Olivia and Samma as Sanabel

An Interview with Sanabel

What rights should the Palestinian refugees have?


As a refugee myself, the restrictions that I face are unacceptable: first, the Israelis kicked my family and I out of our home in Zakareh; second, I can not get through a checkpoint when I wish to leave the West Bank; third, water in the camp is limited; and fourth, we have to live this way while Israelis live in luxury. You think that I would be enraged, but as am I pro-Palestinian, I also feel somewhat pro-Israeli. When you think about it, most of the people of Israel want nothing to do with war and killing others; they want peace just as much as I do. So I believe that we are equal. Palestinian refugees should live as equally as the Israelis. We should have the same rights, the same conditions, even the same dinkey throw pillows sitting on our living room couches.

What should be the status of Jerusalem?


I have never been allowed into Jerusalem, but I wish to be someday. My ethnic background and religion have prevented me from ever going. I believe the status of Jerusalem should be free from racial and religious prejudice. I believe that anyone should be able to enter Jerusalem, and I believe that it shouldn't just be considered an Israeli city. It is not. Jerusalem should be shared between us both.


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


I believe that they should be opened, that the fences, barriers, and checkpoints should all cease to exist. I believe we should unite and stand as one, rather than two, which makes us look like a pathetic bickering country.


Should the United States give aid to either the Palestinians or the Israelis? or both?


Both! The United States already provides an enormous amount of aid for Israel and no support for Palestine. I believe that the money and aid that is given to Israel should be shared between us both.


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


Unite us all! Let us see what it's like going to school together, see each other at work, and drive past one another on our ways home. Somebody that once you would get pushed away for even muttering a word to could become a neighbor and friend.