Noah and Owen as Daniel and Yarko

An Interview with Daniel and Yarko

What rights should the Palestinian refugees have?

First of all I think the Palestinians should not be put in camps. But since they are, these are the rights that I think they should have. I think the refugees should only have a limit of time which would be no more than two years. The camps should be humane and the camps should be hospitable. They should not be murdered randomly just because they supposedly did something. They should have better ways to clean themselves not just splashing soapy water onto their faces. They need actual showers!

What should be the status of Jerusalem?

I think Jerusalem should be a place where everyone is equal. If you're muslim, Jewish, anything: welcome to Jerusalem! This land is amazingly old; you can feel the oldness in a good way in every wall, every building. The narrow streets busy with people, markets lining the streets with spices and jewelry. This is a place that needs to be neutral.

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

I think that the West Bank should still be Israeli, but I think it should be open to all. Every place should be open to all and welcoming to all, but this is not always possible. The West Bank and Gaza should be under Israeli rule, but no one should be shut out or shut in.

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

I think that the U.S. as a whole should not give to one side only but should help out both sides by supplying food, water, shelter, and the basic needs that people need to survive. The U.S. should not supply ammunition or troops, however.

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

I think that Israeli and Palestinian kids need to just get to know each other. The adults know too much and have too much history; the kids are the ones that should meet. The kids are the ones who will either bring the next generation to a crash or bring these countries together.