Aug. 17, 2009 issue
Hope in Mideast
By Marlow Ediger North Newton, Kan.Two Aug. 10 articles — the editorial by Celeste Kennel-Shank and “Israeli Settlement Evacuations Possible” by Ilene R. Prusher — offered optimism pertaining to an Israeli-Palestinian peace settlement. It is always good to be optimistic as well as have hope and faith. The road to peace has a long way to go, with the following complex problems:
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The right of return for Palestinians who became refugees in 1948 and who desire to return to Palestine. The refugees are in Lebanon, Egypt, Syria and Jordan. It would be difficult for these descendants to go to a place heavily populated by Jews.
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Instead of the right of return, would these Palestinians accept payments for property lost?
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Approximately 350,000 Jews from Israel have settled on the West Bank, captured in 1967 from Jordan. Jordan signed a peace treaty with Israel in 1995. The West Bank will be difficult to evacuate to make room for the Palestinian Arabs.
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The walled city of Jerusalem, which is on the West Bank, contains many Holy sites such as the Western Wall of the ancient Jewish synagogue, as well as the Dome of the Rock. From this area, Muslims believe Mohammed ascended to heaven and returned to Earth again.
Christians need to be optimistic and hope for peace. I share this hope and believe peace is possible.
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