Time for Israel to tear down wall

On June 12, 1987, Ronald Reagan faced the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin and uttered the famous words, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” On Nov. 9, 1989, the wall actually came down after 28 years and two states that had been divided became one again.

Another wall of separation now stretches in a serpentine manner throughout the West Bank separating Israeli “settlers” from Palestinians as well as Palestinians from Palestinians. Former President Jimmy Carter accurately characterized it as an apartheid wall. The wall is an Israeli government tool for creating a state that has room for only one religion and one race.

It is time for another American president to face another wall of shame and say, “Mr. Netanyahu, tear down this wall!” Tearing down the wall could lead the way for Israel and Palestine to come together in a single, secular state with no requirements for religion or race for citizenship. People could worship freely, they could work and do business together, and their children could attend the same public schools. Lest someone object that this is a utopian vision and totally unrealistic, such a system is working in the United States.

John Hurd
Clinton

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

A visitor takes in the view of Twin Lakes from a second floor unit at Housing Hope’s Twin Lakes Landing II Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Editorial: Housing Hope’s ‘Stone Soup’ recipe for community

With homelessness growing among seniors, an advocate calls for support of the nonprofit’s projects.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Tuesday, May 20

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Douthat: What guides Trump policy is a doctorine of the deal

Hawk or dove, former friend or foe; what matters most is driving a bargain, for good or ill.

Friedman: The uncertainties facing Biden and the world order

Biden, facing infirmities of mind and body, still understands the mission of America in the world.

Comment: GOP’s tax cut bill is ill-timed for economic moment

If a recession does hit, it’s the lower- and middle-income who can spend the economy’s way out; not the rich.

Comment: AmeriCorps staffers were making America healthy again

A modest stipend for students was providing experience and value. Until the Trump administration fired them.

Wildfire smoke builds over Darrington on Friday, Sept. 11, 2020 in Darrington, Wa. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Loss of research funds threat to climate resilience

The Trump administration’s end of a grant for climate research threatens solutions communities need.

Sarah Weiser / The Herald
Air Force One touches ground Friday morning at Boeing in Everett.
PHOTO SHOT 02172012
Editorial: There’s no free lunch and no free Air Force One

Qatar’s offer of a 747 to President Trump solves nothing and leaves the nation beholden.

The Washington State Legislature convenes for a joint session for a swearing-in ceremony of statewide elected officials and Governor Bob Ferguson’s inaugural address, March 15, 2025.
Editorial: 4 bills that need a second look by state lawmakers

Even good ideas, such as these four bills, can fail to gain traction in the state Legislature.

Comment: When should judges have power to tell a president no?

Birthright citizenship is clearly law. What was up for debate is the fate of nationwide injunctions.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Monday, May 19

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Comment: Cuts to Medicaid will make fentanyl fight harder

Medicaid’s expansion is helping many get the addiction treatment they need, reversing the crisis.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.