The Dalai Lama
Photo: Reuters
War is not natural
The only way to solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is through dialogue
The holy region in which you – Israelis and Palestinians - live suffers from a decades-long conflict, a struggle so bitter that even I head about it, as small child in far-away Tibet.
When I first visited the region I had the chance to visit Israeli friends and Palestinian friends, and to familiarize myself with the tough reality you all face.
Many people in your region see the other side with sharply critical eyes and do not believe that change is possible.
In contrast, there are people on both sides that want to live in harmony and in a spirit of brotherhood with the Other.
No "us" and "them"
Until recently, the world had a strong feeling of "us" and "them," "ours" and "theirs." Naturally, this approach makes it hard to establish a sustainable solution.
But in recent years the entire world has proven that this is not the way to solve conflicts. Struggle and disagreement are not natural, inevitable phenomena. They are the results of our own actions.
The world is now a global village. Nations, especially yours, have no choice but to live together, side-by-side, without regard for the struggles of the past.
Under these conditions, the only realistic way to reduce the suffering and the conflict is to jointly study the problems and the needs, and then to try to reach joint conclusions that will address your joint interests and provide benefit to both sides.
There is no other way but to develop dialogue based on mutual faith and friendship. This is the only way there is a chance this conflict will ever be solved.
I am happy to present my views. I expect to return.
The 14th Dalai Lama arrives in Israel Wednesday as a guest of the Tibetan Friendship Union. Exclusive to Yedioth Ahronoth, Israel's leading daily.
