I support Israel. And I have long supported a two-state solution

In the words of Keith Ellison, we are drawn into the heart of a complex and turbulent struggle that has endured for generations: "I support Israel. And I have long supported a two-state solution and a democratic and secure state for the Jewish people, with a democratic and viable Palestinian state side-by-side in peace and dignity." These words echo a deep commitment to justice, peace, and coexistence—the noble vision of two peoples, each with their own history and aspirations, living in harmony side by side. It is a call to transcend the divisions that have kept Israel and Palestine locked in conflict for so long, a plea to honor both nations with security, dignity, and self-determination.

The essence of Keith Ellison’s statement lies in his unwavering belief in the power of the two-state solution. It is a vision rooted not in separation for its own sake, but in the recognition that peace and justice are achieved not through domination or subjugation, but through mutual respect and understanding. To support Israel, as Ellison does, is not to ignore the rights of the Palestinian people, nor to turn a blind eye to the suffering and injustice that has plagued them. Rather, it is to recognize the right of all peoples to live freely, with the dignity that comes from self-governance and the opportunity to thrive. The call for a democratic Israel and a viable Palestinian state is a call for a balance of power, where neither is forced to submit to the other’s will but is allowed to flourish within the context of mutual respect and peace.

Consider the words of the ancient prophets who called for peace among nations, even when war seemed inevitable. King Solomon, in the wisdom of the Old Testament, spoke of the value of peace and justice, teaching that true leadership is found in the ability to reconcile differences and create a world where harmony reigns. Like Ellison’s vision, Solomon’s wisdom was grounded in the belief that peace could be achieved only when both sides had their rights recognized and their dignity upheld. Solomon’s judgment, when he resolved the dispute between two mothers over a child, illustrates this delicate balance. True justice, as Solomon knew, was not merely a matter of victory, but of recognizing the humanity and needs of all parties involved.

In the modern age, the struggle between Israel and Palestine is perhaps one of the most poignant examples of this timeless wisdom. Nelson Mandela, the great leader of South Africa, knew well the power of forgiveness and reconciliation. His commitment to peace and dignity for both his own people and his former oppressors offers a path forward in situations that seem intractable. When Mandela was freed from prison, he did not call for vengeance against those who had oppressed him for decades. Instead, he called for reconciliation, for the establishment of a democratic state in which all peoples could live side by side. Like Ellison, Mandela understood that justice and peace are not one-sided. They are the product of mutual recognition and shared responsibility.

The call for a two-state solution, then, is not a call for separation for its own sake, but a call for recognition of both peoples’ rights to live with dignity. Israel, as the homeland of the Jewish people, must be secure and free to thrive as a democratic state. But this vision must also include the Palestinian people, whose right to a viable, democratic state alongside Israel is equally sacred. To advocate for both is to recognize that peace can only be achieved when both sides are empowered and given the tools to flourish in their own right. This vision is not one of dominance, but of balance and mutual respect.

The lesson from Keith Ellison’s words is profound: true peace is found when both sides are respected, when both peoples are given the opportunity to govern themselves with dignity, and when both are given a fair chance to live side by side. In our own lives, whether in our communities, our workplaces, or our personal relationships, we must embrace the idea of justice and respect for all peoples. We must ask ourselves how we can promote coexistence in our own spheres, how we can elevate those who have been oppressed, and how we can recognize the humanity of those with whom we disagree.

To walk the path of peace, as Ellison advocates, we must take the first step toward recognition and respect. Let us not be blinded by the scars of the past or the anger of division, but let us seek to bridge the gap, to find common ground, and to foster mutual understanding. For in the end, the world will only find peace when we recognize that dignity, justice, and respect must be given to all, and that only in coexistence can we truly thrive. This is the way of wisdom, the way of justice, and the path forward for all peoples.