Thank you Edith

When trading in any traditional bazaar, there comes inevitable the point when haggling has to end and final decisions have to be made. To buy, or not to buy? To sell, or not to sell? When the deal falls apart, the parties may not meet each other ever again and may look for other vendors, in other places.

In case of another brake-down of the decade-long haggling between Israel and Palestinians, they still will have to meet again and will not find other vendors or places. Though, the Palestinians missed many opportunities to accept Israel in a - by destiny, justice and practicality commanded compromise, the current situation may be more crucial than ever before. The present moment brought them to a crossroad of decision-making, by which the acceptance of Israel's offer may bring peace, happiness and prosperity. If not - it will bring war, misery and a catastrophe, which may involve the whole world.

The importance of the moment is brought about by four factors. First - the change in the American Presidency. Second - the chance of losing the, so forthcoming Barak. Third - the scare to face a not-forthcoming Ariel Sharon and fourth - the fact, that the problem of Palestinian refugees was brought to the table.

The steady tactic of the Palestinians was since the beginning, not to focus on the refugees. Their complaints were always aimed on a specific minor point where understanding and sympathy for their case could be gained. As a few samples: The outcry when an archaeological tunnel was opened, or the buildings at "Har Choma," or if 2 or 3% if territory should be given now or later. But the problems of refugees were barely mentioned. They knew that an acceptance of millions of refugees into Israel would be a death-sentence for Israel. This danger would be understood even by the fairest of far left people and by the worldcommunity.

The Arab leadership made a fatal call to the Palestinians to leave at the time of the War of Independence. They were put into camps and where promised a victorious return. The un- productivity of the misled poor people in the camps, brought about a population explosion, whereas from the 650,000 campdwellers - 5 million seek now their sacred right to return. On the other hand, the 650,000 Jews who were expelled from Arab countries, increased during their fifty years in Israel to about 2 millions. Two million only. But two million of productive and prosperous people. Also the Palestinians who deed not heed their bad leaders, live in Israel free and are the only Arabs in the Middle East who have a representation in a freely elected Democratic Parliament.

The seriousness of the mentioned four problems seemingly made the Arab leadership look for a way out. President Mubarak, who is really interested in peace and looks for a solution, visited together with Arafat the Kingdom of Saudia. The reason is, to look for money to recompense the misled refugees. Whilst the American Jews found the means to assist the Jewish population in Israel, who consist mostly of emigrants - the solution of the oil-loaded Arab states for the Palestinians were so far -"refugee camps."

We pray for the Arabs to find a solution for the problems they brought about on themselves. This would also solve the problem of Jews in their constant prayer for shalom, for peace.