A new Jewish Year (5763) is beginning, and faithful to our age-old tradition, we devote time to reflection. Looking back onto the past, I cannot help but feeling a deep sense of regret and sorrow as countless innocents in America, Israel and Palestinian Authority-controlled territories have lost their lives or been inflicted with so much suffering. I also review last year’s events with sadness, realizing the tremendous damage dealt to trust and confidence between the Israeli and Palestinian people.
But as I look ahead to the future, I am filled with conviction that we shall maintain our optimism and hope. I promise myself never to give up the aspiration for peace.
I know some skeptics and critics might dismiss my hopefulness saying: “He does not know what he is talking about.” To them, I will explain that my deep-seated beliefs in the future are based on the following rationale.
Israelis and Palestinians have been facing each another for more than 100 years now. History — marked by years of terrorism and wars, interrupted in the last decade by multiple rounds of negotiations and several interim agreements — has proven that our two peoples are bound to share the same land. The idea that one people could decide to uproot the other is out of the question.
Israel reached that conclusion long before many Palestinians. Only now, as we approach the intifada’s second anniversary, are Palestinians starting to ask themselves what violence has achieved, if it all. They have lost thousands of people, their economy is in shambles and the standard of living in the territories is continuously deteriorating. These combined elements account for the fact that they have lost all sense of hope.
Israel has also considerably suffered from the past two years of violence and terror, but in many respects the country is stronger and more resilient than ever before. Palestinians have begun to realize that when it comes to the defense of their own home, Israelis will make no compromise. We will cope with all the necessary sacrifices in order to guarantee the security and viability of our country.
In the face of Israel’s unwavering determination and courage, more Palestinians have come to the conclusion that the only solution to the conflict lies within the concept of coexistence in two separate states. Recent weeks have shown modest progress toward the resumption of cooperation as both parties attempt to negotiate an end to hostilities. A cease-fire is a precondition for further negotiations on a political agreement.
The resolution of an international conflict, especially one filled with such a historic, religious and emotional dimension takes a significant amount of time — a factor that, unfortunately, neither Israelis nor Palestinians have in the necessary abundance. It is essential that the cycle of violence be broken and terrorism be ended at once. Only through dialogue and negotiations is an agreement possible.
I agree that we may already have paid too much of a price to learn this basic lesson. But, to borrow the 1991 words of Richard Haas (Middle East National Security Council director under the first President Bush and currently head of policy planning in the State Department ), I am of the opinion that in order to resolve this tragic conflict, both parties need to demonstrate enough maturity and ripeness. The news of recent months makes me consider that we are much closer to that state than ever before. I hope that this time we will not find ourselves disillusioned.
As an Israeli and a Jew, I am also greatly encouraged and satisfied in the face of the continuous support Jewish communities all around the world have brought to Israel. All of us, by definition, have different points of view and differ with one another on political questions. But when it comes to times of crisis, Jews from all backgrounds have proven they will always stand together and that they will not hesitate to speak out. By shoring up behind Israel and staging several events, the entire Jewish community in Northern California — in San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Sacramento, Fresno, just to mention a few — has made it clear where its heart is. I am forever grateful for your commitment and offers of assistance.
In the wake of the horrendous terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 that cost the lives of so many Americans, the bonds unifying Israel and the United States are as tight as they have ever been. Our countries are both fighting enemies negating who we are and attempting to destroy our way of life and what we stand for. The war we are carrying out is a just and moral one, and there is no doubt we will be victorious. Because this realization is also starting to be shared by the Palestinians and other Arab countries, we can enter the new year with the reasonable hope that the language of peace will be spoken again soon in the Middle East.
May our wishes and dreams — both collective and individual come true this year.