My best friend is a Jew. I am a Muslim. Despite all the jokes we make about this forbidden friendship and how we are going to be punished by our Allah and Yahweh, we know that we are taking the same journey to the same summit through different paths. We even get excited over the similarities of our religions, from fasting in Ramadan and Yom Kippur to the importance of pilgrimage to Jerusalem. We rejoice over how many exact same words we find in Arabic, Farsi and Hebrew.

But even then, sometimes I find myself worried about being politically correct around him. I try to not ask too many questions about Israel. I fear our coexistence-based friendship falls into the category of politics. Unconsciously, I dread to say something that would make me a stereotypical Iranian Muslim who abhors Israel. Why is it that I know I am not such a person, yet I am afraid I am going to become one? Last week, we had a conversation about the states of Palestine and Israel. We peacefully discussed our views, and the next day I came across an article in The New York Times about the cynicism of Arab Leaders regarding the Two-State solution. According to the article, Arab Leaders might reiterate support for the 2002 initiative in which creation of a Palestinian State on the West Bank and Gaza Strip in return for normalization of Israel from 22 members of the League was promised. To the leaders, “it makes no sense to insist on something that Israel is rejecting.” Michael Slackman, New York Times correspondent in Cairo, said Arab leaders were alarmed when thousands of Palestinians crashed through the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt while masked gunmen blew the seven-mile barrier in January 2008. Over the years, Israeli officials have been suggesting that Egypt take over the administration of Gaza and that Jordan take responsibility for the West Bank. However, according to Slackman, Egypt fears the financial burden and the spread of Islamic extremism promoted by Hamas. Jordan too worries about the expenses and what they call “an existential threat to identity.” Wow, how does this make one feel? An editor of a Jordanian newspaper had said, “Jordan is already half Palestinian.” No one cares. When I was reading the article, I thought about millions like my friend and I, and how our voices are lost among the political and economical games of the super powers. Even worse than this oppression is how some take advantage of such chaos. Am I too realistic? I always challenge myself to this question; however, it always comes down to the same notion that I must not doubt my belief of coexistence. There must be a way for peace. Slackman said it sounds like Israel tends to create a “rump Palestine” that is invisible and dependent. A pan Arab newspaper in London writes, “There is no longer space for two states on the Palestinian land.” And some Arab states seem bothered about “having to absorb” people of Palestine. Then, who is going to do something about all these years of disorder, pain and cruelty for both sides? To me, my friend has an absolute right to a place he can recognize as the birthplace of his faith. He has the right to a home where his people can unite. Also, I have the right to feel humane toward the people who share their faith with me. I have the right to want to see peace for them. To me, every Jewish person has the right to a final peace after years of agonizing mistreament before, after and even during the Holocaust. At the same time, every Palestinian has a right to the same peace after years of occupation which has led to anything from lack of water and education to danger of bombs and bulldozers running over their houses. My friend and I both have the right to hold opinions on matters of identity or faith. We both have the right to wish for the existence of a state which represents our beings. But, what is the price? I often sense how we, both as a Jew and a Muslim, are paying a price. Isn’t it true that there are still many who think Muslims resent the Jews? Aren’t there still groups who accuse many of being anti-Semitic because they stand up for justice?

In America, I found myself among many so different from me regarding race and religion, yet I found them similar regarding the core belief of humanity. A tolerant, respectful life next to those who are different from us is possible. As well, the article insists on reflecting the truth. It ends with a quote from Egypt’s Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign affairs, who asks whether we should “succumb to the will, the wishes, plans and ideas of those on both sides who are trying to change the reality on the ground and make the two-state solution impossible.” Parisa Saranj is a Collegian columnist. She can be reached at [email protected].