Annika and Catie as Shlomo

An Interview with Shlomo

1. What rights should the Palestinian refugees have?

I think Palestinian refugees should have the right of return to Israel. I think that they should not get their houses back, though, because someone could be living in it or it could be in our land.

2. What should be the status of Jerusalem?

I think the Jews should have Jerusalem, although I think the Arabs should get to visit their religious sites without needing a special permit. It is unfair that the Arabs can not see their own religious sites, while we can see our religious sites. As a Rabbi, I think everyone should be able to see their holy sites.

3. What should be the status of the West Bank and Gaza, currently occupied by Israel?

I think the West Bank should be for us and for the Arabs. We have settlers in The West Bank and it would be hard to get them all out of there.

4. Should the United States give aid to either the Israelis or Palestinians - or to both of them? If so, what kind of aid?

The $1.8 billion of military aid and $1.2 billion of economic aid that the United States provides Israel with every year gives Israel the financial resources to protect itself against Palestinian violence and threats by its neighbors. If we can come to a two-country compromise, then the United States should continue to give economic aid to both countries, but take it away if either Israel or Palestine break any of the rules of the new agreements. Military aid does not help the peace process and should only be provided if Palestine or Israel are attacked so they can defend themselves.


5. What additional ideas or proposals can you make to bring about a peace and just solution to the Israeli - Palestinian crisis?

As a rabbi, I feel that we need to protect the human rights of all people.

It's time to negotiate a compromise with the Palestinians. The peace process can only work if we start trusting each other and understand that there is not going to be a perfect solution. It may mean that Israel gives up some of the land that it acquired after the 1967 war. Israel cannot continue to ignore the United Nations Resolution 194 that requires Israel to allow Palestinian refugees to return to their homeland or be offered compensation. If both sides agree to a two separate state solution, then Israel should consider giving the Palestinians some of their land back.