With the war in Gaza having no solution in sight, we are laying the ground for another decade of conflict in the Middle East.  At time of Joshua, nearly 2500 years ago, tribes were probably several hundred people living off the land. Stories about victories and “vanquishing” other tribes should be taken with a grain of salt since there are later references of doing business with these same tribes.  

Things change.  Jerusalem is now the center of three major religions: Christianity, Islam, and Judaism.  Why consider only a one-state or two-state solution?  It should be three states.  Look at the map and draw three radial lines from Jerusalem.  This creates an opportunity to regain stability in the region.  Who would enforce such an arrangement?  The same entities that would enforce a one or two-state solution, i.e. neighboring states and the international community.  

What if there is resistance?  Then nibble at the edges of present-day Israel at any point along the border.  Push in and take one square mile.  Make it an interlocking border, occupied not only by neighboring states, but any state who wants to help.  Insert a small but significant number of legislators into the neighbor’s parliament to decrease any moves toward hostility.  

Will these three entities be three separate nations, or three states within one nation?  If there is one larger nation, Israel could be responsible for the military to protect borders but there could still be independent local police. The constitution can be written to allow removal of any politician by 80% of a minority vote or 60% of a general vote, making leaders more accountable to all.  The structure of Democracy does not have to be static.

Sibling rivalries can be very destructive.  In the case of Abraham’s grandsons Jacob (Israel) and Esau this was also true.  But why burden our children with our fear and hatred that we have carried for more than 2500 years?  A continuing war in Gaza condemns them to do so.  Humans who continue to fight wars that might easily be avoided will never explore what lies ahead.  We will never explore the vast regions of space, the mountains or the oceans, the arts and sciences.  

People need space.  They also need good neighbors.  In the Old Testament and what the West refer to as “developing countries” there are extended families and tribal elders to keep the peace.  They push the parties to make decisions.  One can start anywhere with local Elders of mixed faith and explore some solutions.  Expand to include all ages and push good ideas toward Israel.  

The United Nations, a secular organization, seems paralyzed in a conflict that has religious roots. Yet individual countries can line up to put pressure on the combatants to find a solution.  If the story of G is still being written, we are writing it.  We must push Jews and Palestinians to make decisions, even small ones, to keep them on a constructive path.