NoWe, psychologists and neurobiologists around the world, call on the international community to urgently press for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East, to demand that the Israeli government respect international humanitarian law, and to end the occupation of Gaza and of the West Bank, to demand from Hamas and Israel the release of all hostages and unduly imprisoned civilians.
The parties involved are trapped in a vicious cycle of violence against civilians that existentially threatens the possibility of these peoples’ long-term coexistence. This has led not onyl to irreparable harm to the Palestinian people, as the International Court of Justice (ICJ) highlighted in January, but also to a dangerous trajectory adopted by the current Israeli government, wich affects its own people’s ability to live safely long-term in this region of the world.
Human psychology is such that we tend to exaggerate our perception of the differences between social groups, between “them” and “us”, especially in cases of conflict. But we also have a propensity for empathy, cooperation, curiosity and open-mindedness towards others. This allows for a balance between the preservation of each group’s specific culture and mutual enrichment between groups through the exchange of scientific ideas, arts and technologies. On the positive side, studies show that the vast majority of humans can express empathy towards people from other groups or other cultures.
Power asymmetry
Sadly, in all human societies ther are people for whom the difference between “us” and “them” is so strong that they tend to dehumanize others. And a minority of extremists can push this feeling to the point of being ready to exterminate others, thinking that this may be in the interest of their own group.
However, we have the ability to reason to overcome what divides us and, in the past, even prolonged and bitter conflicts have ended in compromise and peace. Human beings have an immense capacity for transformation and reconciliation. But the violence must end before the healing process can begin.
When decades of war have led so many people to lose loved ones, feel helpless and threatened, the ability to empathize with others erodes. This makes it easier for groups with extremist ideas to come to power. In the absence of international pressure, they feel stronger and carry out their murderous intentions, triggering a spiral of hatred, violence and resentment. It is a self-perpetuating process that takes us further and further away from justice and peace.
How can I improve my creative writing skills to better express my ideas?
It truly seems like your request is incomplete. Could you please provide more details on what you’d like to create? Weather it’s a story, a piece of art, a poem, a project idea, or something else, I’d be happy to help!
