THE ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN CONFLICT RESEMBLES AN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP

Oct. 13 — As a survivor and former perpetrator of domestic violence, I acknowledge this conflict for what it is: a hopelessly abusive relationship.

Just as MLK noted that “riots are the language of the unheard”, violence is the extreme outgrowth of unmet, and unacknowledged, needs — for Palestinians, the need for self-determination and, for Israelis, the need for safety.

The cycle of violence will not stop until both parties recognize the right of the other to exist, or one of them has the strength to walk away.”

At this point, neither side can claim the moral high ground. Both have violated international law, committed human rights abuses, slaughtered innocent civilians and used genocidal language to justify their crimes. Additionally, I condemn the toxicity of public discourse that has largely focused on cheering the atrocities of one side or the other. 

This must end, and it must end now. 

“As someone who bleeds Semitic blood, Israel and Palestine are not sports teams or political parties, and this is not a game. Every day this conflict continues compounds the cost, not only in lives lost but in the squandering of human potential.”

The chance for peace can only exist when we engage in peaceful discourse. We must acknowledge the legitimate claims of both Israelis and Palestinians to their ancestral homeland and the right of both peoples to exist, despite the extremists on both sides. I call on international leaders to envision a solution that respects these conditions and can help to bring an end to the oppression and bloodshed. 

There is always a way, if only we could exercise the patience and fortitude to find it.