The Trump administration is making a noble effort to help the Palestinian people and to bring peace to that region. Palestinian civilians have not been treated adequately by their leadership over the years. It hasn’t mattered if it has been the PLO or Hamas… all have prevented their people from getting what they need. Billions have been given over the years by the U.S. and nations around the world, but, instead of investing those dollars in building hospitals, schools or other items which would improve the lives of the people they govern, these funds have been squandered, stolen or used to build tunnels and other weapons to create terror.
The team working on Israel affairs for President Trump realized the needs of the Palestinian people and even though the Palestinians themselves are showing no interest, the Trump team is right to make the effort and try. Their plan might not be perfect. There will be things the Palestinians don’t like, and there will be elements that the Israelis don’t like but by acknowledging the economic needs of the Palestinian people, Trump and others who attended the conference are taking a magnanimous step in the right direction. Kushner said, “For too long the Palestinian people have been trapped in a framework for the past. This is a framework for a brighter future. It is a vision of what is possible with peace.” I think his point of view is a valid one.
Personally, I don’t know if I agree on all details. It gives me trepidation to give money to people whose leaders propagate anti-Semitism by depicting Jews as apes and swine. Additionally, most Palestinians still don’t recognize the right to Israel’s existence and also, I am nervous that money could fall into the wrong hands as it has before.
I wonder if going slower and doing things on a smaller scale might even be more effective. For example, there is an organization call One Israel Fund. It recognized the needs of Jews living in Judea and Samaria and raised millions to help the people living there. This American nonprofit organization invests heavily in supporting the fabric of life in the communities of Judea and Samaria and is involved in countless projects that better the lives of all people in the region. From economic opportunities to health services, co-existence between the Palestinians and the Israelis is a reality of life, despite and contrary to the Palestinian political leadership’s agenda. They are even building an impressive medical center that will help all in need.
Maybe aid similarly needs to be given to Palestinians and as they prove to use the money for the betterment of their citizens, then more money could be given. Most Americans are unaware that the Jewish communities and people living throughout Judea and Samaria have brought significant prosperity to the Palestinian people.
According to Rabbi David Marcus, director general of One Israel Fund, employment opportunities provided through Jewish businesses in Judea and Samaria, offer wages higher than in the Palestinian Authority, and by Israeli law, all workers are treated equally and offered a full complement of social benefits. One Israel Fund donates money to help with daily living such as community centers and the building of playgrounds. Whoever ends up investing in this area needs to assist Palestinians with similar services.
Road infrastructure, electricity and water, are all light years ahead, due to Israeli investment in the development of the area. With additional outside money coming in, Judea and Samaria could become a major tourist attraction.
The towns and communities built by Israel, erroneously called “settlements,” have bettered the lives of all people that live in these areas. Palestinians are employed by Israeli businesses far more than more people realize. In the workplace Jewish Israelis and Palestinians interact in a civilized way and there is even friendship between the two peoples. When people work together, they are no longer the “other” and understand each other better. The Trump administration is on the right track, but they should take incremental steps that help ensure that that the Palestinian leadership is willing and ready to operate in good faith that will benefit the entire region. The good faith efforts of the Trump administration are commendable. However, the Palestinian leadership must reciprocate by not preventing a plan that could help their own people.
Noelle Nikpour is a GOP strategist and fundraiser, television commentator, and author of Branding America.