Posted by Ashur Bar Ninvayah from adsl-67-37-225-233.dsl.chcgil.ameritech.net (67.37.225.233) on Tuesday, October 22, 2002 at 1:57PM :
In Reply to: And my response... posted by Jeff from pcp02828637pcs.roylok01.mi.comcast.net (68.85.157.147) on Tuesday, October 22, 2002 at 1:23PM :
Jeff,
Yes, many of the people who call themselves Palestinian can probably trace their ancestors back to the indigenous people of that region, but a large segment of them migrated from other Middle Eastern states to work in Israel after it was established in 1948. Yes, Israel had a biblical origin, but it was a long, well established history in a region that was plagued by tribal dissension and warring factions that never really coalesced into a unified state until the Jews established themselves in the region. Palestine never existed as a nation. But I agree that the Palestinians should not be pushed into the Sea anymore than the Jews should. I don't believe, however, that this is a religious dispute. The Jewish population in Israel is secularized to a great extent. Many Jews do not practice their religion today and as far as their Zionist proclivity, what about the Moslems? They are more Zionist in their practices than the Jews. Here's my take on the situation. Just as a home for the Jews is needed, a home for the Palestinians is also, but the question then boils down to: First, which side would agree and which side would disagree? Israel is willing or was, but the Palestinians want to destroy Israel. Secondly, Where should the Palestinians declare there statehood? Given the current climate in the Palestinian Camp, there has to be a buffer zone somewhere, until they can all learn to live in peace with each other. Personally, I am pessimistic on this point. I think it will eventually be ironed out, but before it does I believe it will get worse.
-- Ashur Bar Ninvayah
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