I think that the U.S. should withdraw all aid if Israel does not act on Resolution 194. Israel was allowed to become a member of the United Nations if it accepted Resolution 194, and Israel can not be allowed to continue to ignore it. According to the resolution, Palestinian refugees should be cleared to return to Israel. If their land is unoccupied, then they should be allowed to claim it, and if Israeli settlers are occupying the land, then refugees should be offered compensation.
I was hoping that there could be a one-country solution, but there is so much anger and distrust that has been passed down for so many generations that this might just be too unrealistic. It is more likely that a two-country solution is the answer. In 2005, Israel evacuated the last of more than 8,000 settlers from Gaza, but tens of thousands of Jewish settlers have built homes in the West Bank because the Israeli government has been offering housing subsidies. Israel is even building a high wall inside the West Bank to separate the setters from the Palestinians. It is hard to believe that the checkpoints, walls, and barriers are going to come down and that Arabs would be equal in a one-country government.
Most religions teach justice and peace, not constant fighting. I think all human beings want to live in a safe place where the rights of all people are protected. Shlomo does not want his children living in fear. All of us—Christians, Muslims, Jews, Atheists, people of every religion and ethnic background—need to tell our leaders to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict. I think we need many more Hand-in-Hand Schools where young Arabs and Jews grow up together over a long period of time. Imagine what would happen if the $1.8 billion of U.S. military aid that we are giving to Israel were instead given to create more schools where Arabs and Jews live and learn together? If Jew and Arab children become friends, then they will be the new leaders of peace.
This is so good! You're a great writer! I agree, and I too, was surprised that the US is giving so much miitary $. We should be giving it to make peace and to look back on the UN deal.
ReplyDeletecomment here
ReplyDeleteGreat Job, Annika! I liked how you talked about the fact that everybody wants to live in a safe place. I think its interesting that Israel evacuated about 8,000 settlers from Gaza.
ReplyDeleteHey Annika, great peace, I liked that you stated a lot of the things you learned in your piece. I was surprised that the U.S.A. is giving Israel so much help.
ReplyDeleteI liked the format of it and I learned that the U.S. gives Israel 20% of its total foreign aid and that Israel is the largest total recipient of U.S. aid since 1945.
ReplyDeleteNice article Annika, I really like how you added the U.S.A into the Israel-Palestinian conflict. I liked how you said your hopes, for the Israel and Palestinian conflict. I learned that the U.S. spends $1.8 millinon just for the Israelis, and JUST for military aid.
ReplyDeleteI really like how you end positively. I was also suprised to learn the U.S. gives Israel 20% of its total foreign aid and that Israel is the largest total recipient of U.S. aid since 1945.
ReplyDelete