Issues

Palestine

Golan Heights

Posted on Monday June 4, 2007

Few have had the opportunity, as have I, to view the Golan Heights, captured by Israel on June 4, 1967, from both sides of the armistice line of 1974. Like a handful of adventurous visitors to the Syrian Arab Republic, I sought permission from its government to journey to the deserted Quneitra, where, like Pope John Paul II, I observed the ruins of homes, a hospital and even a church desecrated by the departing Israeli forces.

Similarly, like many a tourist to Israel, I have accompanied friends from Tel Aviv – secular liberals who care nothing for the religious overtones of that southerly seized territory – the biblical Judea and Samaria – on excursions to “the most beautiful part of the country”, as they refer to the land captured from the Syrian Arab Republic by the Israeli Defense Force during the 6-day war of 40 years ago. There as well, I recall seeing demolished mosques and homes – “these places were destroyed to avoid a refugee problem,” a friend glibly told me.

The wide gulf between these 2 experiences demonstrates the differing attitudes toward a quest for national normalcy. Judging by their carefree picnics, camping trips, and ski excursions to the Golan Heights, Israelis seem to have achieved it – at least until the next Katuysha rocket rains down – while their northern neighbors poetically mourn its unattainability with their every breath.

But the greater truth has been obfuscated by minutiae: national normalcy derives from regional normalcy. Until citizens of the Syrian Arab Republic have restored their collective national sense of dignity, so bound to the reintegration of the Golan Heights, they will remain restive. History has shown us that, sooner of later, like it or not, that discomfort will adversely impact their Israeli neighbors. Hence the formula: land for peace.

Perhaps it will take several more decades of mistrust, enmity, and even bloodshed on both sides for this realization to take root. Or perhaps the region will emerge from its leadership crisis with a mandate from all its people to make lasting peace. Whichever the case, this American will be the first to cheer when Syrian children wade in Lake Tiberias, and Israeli parents once again say “may they never go to the army” upon the birth of their sons.

George Ajjan is a Republican Party activist and a member of the Arab American Institute’s National Policy council.