Stella and Truman as Mahmoud

An Interview with Mahmoud

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

First of all, ever since the Israelis invaded our territory here, they said we could have this space, the West Bank and Gaza, to live in. Yet right now, they aren't allowing us to even have that. They keep on pushing us into the corner, shoving us into smaller and smaller spaces. If these people are not leaving Israel, they can at least give us Gaza and the West Bank to live in. I, myself, am not included with my other people in their situations, but they are still my people. My people need a place they can call home, not a tiny little room that contains twenty people. That is not home. They need more room to breathe.


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

To begin answering, I'll start by saying that the Israelis shouldn't even be here. So if they weren't here, they don't need aid. But yes, Palestine needs aid. I'm not so sure the likelihood of the United States actually giving us money and all, but if they did, we would need lots of it. Almost anywhere you go in Palestine, you can see the poverty that exists. The poor conditions of so many people are miserable; we need the money and medical assistance to heal and aid those weakened people. We wouldn't necessarily need that much military aid because Israel should go away, and if they go away, we don't really have an enemy, for now. But yes, it would be nice to have some tanks and stuff so we have the ability and power needed if the time is ever to come.

What rights should the Palestinian refugees have?

Palestinians need to be given as many rights as the Israelis. I am privileged enough to be able to cross borders, but why should I? Why would I want to be able to go somewhere that my friends can't? The Israelis think this is their land when we have been here for years. They destroyed families homes without remorse. They are animals!


What should be the status of Jerusalem?

Hah! The Israelis think Jerusalem is "united," but how can you separate our family members from each other and still call this place "united"? Jerusalem needs to be turned back into an Arab state! You people wonder why we cause bus bombings. It's for freedom!


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

I personally don't think that peace will ever come between us. I refuse to talk or meet an Israeli and some of my people share my opinions too. If I do not meet them, peace cannot be made. Therefore, peace will not be made.