While the “deal of the century” is not the solution to the Israel/Palestinian conflict, it does represent an attempt to bring peace and prosperity to both sides.

While I have always believed that there needs to be two states for two people, it seems to me that Israel is without a partner in the quest for a solution. And until a Palestinian leader arises with courage and vision, I doubt that any proposal will be accepted and pursued.

As I read of vile messages being shared with the Palestinian people, it seems that only hate and not hope is the message that is continually put forth.

Earlier this month a Palestinian terrorist, Sanad Al-Turan decided to carry out a terror attack and rammed his car into a group of Israeli soldiers, wounding twelve of them. Before the attack, Al-Turman uploaded a video of himself reciting a poem inciting murder of Israelis, including the phrases “tear the gangs of invaders into pieces” and “let them taste instant death.”

I hate to give the poem any credibility, but I think we need to know and appreciate the mentality of some with whom Israel seeks to negotiate a peace deal. This is the poem that has been spread among the Palestinian people. While it certainly does not represent the thinking of all Palestinians, I believe that it does reflect the attitude of many.

“Stand proud and tall like the minarets. Send your bullets like the ‘stones of hard clay.’ (Quran) Tear the gangs of invaders into pieces, and let them taste instant death by (angel) Gabriel. Burn the tyrants’ corpses and their filth, and pour gasoline on their organs. Let them burn all the palm trees in our courtyards—we will rise like palm trees above the palm trees. If they destroy all the minarets above us we will be like the minarets. Then you will hear the call: Praise Allah.” – (official Fatah Facebook entry, Feb. 6, 2020)

Unfortunately, the Palestinian political leadership permits such expressions of hate. In fact, it encourages and promotes a mentality of hate and violence as it continues to reward the families of terrorists with significant monetary payments for their loss.

Still, and in spite of Israel’s rejectionist far right wing, most Israelis long for a time when both sides will sit with each other and arrive at a solution that provides for the needs of both peoples.

And I believe that most Palestinian people feel the same way. Most are tired of war and violence and seek only security and prosperity. It seems like a dream right now, even as we are a people of dreamers. So do we stand with those Israelis and Palestinians who are determined to keep the dream alive.

Shabbat Shalom. The greeting itself expresses our hope as we hold fast to a vision of a better time for both Israelis and Palestinians.