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Finding Real Peace
June 20, 2008
Israel | The Future (3 comments)

By Dave Abbey

Real peace will come to the Middle East when both Israelis and Palestinians accept each other's story as 'legitimate'. People may have strong feelings about the 'other' side of the story but have to accept that each side feels it's case is the truth.

A two state solution is the only workable solution to ensure a viable Jewish state and a viable Palestinian state. Both sides have to make compromises which will 'hurt' but will bring a long-awaited peace between neighbours. An agreement on lands (more or less on pre1967 borders with negotiated modificationis); displaced persons (refugees); and Jerusalem (invariably it will not be an undivided city) with guaranteed access to all religiously-significant sites, will bring peace to that area.

Dave Abbey is a member of Temple Israel/Congregation Iyr HaMelech in Ottawa/Kingston CANADA

Tags: Israel

Comment

Comments

Rabbi Jason Rosenberg said:

What's important to note is that this has already started to happen, but apparently only from the Israeli side. In recent years, opinion polls in Israel have shown widespread support for the idea of a Palestinian state and, as they say, acceptance of the "Palestinian Narrative." In other words, more and more Israelis do accept the other's story as legitimate. Sadly, there does not seem to be a corresponding understanding from the Palestinian side, at least not yet.

Read http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/programs/twonarratives/halevi-lettertoapalestinianneighbor.shtml for a powerful article from Yossi Klein Halevi on this exact issue.

L'Shalom,
Rabbi Jason Rosenberg
Congregation Beth Am, Tampa

June 20, 2008 5:07 PM

Dave Abbey said:

My understanding is that recent surveys of both groups in the Middle East indicate 'widespread support' for a two state solution.

One issue which is problematic but should be 'resolvable' if there is a final agreement, is to ensure any 'incitement' to 'hate' does not continue in any aspect of society no matter where it is...this means ensuring the more rigid representatives in both communities have as little influence as possible.

June 20, 2008 9:18 PM

Joseph said:

We also must realize that there are more than two sides. Any peace deal will apply to arround 10 million people. Each of those people has a unique personal history and view of the situtation. After the majority of Palestinians agree to a deal, it only takes one unplaceable rogue to launch an attack. A peace agreement must also privde a mutually agreed upon way to respond to those rogues. Historically, the goverment that claims jurisdiction on a piece of land is also obliged to prevent non-governmental attacks there. The PLO's future depends on their ability to do this.

June 21, 2008 2:27 PM