Letter to the Israelis

His Excellency Benjamin Netanyahu
Prime Minister of Israel
3 Kaplan Street
Kiryat Ben Gurion
Jerusalem, Israel 91919

To the Honorable Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel,

From the realm of memory and reflection, where the echoes of past struggles still reverberate, I write this letter to you with a heart heavy with the burden of history, yet filled with a profound hope for the future. I have been made aware of the new development in North Gaza detailing the present state of affairs in your region, the ongoing conflict, the cries of the people, and the yearning for a lasting peace. 

North Gaza’s civilian population is beginning to protest for the great push to remove Hamas from control in Gaza entirely. I feel compelled, by the principles that guided my own actions in a time of great national division, to offer my humble counsel. This is the greatest moment Gaza has ever had for peace. The great people of Gaza need to somehow be supported when demonstrating the immense bravery necessary to go out into the streets and protest against the tyranny of the Hamas organization. 

The reports before me paint a vivid, and often distressing, picture of the situation in Gaza. They speak of protests, of civilians caught in the crossfire, of a population weary of war and its devastating consequences. These brave people are going out into the streets against men with guns, bombs, rocket launchers, and more to fight for their freedom. These are not merely statistics or headlines; they are the faces of human beings, each with their own hopes, dreams, and fears. It’s unimaginably frightening to me that they may be going out there unsupported. They are individuals who, like all people, yearn for a life of security, dignity, and peace.

It is evident from these reports that a significant portion of the Gazan population is not only deserving of a better future but actively desires it. Their protests against Hamas, their vocal condemnation of the war, and their desperate pleas for an end to the violence are not merely expressions of frustration; they are a testament to their longing for a different reality. They are, in essence, calling out for a solution that offers them a chance at a normal life, free from the constant threat of violence and destruction.

It is my firm conviction, after careful consideration of the situation, that a unified state of Israel and Palestine, with self-governing federal districts, presents the most viable path towards such a future. This is not a proposition to be taken lightly, nor is it one that will be easily achieved. It will require courage, compromise, and a willingness to set aside long-held prejudices. But I believe it is the only path that offers a true and lasting resolution to the conflict.

Such a unified state would, first and foremost, address the deeply troubling issue of what many describe as apartheid. By granting full and equal citizenship to all Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, we would affirm their inherent worth and dignity as human beings. We would create a society where all citizens are subject to the same laws, enjoy the same rights, and share the same responsibilities. This is not only a matter of political expediency; it is a moral imperative. It is a recognition of the fundamental principle that all men are created equal.

I understand the concerns regarding the security of Israel, the “Flower of Zion,” as it has been described. It is a precious entity, a symbol of hope and resilience for its people. Its protection is paramount. However, I firmly believe that the best way to ensure its long-term security is not through continued conflict and division, but through the establishment of a just and lasting peace. A unified state, where all citizens have a stake in its success, would be a far more stable and secure entity than one built on a foundation of mistrust and hostility.

This proposal will require a fundamental shift in perspective. It will necessitate looking beyond the immediate concerns and anxieties, and envisioning a future where Israelis and Palestinians can live together in peace and harmony. It will require acknowledging the pain and suffering of the past, but also recognizing the possibility of a different future.

I am aware that there will be those who will argue against this proposal, who will claim that it is unrealistic or even dangerous. But I would remind them that great achievements are rarely born of caution and timidity. They are born of courage, vision, and a willingness to take risks for the sake of a greater good.

Let us not be bound by the chains of history, but rather let us learn from its lessons. Let us not be swayed by the voices of fear and division, but rather let us be guided by the principles of justice and equality. Let us strive to create a future where the Flower of Zion can bloom in peace and security, alongside its Palestinian neighbors, in a unified state where all citizens are treated with dignity and respect.

With the utmost sincerity and a profound hope for a just and lasting peace,

Konstantin Romanov