If we have learned anything at college this year, it's that bringing up the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is not a good way to make new friends. Debate regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict often leads to more disagreement than agreement. Yet as Tufts students, we do not shy away from difficult issues; we confront them head-on.
New student and old student groups alike this year lifted their voices in a cacophonous symphony of opinion. Friends of Israel reminded us that Israel is not just a conflict but also a country with a living and breathing society. Tufts American Israel Alliance expressed the importance and strength of the U.S.-Israel relationship, while J Street U emphasized the need for peace. Tufts Hillel continuously provided a safe space for nuanced dialogue, and Students for Justice in Palestine advocated for Palestinian rights and spoke to the unsustainable nature of the status quo.
Only at Tufts would a single issue over 5,000 miles away give rise to so many student groups and student activists. From rallies to guest speakers, from vigorous debates to emotional rollercoasters, Tufts University has been plunged into the depths of this difficult conflict. In this divisive atmosphere, it has been hard for individual students, let alone student groups, to converge around shared beliefs.
As Tufts students dedicated to ending this conflict, we knew we could do better. Many of us have different opinions about how to support Israel, but this semester we came together around one shared belief. The two-state solution presents the best hope for Israelis and Palestinians to live side-by-side in mutual recognition, security and freedom.
Rallying around the vision of two states for two peoples, our respective groups formed Tufts Students for Two States (TSforTS). Our purpose is to promote the two-state solution with students, faculty and administration and within our communities off campus. Hundreds of Tufts students signed our petition supporting the two-state solution. Member groups hosted events, brought speakers to campus and even lobbied for the two-state solution with local politicians.
Why do we believe so strongly in the two-state solution? President Obama summed it up quite well this past March during his speech in Jerusalem: The two-state solution is necessary. The two-state solution is just. And the two-state solution is possible.
The two-state solution is necessary because it achieves true security, both physical and emotional, for Israelis and Palestinians. Two states will allow Israel to maintain its nature as a Jewish and democratic state while affording Palestinians their right to an independent state. President Obama said that unless both sides unite in a common desire for a two-state solution, independence, equality and security will remain elusive to Israelis and Palestinians alike.
The two-state solution is just because it recognizes the inherent right of self-determination to Israelis and Palestinians. Palestinians must be given their own land because Israeli and Palestinian children alike deserve an equal opportunity to prosper and grow in their own respective states. In confronting this issue, Israel must also determine the character of its democracy. As President Obama stated, remember that as you make these decisions, you will define not simply the future of your relationship with the Palestinians
