Six years ago today, Gilad Schalit came home after five years and four months in Hamas captivity. For Israelis, there was an enormous out-pour of emotions and tears as we watched Gilad walk into freedom.
For Palestinians, 477 Palestinian prisoners were released on this day and Palestinians watched with awe as they too walked into freedom – many being imprisoned for many years.
My first conversations with Hamas people began in early 2005. My first intervention to seek the release of Schalit was on July 1, 2005. I have hopes that the new Palestinian internal reconciliation will lead to new opportunities for Israelis and Hamas supporters to enter into dialogue – and that will be beneficial for both sides.
I have tried and failed over the years to open up dialogue with Hezbollah supporters and officials in Lebanon and with supporters and members of the Iranian regime. I will continue to try – even though I am not optimistic at this time.
I will point out that it has always been easier to find serious, establishment people from Israel to participate in these dialogues than people from Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran. I have always been willing to speak to anyone who is willing to speak to me.
I believe that people have the ability to change their opinions and views and I will continue to try to build bridges across very deep divides between people in our region.
