Striving for Peace: Initiatives on College Campuses and in the Middle East

Retired attorney Jamison reflects on the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the recent protests on college campuses. In a blog post, Jamison discusses the deep-rooted anger on both sides and the need for civil discourse to prevent further violence.

The conflict, dating back to the late 1940s when the United Nations sanctioned the creation of Israel, has led to atrocities committed by both Israelis and Palestinians. Jamison highlights Hamas’ actions in Gaza, including killings, rapes, and hostage-taking, as well as Israel’s retaliatory measures that harm innocent civilians.

To address the escalating tensions on college campuses, Jamison proposes a series of dialogues involving Muslim and Jewish student leaders, administrators, and professors. These moderated panels would allow for open discussions on key issues, such as the possibility of a peaceful, integrated Israeli-Palestinian state or a two-state solution.

Jamison emphasizes the importance of setting clear rules for these forums, including consequences for disruptive behavior, and suggests that successful dialogues could lead to calmer campus environments and the resumption of graduation ceremonies.

Regarding his own views on the conflict, Jamison advocates for a two-state solution and the defeat of Hamas as a terrorist organization. He criticizes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for rejecting this solution outright and proposes a radical new approach that involves enlarging the West Bank for a Palestinian state and integrating Gaza into Israel.

While acknowledging the challenges of implementing such a plan, Jamison argues that a new paradigm for peace is necessary to break the cycle of violence between Israelis and Palestinians. He calls for support from both Israel and the international community to ensure the success of a two-state solution.

In conclusion, Jamison urges for a shift towards meaningful dialogue and peaceful resolutions to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, both on college campuses and in the broader context of the ongoing conflict. He emphasizes the importance of learning from past mistakes and exploring new approaches to achieve lasting peace in the region.