Access

This proposal consistently approaches the borders issue with the goal to provide viable access—the free flow of people and goods—for both Palestinians and Jews. It is our hope that if this border is adopted, that east–west flow between settlements and Israel will continue, and north–south flow between Jerusalem and Bethlehem will be in the form of vibrant life and trade. It is understood that even after a Palestinian state is established and the border is negotiated and settled, there will still need to be ongoing negotiation between the two nations to manage the border and preserve access. 

We fully endorse the concept that women will need to be regularly consulted on what may or may not be occurring in their nation or in their neighboring nation. Our belief and experience has shown us that when considering points of conflict, a more feminine perspective can often result in meaningful solutions which, more often than not, can win the respect of others. To regulate access across various segments of the border, we suggest that Border Councils be set up, with all or the majority of their members being women, who represent Israel, Palestine, and (in some cases) the world community. We suggest that the laws governing such Border Councils prescribe a democratic selection process, so that their membership would not be dominated by political appointees and would include input from residents on both sides of the border. These Border Councils would be given certain powers to make policy and to regulate the flow of people and goods across borders, consistent with the signed agreements between the two nations.

We are fully aware that many Palestinian communities have been divided, even physically, and can only apologize that the world community is largely unaware of those specific communities. Simple research will take the average reader to places such as Al-Walaja. This community is a poignant example of what can go wrong between two peoples. Over the course of this conflict, one can find many such examples. But, sadly, what we are not seeing is movement towards negotiations to resolve such divisions.

There are many people across the Middle East and throughout the world who would have wished by now that Palestinians and Jews would be having meaningful dialogue, by which they would have found ways to respect the other and to be respected by the other. This border cannot cause people to offer or feel respect, but it can be a starting point towards the day when new citizens of these nations yet to be born will feel hope, gratitude, and appreciation. We are not naïve about this. We understand that both sides must work at fostering respect, and that it is the obligation of the nations and citizens of these nations to continually reach out to the other.