Time to End the Cycle of Violence
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has long been a cycle of violence spun out of control. Every time one side or the other attacks, the other responds, leading to further attacks, which leads to further responses. Neither side seems willing to stop the cycle.
While I want to say that I completely recognize Israel's right to exist and it's right to defend itself, the Israeli's have to understand that "staying the course" hasn't and isn't bearing fruit. The only means of finding peace is to find a solution that satisfies at least some of the demands on both sides, though not all. The idea that we won't talk to our enemies -- a view that the US puts up in its dealings with Syria and Iran -- simply doesn't work. Mahmoud Abbas is willing to negotiate and his party has recognized Israel's right to exist, even if reluctantly, but he's hamstrung by intransigence on the part of Israel and Hamas. But something has got to be done for the sake of everyone.
So, it's time to sit down and talk as Abbas has suggested. There's really nothing to lose, and possibly much to gain. As a Christian it would seem that this isn't my battle, and yet it is. Jews and Muslims are my spiritual kin. I am who I am because of Judaism -- for Jesus was a Jew and all the founders of my faith were Jews. By extension that makes me at least in part a descendant of Judaism. Islam claims descent from both faiths. We're in this together and so we must work toward peace together. And, while most Palestinians are Muslim, at least in some fashion, there is an ancient Palestinian Christian community, with whom I stand as well. Let's work for peace!!
While I want to say that I completely recognize Israel's right to exist and it's right to defend itself, the Israeli's have to understand that "staying the course" hasn't and isn't bearing fruit. The only means of finding peace is to find a solution that satisfies at least some of the demands on both sides, though not all. The idea that we won't talk to our enemies -- a view that the US puts up in its dealings with Syria and Iran -- simply doesn't work. Mahmoud Abbas is willing to negotiate and his party has recognized Israel's right to exist, even if reluctantly, but he's hamstrung by intransigence on the part of Israel and Hamas. But something has got to be done for the sake of everyone.
So, it's time to sit down and talk as Abbas has suggested. There's really nothing to lose, and possibly much to gain. As a Christian it would seem that this isn't my battle, and yet it is. Jews and Muslims are my spiritual kin. I am who I am because of Judaism -- for Jesus was a Jew and all the founders of my faith were Jews. By extension that makes me at least in part a descendant of Judaism. Islam claims descent from both faiths. We're in this together and so we must work toward peace together. And, while most Palestinians are Muslim, at least in some fashion, there is an ancient Palestinian Christian community, with whom I stand as well. Let's work for peace!!
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