Source: (2004) Papers presented at the Third Conference of the European Forum for Victim-Offender Mediation and Restorative Justice, ‘Restorative Justice in Europe: Where are we heading?’, Budapest, Hungary, 14-16 October. Downloaded 22 September 2005.
In recent years, many countries developed alternative means to deal with criminal justice related issues. Canada,
New Zealand and Australia were first to do so. It was probably the tradition, legacy and formal respect for their
indigenous ‘first nations’ population that helped acknowledge and introduce such alternatives.
Palestinian Arabs are Israel’s indigenous population. However, the political stalemate in Israel hampers efforts
made to restore relations and solve conflicts using RJ philosophy and process. Peacemaking is widely used
among Israeli Arabs themselves, and so it is also used among some Jewish communities, but it is unlikely that
any comprehensive, state based, formal alternative conflict resolution initiative would be adopted as long as the
Israeli-Palestinian conflict exists.
The paper lists political, social and cultural constraints and barriers that thwart such initiative. It also highlights
the potential benefits and opportunities in restoring community relationships within a complicated, painful
political conflict.
The overall feeling that everyone is victimised in this conflict may open a door to restoring relations.
The paper is based on observations made in the Middle East where different communities, audients and
interests are involved. Author’s abstract.
Your donation helps Prison Fellowship International repair the harm caused by crime by emphasizing accountability, forgiveness, and making amends for prisoners and those affected by their actions. When victims, offenders, and community members meet to decide how to do that, the results are transformational.
Donate Now