Daniel Lubetzky

I requested permission from a friend to reprint the message he sent me. It is so depressing yet so prevalent among most people across the world, the vast majority of whom are just fed up with the Israeli-Arab conflict, and with Israelis and Palestinians in particular. And what is important to note is that this guy is a progressive thinker who has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars and countless hours trying to make a difference for Israelis and Palestinians. I reprint his words not to depress people, but to awaken them. In particular, I print these words to awaken the Israelis and Palestinians who think they can just hide under their shells, or who think they can continue to dream of a Greater Palestine or a Greater Israel and that somehow miraculously they will delivered heaven instead of hell. If we don’t mobilize – each and every one of us – across the political spectrum and across religious, national and ethnic lines – to come up with a comprehensive solution, my friend’s perspective will become even more prevalent. And nobody will be better off. Except perhaps arms dealers.

“I think it’s time to just give up. Those arrogant schmucks who choose to live there and those too dumb or desperate to leave will either all kill each other or just run out of energy… We, however should stay as far away as possible from the inevitable blow up… I do not want my children killed in THEIR WAR! We should not waste resources which can rehabilitate American slums… Stop ignoring infant mortality in Africa… Preserve OTHER things in life that are sacred. Save what we can!

People are people. The Middle East is just a small area full of even smaller minds. We’ve been victims, so have others… We’ve also been tormentors. We’re not special or chosen. We’re just another group of corrupt, prejudiced people… with media, money, tribal motivation… and guns.”