I firmly believe in the right of both the Jewish and Palestinian people to exist and determine their futures. I am deeply concerned by the ongoing conflict and the disproportionate impact it has on civilian populations. I struggle to understand why the Israeli government restricts the residency of Palestinian Christians and Muslims within its borders. My experience in the United States, with its multicultural foundation and constitutional guarantees of religious freedom, contrasts sharply with the realities of this conflict, where organized and often violent resistance exists.

The Israeli government's actions, including settlement expansion and restrictions on Palestinian movement, have led some to believe it seeks an ethnically homogenous state, a perception that echoes the harmful rhetoric of some pro-Palestinian groups who call for the removal of all Jewish people. This trajectory contradicts the stated goal of preventing future atrocities, a goal born from the lessons of the Holocaust. A new path forward, one that acknowledges the rights and security of both Israelis and Palestinians, is urgently needed to achieve lasting peace in the region.

A new path forward, one that acknowledges the rights and security of both Israelis and Palestinians, is urgently needed to achieve lasting peace in the region. Many believe that the two-state solution is the only viable path forward, but given the existing realities on the ground, and the deep-seated attachment that both Palestinians and Jews have to the entirety of what is now Israel and the occupied territories, I believe that it is necessary to consider alternative solutions. Therefore, I oppose a two-state solution, and instead call for a solution where Palestinians must have the right of return and the opportunity to live alongside Jewish people.

To that end, the United States must exert its influence to end the violence. Specifically, the U.S. should condition its military aid to Israel on a demonstrable commitment to avoiding civilian casualties.

I believe that most people, regardless of their background, desire to live peacefully, raise families, and build secure homes. The challenges of achieving this coexistence are immense. The United States' own history, marked by the legacy of chattel slavery and Jim Crow, demonstrates the difficulty of building a truly equitable society. However, I believe that this is a goal worth striving for, both in the United States and in Israel/Palestine.

I commit to working with leaders from the Jewish and Palestinian diasporas in the United States and globally, as well as with representatives within Israel/Palestine, to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and to support efforts towards peaceful coexistence. I fully recognize that the path I propose, particularly regarding a one-state solution and the right of return, is fraught with challenges and may be perceived by some as naive. However, I believe that persisting with current approaches has yielded only continued suffering.

This is a deeply complex situation, and I approach it with humility, acknowledging that my perspective, shaped by my experiences in the United States, is just one among many. I understand that those with different lived experiences and perspectives may offer valuable insights and creative solutions that I have not considered. I sincerely believe that respectful dialogue, even amidst deep disagreements, is essential for progress.

My ultimate goal is a just and equitable peace, where both Israelis and Palestinians can live in security and dignity. I believe that exploring alternative solutions, even those that seem unconventional, is necessary to achieve this goal. I am committed to listening, learning, and collaborating with all parties who share this vision, recognizing that only through collective effort can we hope to build a better future for the region.