The Middle East is home to various religions: Islam (both Sunni and Shia), Christianity, Judaism, Druzism, the Baha'i faith, Sikhism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism and more. There are subsects of these major religions, and the adherents vary greatly in degree of devotion and practice. Additionally, there are many ethnic groups who inhabit the region, including Arabs, Turks, Persians, Egyptians, Kurds and Jews to name a few. Putting together a comprehensive framework for the entire region would be a Herculean task, and I am not going to attempt it. For the purpose of this blogpost, I will focus on the ongoing conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. Please forgive any hubris that may be inferred from my humble attempt to tackle this vast subject. But there has been so much turmoil and destruction of late that by putting fingers to keyboard, I am at least able to vent a little of the vexation, even if no one is listening.
I have long advocated for a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine. The Palestinian people (whose name is derived from the word "Philistines") have inhabited the region for millennia, and are as entitled to a homeland as the Jews. While I support the State of Israel, I believe it must be modified in order to embrace its non-Jewish citizens in a more inclusive way.
So here's my modest proposal. There would be two countries: Israel and Palestine. They would each be a sovereign state, but would be members of a binding federation, and rights would be enshrined in their respective constitutions. The current inhabitants of the territories of Israel and Palestine would have freedom of movement, and have the ability to choose which country to retain citizenship and live in. The State of Israel could retain its current symbols such as the Magen David flag, national anthem ("Hatikvah"), and menorah emblem, if the majority so wishes. Non-Jews who chose to be citizens of Israel would have absolute freedom to practice any religion they choose, including no religion, and would have all of the same rights as Jews. The official languages would be Hebrew and Arabic.
The State of Palestine would have similar laws and rights including absolute freedom of religion. The flag could remain the current one (black, white, green and red). I don't know whether Palestinians have a national anthem; if not they can choose one. The official languages would be Arabic and Hebrew.
People of other faiths, such as Christians and Druze, currently live in Israel and Palestine. I don't see the feasibility of creating separate countries for those groups at present -- let's settle the issue of those who identify as either Israeli or Palestinian, regardless of religion, for now. A Muslim can choose to be a citizen and resident of Israel, and a Jew can be a citizen and resident of the new State of Palestine, if they so choose.
The "Federation of Israel and Palestine" would have reciprocal agreements on issues of defense, immigration, and economic aid. They could create an entity similar to NATO with a commitment to mutual defense, but each country would have their own military and law enforcement personnel.
Issues such as national borders would have to be negotiated and worked out, but I think an approximate reversion to the pre-Six-Day War borders could be a starting point, with most of the territory of the Gaza Strip and West Bank becoming the new sovereign State of Palestine. Jews would continue to have the "right of return," as would Palestinian exiles and refugees, many of whom currently live in Jordan.
I know this skeleton of a plan does not solve all of the conflicts and we will never get 100% agreement on the concept or details. There is no way to please everyone, but fairness must prevail. Both sides have legitimate grievances against each other, but for this to work all past wrongs must be swept away and we must start with forgiveness and an almost clean slate.
Please don't comment, "This is never going to work," or "But they instigated it," or "We were here first." I'd rather focus on positivity, and the minute chance that a lasting peace can be achieved.
