part series

By Robin Tauckrtauck@robintauck.com

After 30 years in travel, little could prepare me for my recent travels to the Middle East.

A journey that happened to commence on the first day of the brutal Gaza Air raids on December 27th and proceed for the next three eventful weeks to Egypt, Jordan, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Israel and Palestine — entering at the height of conflict and leaving on the day a Cease Fire was declared. I left in peace and with better understanding.

My twenty–two days were spent listening and speaking as well as observing, many wonderful Middle Eastern people; enjoying their hospitality and hearing their unique perspectives on the Gaza conflict, on tourism advancements and on the eventualities of what both mean in the near future to millions of people. Most of all, I felt deeply the Islamic quest for peace.

These are undeniably … extraordinary and tenuous times. The world is poised on a delicate scale, tipping to hope and optimism with recognition of imperatives to global economic development, cultural understanding and peace. I interviewed more than 40 people and while the future for any one of them was uncertain… their smiles, stories and outreach to us, was truly genuine.

I returned home to America on Inauguration Day, a changed and reflective woman.

Watching the Media: America, U.K., Qatar, Egypt, and Israel….
My hundreds of miles in the desert countries helped me forge my own view and insights. This was not easy as the airwaves were filled with around–the–clock reports from CNN, Fox News, BBC, and Qatar’s Al Jezeera showing terrible images and warranted discussion. (I noted TV interviews were mostly amongst Westerners; not between Muslims and Westerners). I read many editorials daily in Cairo’s Egyptian Mail, The Tribune and Jerusalem Daily, but as the 22 days progressed, there was little time for print. TV and Internet was my fastest source for the most up to date information – just 60–200 miles away. The Gaza images became shameful views of atrocities, escalating daily with catastrophic loss to over 1,300 dead, hundreds of children, 5,000 injuries and 25,000 homes and 20 mosques destroyed. Meanwhile news from the U.S. and abroad also centered on promising inaugural preparations and the courageous, heroic story of US Airway’s Miracle landing on the Hudson.

In my opinion, though President Obama’s first priority is on the U.S. economy, he and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton must immediately clarify the USA’s position on Israeli actions and provide transparency on past and future policies.

Takeaways from 5 Middle East Countries; 12 Religions; 22 days of War
What became immediately apparent to me was the divided Arab World, even the initial guarded position by ordinary Arab citizens. I was not afraid, and I probed in an effort to "seek to understand". I took every chance to probe many minds in different Arab countries, using the sad horrors of the unfolding Gaza travesty…to open hearts and tongues in instant dialog (often with translators). I asked direct questions and yearned to move deep into their minds ever sensitive to cultural differences and respect. Most were GCC Arab leaders of business, tourism, ministries of government; while others were everyday people from students to elders. From nomadic Bedouins to global businessmen, I got a truly unique view during a truly unique time.

I was not alone on this journey. I traveled with 25–year colleagues, my husband, my 78–year old mother, Columbia University seniors, and 24 first–time and experienced travelers hailing from Venezuela to New York to the heart of Midwest America. Along the way, we crossed paths with a circle of 80 associates from–our 5 host countries, and with some 100 groups from across the USA, Africa, Europe and Russia. This made for fascinating interviews. All were forthright – "a despicable horror", "brutal retaliation", "out of control". No question –"Crisis in Gaza." Every single person spoke to the task our new President will face. Every single person had a stated conviction to move on with their lives. Every single person was unafraid to be bold, outspoken and eager to collaborate. Every single traveler would not be deterred from their travels.

I loved the experience – my takeaways were renewed pride and hope that I have not felt in decades and all this occurred by local conversation, during days of UN meetings. Talking to ordinary people even on 10 border crossings, there was no sign of fear. Frustration, yes. Skepticism, yes. Outrage, yes. But Fear, absolutely not.

The Islamic people seemed somewhat divided but so aligned in many ways. Islam is a religion of peace; of compassion, mercy, justice and equality; tested for over 1,400 years. While demonstrations raged elsewhere, the Muslim neighborhoods where I was, all advocated peace, resolution and moved on with their lives and business as usual.

I witnessed remarkable citizen diplomacy on the street, alongside International Diplomacy efforts convening in Egypt and Jerusalem. Amongst the people of different nations, some confidence was restored via dialog; confidence that can and must extend deeper. And this is where we as travel professionals, each of us, can play a major role.

Simply stated, what I sense is needed, is the restoration of mutual confidence.

Travelers are Diplomats of Peace
There is an opportunity and challenge bestowed upon us as travelers. While we desire to be immersed in local culture, canvassing the local streets and watering holes… talking, sharing bread, hookah and tabouli, praying, shopping and enjoying our time together, there are inner moments of hesitation that fall upon us resulting in unexpressed feelings; often a veil of silence and eyes intent on observation. I watched many people individually work through this….and then boldly, reach out.

As professionals in travel, we responsible for advice to hundreds of thousands of people …not only where to go and how best to travel, but how to stretch our minds; engage, and build new perspectives. In group tourism, we excel at connecting unconnected peoples; the most transformational experience of all – often superseding the iconic World Heritage sites and monuments our guests come to see. This yearning to "connect and understand" is far more powerful today than ever. We must connect Islam and the West. A new path is paved for us, towards a huge and powerful destination. Shaping as we speak and rapidly growing, we as travel professionals can heed the call; and be part of the solution.

I urge my colleagues to support tourism and travel to Egypt, Jordan, Israel/Palestine, Oman, UAE and Middle East countries. Share with your clients first-hand reports from travel professionals, or friends, hotel or tourism companies. Provide due diligence in expertise, contact numbers and assistance, and always be positive and supportive.

Please do not discourage interested travelers to the Middle East … it can be a phenomenal cross cultural experience, for those who wish, well beyond travels here years ago … or years to come.

For we are at an extraordinary time – and change will happen faster than we can imagine; surely in the historical context of time. Some persons do wish to be "part of" the change.

I arrived in conflict, yet I left in relative peace and with hope. I arrived home to America on January 20, and there on the TV Screen was President Barack Obama's Inauguration Speech:

…"believe that old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America and Americans must play a role in ushering in a new era of peace. For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies."
—President Obama in his Inaugural Address