President Obama’s speech in Ciaro reinforced many of OneVoice’s values and our goal of a two state solution. As Obama stressed the importance of a two state solution, he vowed to pursue this goal with patience and persistence. OneVoice is thrilled with the philosophy and drive behind Obama’s speech and we feel that this historical moment brings with it much hope for the future.
Obama did recognize the difficult history of the conflict and the struggle that exists today for both Israelis and Palestinians. However, Obama expressed our need to move forward with the peace process because “whatever we think of the past, we must not be prisoners of it. Our problems must be dealt with through partnership; progress must be shared.”
In order to move forward, Obama stressed the need to stop blaming the other side, and instead to see the conflict from all sides. “It is easy to point fingers” he said, “but if we see this conflict only from one side or the other, then we will be blind to the truth: the only resolution is for the aspirations of both sides to be met through two states, where Israelis and Palestinians each live in peace and security."
Obama also spoke of the need to speak openly about the conflict. These words resonate with OneVoice’s initiative to ‘say what needs to be said.’ Obama stated, “I am convinced that in order to move forward, we must say openly the things we hold in our hearts, and that too often are said only behind closed doors. There must be a sustained effort to listen to each other; to learn from each other; to respect one another; and to seek common ground.”
With Obama’s words as a beacon of hope, OneVoice continues to push forward with our goals for 2009 through Educational Programs, Town Hall Meetings and Leadership Training Seminars in both Israel and Palestine as well as around the world.
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