I think we need a life-loving Palestine living by a Jewish democratic Israel.

Ironically, the people who do not need Israel are gradually taking over Israel, and they're actually pushing out people who so need it.

Anyone who has a simplistic idea about the Middle East, or about the conflict, doesn't get it - because there are no simple answers. And anyone who is messianic, in a right-wing way or a left-wing way, is wrong too. The way forward is a kind of cautious, commonsense approach - a cautious, humble hope. No fantasies.

I think that good things will happen in the Middle East, in Israel, and to American progressive Jewry only if we work together to save a progressive Israel that progressive Americans can have affinity with again.

Only a few years ago did it suddenly dawn on me that my existential fear regarding my nation’s future and my moral outrage regarding my nation’s occupation policy are not unconnected. On the one hand, Israel is the only nation in the West that is occupying another people. On the other hand, Israel is the only nation in the West that is existentially threatened. Both occupation and intimidation make the Israeli condition unique. Intimidation and occupation have become the two pillars of our condition.

I thought of reaching out for progressive Israelis, progressive Americans, progressive American Jews - this was probably my main mission.

At the end of the day, with all due respect, the Jews are the ultimate victims of the twentieth century.