By Rateb Y Rabie, KCHS

It is time to awaken to the reality unfolding before your eyes—a reality that impacts not only you but your children and the future of your nation. The arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister confirm allegations of war crimes and genocide in Gaza. This is no longer a matter of speculation; it is a global outcry, a plea for justice and peace. Yet, your leadership continues to turn a blind eye and a deaf ear, dragging you into an uncertain and perilous future.

You came to Palestine seeking refuge, safety, and security after enduring the horrors of the Holocaust—unspeakable abuse, torture, imprisonment, and exile under the brutal regime of Hitler’s Germany. Stripped of your homes and heritage, you were victims of unimaginable atrocities. But in your quest for a haven, your Zionist leaders exploited your suffering and your faith, weaponizing Judaism for a political agenda. They crafted the narrative of Israel’s return to the land of ancient promise, overlooking alternative possibilities like Argentina and Mozambique, and chose Palestine as the foundation of their vision.

This choice, however, came at a devastating cost—to both the Palestinian people and to you. Instead of building a future based on coexistence, justice, and peace, your leadership chose a path that has perpetuated conflict, oppression, and displacement. Made you the abused as the abuser. The world has repeatedly urged Israel to embrace peace with Palestinians, yet these calls have been met with defiance.

The time has come for deep reflection on where this path is leading you. The truth is undeniable: you cannot have peace and security unless the Palestinians also have peace and security. The well-being of both peoples is intertwined, and one cannot thrive while the other suffers. The current path of violence and oppression only deepens the wounds and prolongs the suffering for all involved.

It is worth noting that the Palestinians have recognized the two-state solution, acknowledging the division of historic Palestine. This vision grants Israel 78% of the land while reserving 22% for an independent Palestinian state. This is a significant and generous concession—an opportunity to finally resolve this conflict and ensure a future of coexistence. Yet, the Israeli leadership has consistently failed to embrace this chance for lasting peace. Why not take advantage of this recognition and build a future grounded in mutual respect and compromise?

Ask yourselves: is the legacy you wish to leave for your children one of perpetual violence, fear, and international condemnation? Or will you stand up and demand a better future—one defined by justice, equality, and peace? This is not a fantasy; it is a possibility. History shows us that Jews, Christians, and Muslims lived together in the land of Palestine before 1948, in communities where coexistence and shared humanity were possible. That history could inspire a return to a more equitable and harmonious way of life.
But the choice is urgent. Every day that passes without action solidifies a cycle of animosity and loss that will be increasingly difficult to undo. Your children deserve more than a legacy of division and conflict—they deserve hope. The world is watching, and history will judge not only your leaders, but your collective will to choose the path of peace.
The time for action is now. Together, Israelis and Palestinians can create a shared future, one where both peoples can live with dignity, security, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.

The choice is yours. History is watching, and so is the world.