To say nothing, especially when speaking, is half the art of diplomacy.
Talk about generalizations. Not all Jews living in Israel think the same or act the same. Last time I checked that was also true in the US.
This is merely my opinion, and also (in my professional opinion as a systems engineer) a workable solution. It is my current favorite solution.
What's your favorite solution?
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I too am an American who has been living in Israel for close to 30 years. If I had an answer to the situation in the Middle East perhaps I would get the Noble Peace Prize. Forget that, look who already got that for "peace" in the Middle East. I don't know if you have ever been to Israel, but until you actually live here (not visit) it is far too easy for people to tell those of us living here what is best. I am all for peace with my neighbors, but the big question is at what price?
Pardon me, there are several workable solutions, none of which are acceptable to all sides, and some of which are probably generally unacceptable - for example, traditionally, the conquering party physically wipes out the conquered party, or kills the men and enslaves the women and children (these are examples of solutions which I feel are probably generally unacceptable).
A solution may have to be imposed by force. They do, sometimes, have to be so imposed, in human systems.
In any case, the solution that I outline would certainly work. It also seems to me to be the one that requires the fewest "premature" deaths. It is also, if I say so myself, rather graceful, even elegant.
I am a Jew, but I am not loyal to the state of Israel. I am loyal to the United States of America. I am, however, well-disposed towards Israel, as well as to the other parties involved: thus I offer my professional expertise at no cost.
Whether my advice is taken or not, is, thus, truly immaterial to me.
You correctly point out that knowledge is based upon experience.
You have had the experience of living in the United States, presumably as a child, and you have had the experience of living in Israel. I wonder what other experiences you have had?
What is your area of professional expertise, if you don't mind my asking?
After living in the US for 30 years I moved to Israel. As far as what I do professionally, I will keep you guessing. One thing I will tell you is that I am not religious.
I believe that you are not religious: I make no assumptions about you at all. I am religious, personally, though not orthoprax. I'm a big fan of Mordecai Anieliwicz, and I don't have any particular problem with Israel invading the West Bank a little while ago: if people want not to be invaded, they can not shoot rockets.
I also think that the IDF is, taking all with all, one of the finest military bodies in the World, who generally hold themselves to standards higher even than the American military does - and I am an Army veteran.
I also think that the Palestinians have been selecting for insanity since the Israeli war of independance if not before: I have run into many Palestinians here in the States, and they all seem perfectly fine, the ones there are demonstrably not fine, thus I think that maybe all of the sane ones have come here. Which is fine by me: they are excellent Americans.
I'd personally think it was a great idea for them all to move here, if it would solve the problem. Mind you, I think that is less likely to happen than Israel becoming a State of the Union, but it would be a decent solution.
Just last night Mahmoud Abbas announced that he is not going to seek another term as head of the Palestinian Authority. As in the past he blames Israel, the US, and Hamas for the lack of progress in the peace process. I for one agree that all sides have to share the responsibility including the Palestinian Authority, but he seem to have amnesia when it comes to his own government and the lack of compromise they are willing to make. As to who will replace him, I think he is bluffing.
