You will find throughout our maps, labeling of specific areas to give those who have not travelled to the Middle East and who are unaware of the local politics an amplified view of specific sections of border. How well can any one person represent another? It is incumbent upon the reader to decide for herself or himself whether or not the information here is indicative of reality. Nonetheless, this border we believe is reasonable, viable and useful. 

After viewing the various sections of our proposed border, we would ask the reader: Does it meet the needs of both parties? Does it consider the fact that women and families would like to maintain continuous relationships with others on both sides of the border? Does it support the aspirations of young men and women to a better life? These and many other serious and important questions remain. But it is our hope that the very facilitation of a border would allow people the opportunity to begin addressing them. 

We are aware that each member of society is wrapped up in integral networks of heart, love and unfortunately even sometimes hate. Yet, we don’t see an environment of continued hate in the Middle East. We know the reality that in 2011 Palestinians continue to suffer occupation and an embargoed state of living, from which Israel seems unwilling to withdraw. Yet we are not pessimistic that the time is approaching when Israel will be willing to let go. We see serious efforts by all parties to come into a state of true negotiation. We believe in their good will, and trust that they mean what they say. Even the government in Gaza labeled as a terrorist organization is moving closer to the center-right--perhaps not in policy but certainly in gestures. 

No negotiation is without risk. For example, when President Richard Nixon made his overture to China in 1972, it was met with many skeptical voices. Although it is hard to imagine it today with China having become a cooperative international trading partner, at the time many Americans feared that China’s communist government would simply take advantage of American naïveté to pursue hegemonic goals. Indeed, it is never certain that the party with which one engages will maintain its fair share of relationship management. This border is not about guaranteeing success, nor is it about believing that more terrible turns might not occur. But we believe they can be managed.

This proposed border is about making a substantial offering for people to come to the negotiating table. It is about insisting that both Palestine and Israel become ever aware that the world is watching and that the world wants them to be happy and at peace. It is about insisting that Palestine and Israel be fully knowledgeable that as world citizens we do not want our own children to suffer for their shortcomings.

What sort of world is looking at Palestine and Israel? Our world is constantly seeking to improve itself, by promoting women’s rights, supporting the rights of children, and seeking new concepts and understandings of family. Our world has its places that are intolerant and even closed-minded. But it is also seeing an Internet and mobile revolution, where young people will not tolerate old ways. The young of today do not seem to wish to march off to war, but instead seek to push forward the boundaries of peace by demanding better behavior from their elders. 

More than anything, this border is about passion for life itself. Whether in Copenhagen, Rome, Cape Town or Rio de Janeiro, whatever their state of economic development, people want to believe that violence is no longer the norm for determining national or international relationships. The Middle East with the Arab Spring has emerged in a new dawn. This is a timely offering, one which will give people a chance to discuss all of their issues. 

We find great cause to trust the negotiators on both sides. We further commend those who have expended their life energy to negotiation as worthy of the respect of humanity. With our proposed border as a starting-point, we hope that privately the American administration, and/or France or others, will consult each side on their reaction to this border and see if, in their role as middlemen and women, they will be capable of nudging things forward in one direction or another.