An Auschwitz Survivor speaks about Palestine

[JDPriestly]

24. And yet, there is no answer but to negotiate peace.

Violence will not get anyone anywhere. It simply and predictably engenders more fear and more repression.

Netanyahu is elected by frightened and angry Israelis. Hamas was elected by frightened and angry Palestinians.

I do not believe that either all Israelis or all Palestinians are frightened and angry. And I believe that those Israelis and Palestinians and Israelis who are not frightened and angry have to gather the courage to make peace.

The parties to this dispute are imprisoned by their own vicious circle. I am praying for peace, but there are ALWAYS two sides to a dispute. ALWAYS. And to achieve peace, the mediator has to be able to understand both sides. Here on DU we should speak on behalf of both sides and try to further peace, not take one side against the other. I know that the Palestinians have just grievances. But so do the Israelis. We hear almost entirely only about the Palestinian grievances on DU. And in other media and especially some churches in the US, you hear only the Israeli side.

There are two sides. We must listen to both. That, I believe, is how you encourage peace.