Where We Are Now and Prospects For Peace and the 2-State Solution – Since the War of 1967 until 2008, there were some other possibilities to solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which unfortunately has been rejected by the Palestinian leadership. If we will take, as an example, the historical visit of the former Egyptian President, Anwar Sadat, to Israel in 1977, Sadat told Arafat ‘if you will come with me, you will get a state.’ Not only did Arafat not go, he even considered Sadat an Israeli spy. Menahem Begin in that time suggested to Sadat to take over Gaza. which Sadat refused. Let’s take the 2000 negotiations between Arafat and Ehud Barak at Camp David, while Barak suggested 97% of the occupied territories to be handled by the PA, it was rejected. in 2008, with Ehud Olmert, the land-swap was rejected by Mahoud Abbas. Unfortunately, after 50 years, Israelis and Palestinians are stuck nowhere because the Israeli’s and Palestinians over the past 50 years, relied on the Americans and the Europeans, who not only failed to bring peace – but have also become a part in managing and contributing to the conflict. Many Palestinians believe that the 2-state solution is not viable or will be seen in their lifetimes and lately Palestinians have discussed the prospects of ‘2 nations in 1 homeland.’

This presentation in conversation with Bassem Eid will be led by Rabbi Jason Nevarez.