There is no Right or Wrong, Just Fact and Opinion.

Talking the Talk is what makes us what we are.
Most Australian Jews (and in fact 60% of the general Australian population) are either new immigrants or 1st generation citizens . The significant majority of the American Jewish community is 2nd or 3rd generation. Their bond with America strengthened by the belief that it is a safe haven from European pogroms, Anti -Semitic restrictions on daily life and religious freedom. Of course we are only talking about relative safety and relative acceptance. The United States at least (talked the talk) spoke the language of inclusion and it even walked the walk (albeit with a heavy limp).
As I said in the previous post, I believe our Frame of Reference[i] is based on the influences on and in our life; and while most of these are chosen, some are not. In theory we can all look at a situation, examine all options, match it up with our general knowledge and make a decision (e.g. Mother says don’t go out with wet hair, but doctor says it makes no difference. I either listen to the doctor, or wear a hat; if only to make Mum happy). Most don’t and some can’t. Some choose not to choose and are happy with whatever explanation they’re presented with. They are our "sheep" and they are many. A majority in a democracy.
As an educator I am interested in the questions, Are we indoctrinated? and Do we indocrtrinate our children? Those that answer yes, must then explain how it is possible to educate without indocrinating. How can we explain an abstract idea without implied values. I don't have a problem giving over values to my students, although some believe this should be the exclusive role of the parent of spiritual guide. It is possible to remove outside influences like television and internet, but that also removes you from our shrinking world.
Often it is hard to see outside the box. To see 'past the end of our noses'. Frames of References being what they are can only create a subjective and not an objective view of a situation. This means there is no right or wrong, no black or white; just opinions and various shades of grey; the world is made up of facts and then opinion. Weight of opinion usually wins, but does not necessarily imply that right won, just that the majority prevailed (arguably the weakness of democracy). The inability to accept this basic premise makes cooperation difficult.
We need to learn to walk in the blind man’s shoes, to understand the world as he does, to feel his pride and his hurt. Our adversaries must do likewise. This does necesssarily lead to understanding. I lived in Israel for 20 years and feel I have a reasonable grasp of issues in the area. One thing obvious to me is that education has played a major role in making peace the difficult choice. Peace meant acceptance.
As an example, May 15 1948 is celebrated by Israelis as Independence Day, while Palestinians mark the day as Al Nachbar, 'the Tragedy'. Is either side right or wrong? More to the point, does it really matter? We all have an opinion on the issue, but that's all it is, an opinion. It is 100% subjective. It has to be; especially if the other side doesn't even accept the basis of your raison d'etre. Peace and cooperation come with an understanding of the others position, not in order to exploit it, but in order to further the understanding between parties.
Of course that is not to say that there is no legitimacy to either side’s arguments, but that they need to be put aside once it has been decided that the way forward is together. Going forward together doesn’t necessarily mean in harmony, just in understanding that it is necessary. I believe this approach central to all conflict resolution.

[i] Please see "A basic premise from which I build my views."