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Show 238 MADELYN CANNON STEWART SILVER Second, the Holy Land experience,with its intense exposure (Palestinians), gave Madelyn an admiration for these people. Most Mormon writers focusing on the Middle East, particularly after the creation of Israel in 1948, have insisted to Arabs that Israel's emergence as a nation was the fulfillment of ancient prophecies about the gathering of the Jews. Madelyn came away with the feeling that Latter-day Saints and others must understand and respect all the peoples in the Holy Land: Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Specifically, she found the Arabs to be much like Mormons. They did not drink, gamble, slander, or take advantage of others. They prayed regularly, were generous in giving, had strong families, and maintained a remarkable community of feeling. They had a good sense of humor, enjoyed life, and were kind and hospitable. Madelyn was also well aware of the important contributions of Islamic doctrine and civilization to world history. She knew that both the Jews and Arabs had legitimate rights of inheritance in the Holy Land. Both have been the victims of terrible suffering, both have been guilty of atrocities and deceitful maneuvering of others to strengthen their claims. The issues are complex and Madelyn favored balance and compassion." She was delighted that the LDS Church had refrained from taking an official stand on the Arab-Israeli question. Elder Howard Hunter expressed this attitude: "Both the Jews and the Arabs are children of our Father. They are both children of promise, and as a church we do not take sides. We have love for Our father does not favor one peo and an interest in each fear over another, but accepts all those of every nation who 7 •••• ple him and work righteousness.:" The Church is prohibited from proselytizing in every country in the Middle East. But Mormon teachings have cast Islam in a historical role. Similarly, the church has maintained a positive ancient positive attitude toward the Jews, regarding Jews as an the last in the events of role a with covenant people prophesied reli foundations and ethical for debt a days. They acknowledge the anti-Semitic shared not pos gious terminology. They have tures of some Christian eras or groups. President Heber J. cautioned, "Let no Latter-day Saint be guilty of taking Grant, |
