Letter to the Editor: Native Palestinian's plight

Kansas City Star

August 9, 2008

By Allan Abrams

Recent articles about and by area resident Yaser Wishah demonstrate the suffering endured by Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza from Israel’s occupation.
  
Israel attempts to justify its actions under the banner of “security,” even if the Palestinians must bear at least some responsibility for their own fate. But Israeli overreactions, such as collective punishment, only fan the flames of extremism; they harm the Palestinians, the Israelis, and the Middle East peace process itself.
  
American Jews are now recognizing the extent of Palestinian suffering, and that the occupation must end since it is as costly to Israelis as it is to Palestinians. It’s also imperative to remember that Israeli and Palestinian lives are intertwined so that their joint security and future depend on finding constructive ways to deal with situations that don’t result in a “zero-sum game.”
  
Finally, Israel will only have peace if she negotiates with her Arab neighbors with the active involvement of U.S diplomats and politicians, the results of which would include a new, independent viable Palestinian state next door.