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A surreal conversation
Sure, I said, thinking he wanted me to explain some aspect of Israeli society or politics. Like what?
Well, he said, I understand that Catholics believe in Mary. And Christians believe in Jesus. Muslims believe in Mohammed. Right?
Whoa. A theological conversation. Not quite what I expected.
Um, it's a bit complicated, I said. Catholics are Christians; there are different kinds of Christians, but they all believe that Jesus was the son of God, or a part of God. The Muslims believe that Mohammed was God's messenger; he was a prophet, but not a god.
I understand, said the cameraman politely, looking at me with eyes that clearly said the opposite.
Just then we were interrupted by the television reporter he was working with. She showed him a document written in Chinese, they exchanged a few words and then she went back to her computer.
The cameraman explained that the reporter doesn't speak English, so he helps her with the occasional translation.
Doesn't speak English? I asked. So how does she manage here?
Difficult, he answered, smiling weakly. Actually, we are based in Cairo because she speaks fluent Arabic. We were sent here to cover the disengagement.
B-but, if she doesn't speak English, and she doesn't speak Hebrew, then how does she understand what's going on here? (I wondered, but didn't ask).
Then he asked, So what do the Jews believe in?
Just in God, I answered.
And what is God?
This is why sometimes I do believe in the power of citizen reporting...
Those people report to the world about what is happening...
Brought by on the face
Posted on September 25, 2005
in Linking context
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