I was partially with you on the 2 state solution until you threw out the word Apartheid...

When people use this word in connection to Israel it makes me question their understanding of the situation. Almost 20% of Israeli citizens are Muslim (Arab Israelis, or Palestinian Israelis if that is what they prefer). They can go wherever they want, do whatever they want. They serve in the government, they are doctors and lawyers, and even on the Supreme Court. They are the colleagues I work with every day.

Fun fact about Israel - Israel is the only country in the broader MENA region where a Muslim woman can study what she wants, go on her own wherever she wants, drive a car, vote, and get divorced. Why? Because her rights are protected by the government.

Is Israel perfect? Obviously not. But is it Apartheid? Absolutely not.

Now, had you written instead: Israel policy in the West Bank has been horrible, I would have said: You are right! It is bad for Palestinians in the West Bank. It is bad for the region. It is bad for Israel. And I can explain to you why as well. Me and hundreds of thousands of other Israelis have been protesting for months to get right wing crazies like Smotrich and Ben Gvir out of the government in order to change these policies.

But that isn't what you wrote....

I don't know why you believe that Israel is an Apartheid state. Maybe you have been indoctrinated for years. Maybe you get your news from Iran-backed Twitter bots. Maybe for a different reason.

Whatever the reason, you are entitled to believe what you want to believe. I just wish you would do it with eyes open and that you take a moment to try to understand all sides of this situation, especially because you want a Two State Solution – which will ultimately require understanding and compromises from both sides.

Using the term “Apartheid” is a one-sided perspective, and a false one at that, and it is going to be extremely difficult to create a two state solution without understanding the other side as well.

Be well