Almost three decades before Ben Gurion declared the existence of a Jewish State , a new organization- Brit Shalom- came into being with the goal that might be called the, “single state solution.” The organization was dedicated to fostering, ” understanding between Jews and Arabs…on the basis of the absolute political equality of two culturally autonomous peoples .” This idea appears to have all the earmarks of common sense. How did it wither and die so quickly?
Forces in opposition to a single state were both external and internal. The Russians among others advocated for a two state solution and hardliners in both the Arab and Jewish camps aggressively attacked integration to further their own interests. The all or nothing mentality has condemned the region to endless war and suffering. Unifiers like Sari Nussiebeh, Sadat, Rabin, and many others instantly became targets and many were killed.
Economic disparity, military power differentials and infrastructure plusses and minuses -all tempered by religion- are factors in the continuing fascination with a two state solution. when the Israelis were successful militarily in 1948 and 1967 Arabs were expelled from the conquered territories. Right of return for displaced Arabs was discussed at length but was never put in place. Spoils of war.
Hatred was fueled by the far right on both sides …Hamas, the Ergun and other groups had no boundaries when it came to killing the “enemy.” Part of the tension was simply demographic… there were more Arabs than Jews and no Zionist could tolerate a Knesset with a majority of Arab representatives. Integration simply would not work.
Then there is religion. This is the cradle of monotheism and single god orientation often demand an exclusionary moral code. You are a believer or an infidel. Righteousness is always a two-edged sword.
So here we are in an exercise of governing without consensus . The great philosopher and mathematician, Blaise Pascal is known to have said, ” Any unity which doesn’t have its origin in the multitudes is tyranny.” Both sides see the other as tyrannical and dangerous. There seem to be no answers to this mess and the first thing that dies is common sense.
The Old Testament carries this quote… Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity.” Not now and, perhaps, not ever in this contentious landscape.
Olio Folio 