Like letter writer Robert Goldman (June 8), I, too, was elated that Israel prevailed in the Six Day War.

However, the consequence of that victory has been a 50-year occupation of the West Bank and control of Gaza. The 2.5 million Palestinians in the West Bank lack the right to self-determination, live in miserable conditions and face degradation when they approach checkpoints and have their lands disposed of. There are another 1.7 million Palestinians in Gaza.

Years ago, I wrote in the pages of this newspaper that the status quo of the occupation is unacceptable and that a solution to the conflict must be based on mutual recognition of self-determination for two peoples in two states. I still believe that.

Call me a delusional optimist or any number of names if you must, but I firmly believe that Israelis and Palestinians are finding their way to peace and mutual respect through organizations like Combatants for Peace, Women Wage Peace, the Palestine-Israel Journal and many others.

I have an Israeli Arab Facebook friend. I often see him pictured at peace rallies. On Israel Independence Day he posted two flags: an Israeli and Palestinian flag. His comment was “I celebrate the state of Israel and the soon-to-be state of Palestine.”

I remain an optimist.

Harlan Baker

Portland


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.