twiddling_my_thumbs

Not sure people will see this, but OP is my brother.

He's an amazing person, an incredible pilot, and I miss him dearly. Please help his organization get another plane.

My immediate feeling, after the fear that had plagued me up to the meeting, was pure relief.

The moment I met them, they were gentle and kind. I was ushered into a beautiful room, served tea, and treated like an honored guest.

Obviously, the emotions, and the conversation, were intense -- but my immediate feeling was of a great weight being lifted.

I was never able to meet with him personally. Though his family offered many reasons.

As for forgiveness, I want to be clear that I did not forgive him. I reconciled with the family. They are two important, but different, things.

Thank you so much for your comment and kind words.

Honestly, I think one thing could move us toward a resolution quicker than anything: 1) the United States decides to wield its enormous influence and compel Israel to abandon its failed geo-political policies. A simple, No more $3 billion a year for you until you freeze settlements and end the occupation would change things dramatically. 2) Arab states do similarly on their end, offering Palestinians with large economic incentives for reconciliation and political resolution with Israel.

Obviously, there are intense political obstacles in every arena for such to happen. However, it's really the only route. It does not appear that Israel is capable of doing this on its own.

Of course, we're talking two states here. What we are really moving toward is a single, bi-national state. Quite honestly, right-wing Israelis are moving us toward this quicker than anyone. And if that ends up being the resolution, it will either be a fully democratic, single state or full-fledged apartheid.

I know. I know.

It was originally, "Shrapnel."