Would the world be a better place if we all ate together?

I would consider it.

It would certainly be better if we all ate.

And it is a cool idea. But not all Israeli Jews and Arabs despise one another. It will be the ones who do not who will be eating at a discount.

So if you mean that the elusive notion of World Peace is only a helping of hummus, kibbe and fatoush away…

I will be momentarily pessimistic and say probably not.

Of course @josie it will take more than falafel to bring peace to the world…I just found this a bold move when Palestinians are out in the streets attacking Jews with knives.

I think it is particularly important to associate with people whose political views conflict with your own. And it has been recognized since the dawn of civilization that 2 hungry people are unlikely to peaceably resolve any dispute or conflict.

@stanleybmanly You comment reminded me of one of the greatest moments in military conflict that happened in WWI.

__At the first light of dawn on Christmas Day, some German soldiers emerged from their trenches and approached the Allied lines across no-man’s-land, calling out “Merry Christmas” in their enemies’ native tongues. At first, the Allied soldiers feared it was a trick, but seeing the Germans unarmed they climbed out of their trenches and shook hands with the enemy soldiers. The men exchanged presents of cigarettes and plum puddings and sang carols and songs. There was even a documented case of soldiers from opposing sides playing a good-natured game of soccer.__

Yep the “Christmas Truce” is one of those moments that should be taught in the schools.

@Cruiser – I’ve read about that as well—but I believe that the rest of the story is that the following day, after Christmas, starting at dawn, they started shooting each other again – half of them were dead by that evening.

Did you mean “each other” instead of “together”? Mods might be able to help you correct it.

Yes, I get the point and it could be good. Problem is that for most nations the question is does food even exist?

@ZEPHYRA in those instances they could sit down and share a pitcher of filthy river water together.

We can’t even do that in our own homes with our families. Yes, it certainly would help.

@Cruiser I was JUST going to mention that…here’s a re-enactment clip.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWF2JBb1bvM snif, snif

The simple answer is, “Yes, it could.” The success rate on a high scale is highly doubtful. It takes an individual with an open mind and more extroverted personality to open up to strangers with differing opinions in order to consider participating in a discussion that might turn into a debate.

After reading the reviews of Uzi Hummus on TripAdvisor, it appears as those who have bothered to post a review are primarily from Israel or European countries. This isn’t surprising as the vast majority of Arabs are not allowed into Israel. When the SO and I were there for a week a few years ago, the Israeli tour guide had to make arrangements to swap places with a Palestinian guide at the Western Wall checkpoint in order to continue the tour. Same tourist company; restrictive rules by country. We outsiders found this odd, weird, appalling. Yet similar scenarios exist in our own world when it comes to dining with others.

I’ve only lived in the US, and have seen this concept pulled off without physical harm, but I can’t say that as either a server or a customer that it has been effective. Sometimes it just takes time to digest what, if any differing opinion, has been shared.

I think the world be a better place if we all drank together with appetizers. lol
I’m an extroverted and open minded type and very comfortable in social situations but the older I get I just want my space and peace. I think of the world were to do this we should make sure we have a kids table to avoid annoying all us mature people. haha

@Coloma The Catholics and Protestants in Ireland tried this with not so pretty results

@Cruiser You’ve got a point there. haha

I think I’ll need a bigger dining table…

I’m thinking of Christmas, when all the family get together. I wonder if familial murder increases at that time of the year? Apparently Christmas Day is the deadliest day of the year.

One time I was at a meeting led by a Rabbi and he said, “the Jews were accepted [in America] because the Jewish people made efforts to integrate with the Gentiles. They worked with them, became friends with them, and if people get to know each other they are more likely to understand and like each other.” He went in to say Jews should only marry Jews, LOL, but that’s beside the point.

Sure, socializing with people usually helps build bridges. It’s difficult to harm someone you know.

The organization Seeds of Hope has made many efforts to unite the people of the Middle East. A friend of mine had experience with them. I think it was camp of some sort, my memory fails. Israeli and Arab children get to play together and ask each other questions; learn each other’s perspective.

@JLeslie The Jews kept the delis and movie theaters in business on Christmas day.

You forgot the Chinese restaurants.

@Earthbound_Misfit Sooo, basically they know nothing. People die. lol

I think it’s a wonderful idea. Breaking bread together—not just concurrently, as among strangers in a restaurant, but actually sharing a meal—creates a social bond. It might not be enough to save the world, but it could reduce the fear and animosity in the hearts of a few, and that’s all to the good.

I’m not at war with anyone, but I think I would, yes, if I were part of a group that had a tradition of hostile relations with another group. I hope I would.

I also still believe in the importance of family dinnertime and have fought to sustain the custom in my household for the past 30 years and more.

I think that if we actually took the time to sit down and get to know each other, a meal is a great start, then yes, we could see some improvements.

Every negotiation and summit should start with a multi-course, multiple hour meal AND it should include beer and wine.

@Coloma, whether it works will depend on the people who participate and on each individual’s willingness to resolve their differences. Eating food is no guarantee that people will behave kindly to each other.

My point was Christian families break bread at Christmas and look how that ends up in so many families.