Taking Initiative

Activists in Israel and Palestine can mobilize their respective societies in a constructive manner

By Larry Garber
Haaretz
November 19, 2024

"…During the first administration of Donald Trump, much of the US assistance provided to the Palestinians living in the West Bank and Gaza was eliminated. 

“President Biden restored assistance, and the USAID mission, together with other donors, has been implementing programs to strengthen the Palestinian private sector and civil society…

"Israelis and Palestinians, within their respective societies, must continue to call for changes in the policies of the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority. This will not be easy…

"Second, those who seek peace in Palestine and Israel must find creative ways to build on ongoing people-to-people activities and private sector engagements. The populations in both societies must provide a model of working together that their leaders, and indeed the international community, can build upon…

"Finally, an effort must be made to involve actors in the region, in Europe and elsewhere to pick up the mantle that the U.S. is no longer willing to carry.…"

Larry Garber served as the USAID mission director to the West Bank and Gaza.

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