I reside in a vibrant Jewish community deep within the Judean Desert, just 20 minutes from Jerusalem. As a wife, mother, grandmother, hospice chaplain, and mayor of this town, my life is intertwined with the joys of familial celebrations, life cycle events, and, when necessary, farewells to those who have passed. This place, steeped in history, represents both a sanctuary and a reminder of the challenges we face.
Understanding Our Shared History
Every evening, I witness the sun setting behind the same hills that appear in biblical texts. Many Jewish residents of Judea and Samaria have expressed their thoughts to their Palestinian neighbors, engaging in meaningful dialogues about our shared and turbulent history. Yossi Klein Halevi dedicated an entire book to this conversation, and I wish to add my voice to the discourse.
I deeply empathize with the pain and sorrow that has arisen from the tragedies experienced by your families. War is brutal, and the anguish of displacement resonates through generations. I will not diminish your suffering or pretend that these losses can be easily resolved.
Historical Context and Responsibilities
Turning back the clock to 1948 is not a feasible option. The history of this land does not allow for such erasure, nor does it grant us the chance to restore the exact homes that were left behind. In 1947, a United Nations partition plan aimed to establish independent Jewish and Arab states; however, while Jewish leadership accepted this opportunity, Arab leaders rejected it. They proclaimed that the entire land should remain Arab, which led to an assertion of aggression when five Arab armies attacked the nascent state of Israel and ultimately faced defeat.
Following the war’s aftermath, the Jewish inhabitants who chose to stay within Israel were not forcibly removed. Meanwhile, Arabs who remained were permitted to continue living on their land and many chose to become Israeli citizens. Cities like Nazareth still bear testament to this coexistence. Those who vacated their homes did so in a context of war—a context that was precipitated by their leaders’ actions.
The Path to Coexistence and Peace
Your ancestors had pivotal choices to make in the face of conflict. The rejection of the partition plan by Arab leadership, while hopeful for their envisioned state, ultimately led to ongoing strife rather than the proximity and partnership they sought. Today, Israel exists and is not going to dissolve.
Holding onto keys to homes that are no longer yours will not change the current reality of Israel. A more constructive approach lies in creating a vibrant, sustainable society in areas controlled by Palestinians and seeking the path to peace rather than waiting for another cycle of conflict.
It pains me to observe the repetitive nature of our history. Multiple offers for a Palestinian state from Israeli leadership, including proposals at Camp David and other negotiations, have gone unheeded. A commitment to peace requires a mutual acknowledgment of existence, both of Israel and the long-desired Palestinian state.
The Call for Change
For a future where both peoples can live side by side, it is essential for Palestinian leaders to unequivocally affirm their acceptance of a Jewish state. Genuine nation-building requires a focus on economic development, education, and cooperation over entrenched cycles of retaliation and victimhood. Until such declarations happen openly and widely, the situation will remain as it is—characterized by tension, conflict, and insecurity.
Israel welcomes peace when offered, having established diplomatic relations with various Arab states when they prioritized peace negotiations. The question remains whether Palestinian society will embrace this opportunity for coexistence. As someone who has dedicated her life to supporting families in this land, I hope for a time when our two peoples can truly decide to live alongside each other, embracing a future filled with promise rather than strife.