By Tani Zarelli, , Vancouver, Wash.
In response to Simcha Shtull’s comments on Israel controlling the lives of 2.5 million Palestinians (“Israel must act,” Letters, June 24).
This is a topic of discussion that can have many different views. Everyone has their opinion on how to solve the tension between Arabs and the Jewish people. For many Arabs who are living peacefully as Israeli citizens, they don’t see much of an issue. Sure there can be relationship problems, but who doesn’t have that?
For the most part there is actually a sadness among Israelis, Jewish and Arab, because they want to have the friendships that were had long ago.
I am an American who spends much of my time traveling to Israel and often bringing a group of friends with me. I have traveled the borders, visited and stayed in the Jewish communities in the Shomron region of Israel, and have met with many people who talk about their idea of solving the conflict.
When I read letters that talk about the oppression of Palestinians I have to wonder if the writers spend much time here in Israel or even stay in the contested areas. Have you met with your brothers and sisters who live in these areas?
One thing I do know for sure, I can throw all kinds of factual reasons why Israel should not give up land, but you have heard the facts. I would like to only say, giving land to a people who hate you won’t bring peace. Gaza is booming with beautiful malls, water parks and restaurants, while Sderot, a town on the Israeli side, receives random rocket attacks. I have experienced them. Itamar, a beautiful community in the Shomron, known for its organic farming, has endured the random attacks on their citizens during Shavuot. You cannot reason with this kind of hate that fills the hearts and minds of the Palestinian Arab leaders.
As an American I have to ask on this Independence Day, should we give back the U.S. land that was gained in war with Britain? If we are going to ask it of Israel then I believe we must ask it of ourselves.
I urge the Jewish community to not sit here in the United States and tell your country what to do. Spend time in Shomron, Sderot and along the borders. Talk to the Israeli people about life here in Israel. Then give advice.
Israel is an amazing place filled with miracles and the most wonderful people who have created most everything you have to run your life smoothly.
Let’s support them.