There is an easy solution to the conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians, but it necessitates as new way of thinking of a nation.

The conflict is over both claiming the same land is their homeland. They could both continue to do that and peacefully live among each other by defining their nations by agreement rather than by geography.

Only Palestinians could be members of the Palestinian government and only Israelis could be members of the Israeli government. They could each own their sacred sites and otherwise live wherever each person or organization chooses to buy a piece of land. The two governments could coordinate around the common utilities of water, electricity, streetlights, etc. Otherwise, each nation has their congress, executive branch, courts, and whatever policies they choose.

I was in Jerusalem a few years ago. In the old city, I saw there were Islamic vendors with storefronts to sell their goods in the Jewish section. When I asked about it, both sides responded, “We get along fine with each other. The problem is the politicians.”

Let both groups claim the same land as their homeland and organize two nations by agreement. This takes a new way of defining a nation. I can’t see another solution all could embrace. This is one they could all eventually embrace. It is a differently defined two-state solution.

Terry Mollner

Shutesbury