It is indeed a paradox that we promote national identity after the disasters it has brought on both our peoples. It was zionist identity that created the refugee problem in the first place and caused the dispossession and suffering of Palestinians. It also was Palestinian national identity that held Israelis in fear for the past 60 years or more.
The one state solution can only perpetuate Palestinian suffering if either of the two peoples maintain their chauvinist attachment to nationalism. If we both agree to be neighbours and citizens of one country, this will not be the case.
Why should we speak of national self-definition as an imperative? the only thing that should drive us in our quest to end the conflict is our wellbeing, and the peace of knowing that no one is suffering because of this wellbeing. |
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