Letter Writing Campaign

Date: May 25, 2015

Cory Gardner

9227 E. Lincoln, Ave, #200-234

United State Senate

Lone Tree, Colorado, 80124

Dear Senator Mr. Cory Gardner,

We believe that you are an influential leader in resolving conflicts of the world today. As a fellow Coloradan and an informed international student we strongly believe in your opinions on abortion and gay rights, and think you handled the delicate situation very well with both of your addresses. We are writing to you because we believe you can make a difference based on your experience in making impactful decisions and you have experience serving on the Foreign Relations Committee.

We are here to inform you about the conflict between Palestine and Israel. Both sides have been affected and as believers in peace, justice, and equality we would like to find a solution to this ever-growing problem of who owns and who has the rights to the land. Both countries have contrasting point of views that must meet a compromise, which is beneficial to both entities. Although, they both will not be in complete agreement, for every solution there must be some sacrifice.

There is no direct solution, as problem solving comes in steps. We understand that the United States has brought both Palestinian and Israeli leaders to discuss an attempt at peace between both sides. We believe that this is an insightful first step taken by the United States. Both leaders must realize that even though they are different, it doesn’t mean that it is bad, we are all different but that is what makes us original. The fact is that not even all of the Palestinians are the same; similarly all Israelis aren’t the same either. We are proposing that they understand the importance of acceptance and integration.

There is no such thing as fair, you take my home I’m going to attack you. You attack me and I will hit you. You hit me, I will kill you. You kill me, my family will attack you. You all attack me, then I will get soldiers to attack you, and on and on it goes. They need to stop violence completely to solve the problem. That’s step one.

Step two, they need to recognize each other in order for the two countries to come together and solve the land conflict. They must first see the other group as a country, that way they know that that group deserves respect and recognition. Pope Francis has already begun the process of step two by recognizing Palestine as a country, with Reverend Federico Lombardi clarifying that, “Yes, it’s a recognition that the state exists”. Recognizing that the two states exist can lead to the creation and signing of a peace treaty.

Step three: the United States brings together the leaders of both acknowledged countries to resolve this ever-present conflict over land and dignity by creating and signing a peace treaty. The people want peace, as can be seen in the book Hoping for Peace in the Middle East. Jacob is a 12-year-old boy from Israel who sent letters to a girl named Salma, who is a Palestinian, in order to try and understand what’s going on between the two countries. Both want peace with Jacob writing, “I wish we could all live in peace together,” and Salma replying in question, “Why can’t our politicians figure this out?” It’s up to politicians to convince the leaders of the two groups to work together to please their citizens.

We know that the Dome of the Rock is a Muslim shrine, which is located in the Center of Old Jerusalem. It is also a sacred land for Christians and Jews because it is built on Temple Mount. We see such diverse integration similar to the Dome of the Rock in Singapore everyday. The people are living in peace and this is what we would like to see in Israel. For example in Chinatown there is Hindu temples, Chinese temples, and a tall Muslim mosque. This is a great example of how such diverse cultures can be woven together. Singapore has many of these sights. All of the HDB (housing and development board) buildings, common public living apartments in Singapore, are required to have different ethnic groups.

We believe that through the United States support Palestine and Israel can become an integrated community alike Singapore. We believe that you can create peace because you have given your time to make life better for all Coloradan’s and many others. If you would please turn your attention to the senate or congress and show them that the younger generation cares and does have an opinion. We may have some ideas that if given the chance to, should be recognized and could impact the world.

Sincerely,

Ms. Alyssa Austin & Ms. Meher Bhagat

Grade 8 students

Singapore American School

6272 South Kellerman ct.

Aurora, Colorado 80016