If Palestinians could give up their lust for terror, Israel could know peace - opinion

As a recent new grandmother, I’ve begun putting more thought into the future of Israel and what I want it to look like for my grandchildren.

In contrast to a mother’s perspective, a grandmother enjoys the experience of giving a viewpoint from the past. With the freedom of no longer having little children demanding every waking moment, a grandmother can take advantage of the treat of time and use it to think about the future and the world they’d like to leave behind.

I’ve begun to combine the lessons I’ve learned from my previous decades with the luxury of free time afforded to me to dream about the future of this land, nation, and its people.

Israeli leaders have sought peace from our Arab neighbors and have achieved it on numerous occasions, but there are plenty of enemies left that refuse to let Israel live in safety and security.

I envision a day when Palestinians abandon their support and incentivization of terrorism.

I dream that Palestinians will put their resources into bridges and highways instead of terror tunnels, distribute food to their needy instead of stealing it from them, and extend their hands to Israel in peace instead of raising their fists in hate.

I dream of visiting the stalls of the shuk (outdoor market) in Tehran instead of Iran firing missiles at Mahaneh Yehuda in Jerusalem. I imagine Israeli planes bringing much-needed food and supplies to the starving people of Yemen instead of dropping bombs on their launch sites.

I dream of vacationing in Beirut and dining in Damascus while visiting the old Jewish neighborhoods and synagogues of these great cities.

I want to see a future like the past that once was, when Israeli, American, and Iranian scientists worked together to advance progress in the world. Iran should have a nuclear program, but it should be aimed at technological and scientific innovation, not death and destruction.

The 12-day war with Iran was 12 days too long but was also just 12 days of a 40-year conflict born of pointless hate among Jewish and Muslim cousins who should coexist.

I want Israel to be known around the world for its technological innovation more than its wars. I want the world to celebrate Israel instead of standing against it. I dream of the United Nations hosting conferences on the united and brotherly Middle East and Israel having an honored guest seat at Arab League meetings.

WITHIN ISRAEL’s borders, I dream of a society that is based on love and a recognition of God’s great favor towards the Jewish people. I dream of a united Israel whose people gather to celebrate, study, and support each other instead of demonstrating against each other.

I can visualize Rabin Square, the Western Wall Plaza, and Kaplan Street full of Israelis who have come together to pray and sing for the success of the Jewish people and their land.

I dream of an Israeli nation built on chessed, acts of kindness done for one another – where neighbors don’t pay attention to political views but focus on how they can be helpful and supportive of their fellow Israelis.

And where campaigns and promotions advocate for figuring out who among society is the neediest and how those with the means, both financially and talent-wise, ensure they are taken care of and that all their needs are met.

I want my grandchildren to own a home in Israel. I don’t need them to own a mansion or have an American white picket fence, but the citizens of the Start-Up Nation should be able to live in a society where their basic needs are met and where they can aspire to a life of comfort.

I want Israel’s healthcare to be the best in the world and for it to have the world’s best doctors.

I picture a lower tax burden on the Israeli population that spurs private sector growth unseen in the Middle East in centuries. I can see an economy of growth – strengthened by fewer resources being allocated to national defense – supporting greater education and social services.

My dream is to be in a society where commercial development aids public sector expansion just as much as government programs support social progress.

I eagerly await a day when Israelis see the value of serious Torah study and observance and the entire Torah world participates with the rest of the nation in its defense and advancement.

I dream of a world where different hashkafot (philosophies) are celebrated among Jews of different streams and denominations and where learning from one another is seen as a significant method of gaining knowledge.

I know these dreams aren’t fantasies. Zionists don’t allow aspirations to be denigrated; they see them as objectives that can be achieved. Israel has become one of the most successful nations in the world.

It thrives on challenges and shows a resilience not seen throughout the world. These traits will carry the Jewish people through any difficulty they face and lead them toward even greater accomplishments.

I have raised my children in a strong and vibrant Israel that has proven to the world that it can face all forms of opposition and still come out on top. I dream that my children will raise their children and that my grandchildren will raise my great-grandchildren in an even stronger, healthier, and more united nation of Israel.

I want my descendants to enjoy the peace the Jewish people deserve and the safety, security, and growth that this will bring.