Thread by @CharlestonRabbi

I wake up to the news of the passing of Saeb Erekat.

He was the Palestinian's top peace negotiator.

For years, I remember listening to him eloquently advocating for a #Palestinian state.

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timesofisrael.com/saeb-erekat-wh…

In those earlier years, I did not like him.

I saw him frequently on television and being an opponent of Palestinian Nationalism at the time, I recognized the power of his advocacy.

That angered me.

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Later, I saw we were on the same page-two states for two peoples with justice and respect for the legitimate aspirations of both.

When he spoke, I began to listen.

And I grew to greatly admire him.

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I also saw that those who advocated for a just solution for Israelis and Palestinians respected him as well.

I mourn his passing today.

He was Palestinian patriot who devoted his life to advance Palestinian independence, end the conflict & achieve peace through diplomacy.

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He became a strong believer that a 2-state outcome was the only means to achieve peace for both peoples.

The only way forward.

May his name be remembered for a blessing.

May the dream of a Palestinian Homeland side by side a Jewish one be fulfilled one day.

Inshallah.

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