As Mahmoud Abbas, Chairman of the Palestinian Authority marches assertively into the UN assembly to bid for a recognized Palestinian State, there is no doubt: Change is coming. To his denouncers Abbas says: "it is inevitable."
In today's diplomatic arena change is ever present. But New York is far from the streets of Jerusalem where Identity Travel is guiding a tour group through the ancient sites. For most Palestinians living here, and for their Israeli neighbours the thought of a Palestinian deceleration of statehood without a bi-partisan agreement is a petrifying concept. The unanswered questions and daunting challenge that lie in store are like darkness around a forbidding forest trail. Who can help but fear the violence that seems to lurk around every corner. Who dares contemplate the mere possibility that the wrong path has been chosen.
The tour group walks with me through the Arab Quarter of the Old City. The scenery of old stone and tourist mementos (for all faiths and denominations) has seen little change over the years. Talking to people here, one finds their opinions to be as diverse as their reflection. An old Arab market vendor with a long white turban and a thick moustache says "Why this? Why now? No good for business!" Down the pebbled alleyway a head covered Jewish woman with a long Jeans skirt says; "This country was promised to the Jewish people by G-d and no one has the right to give it away!" A soldier in uniform cuts her off: "Let them have it! Let them deal with their own problems, I would rather be out in Tel Aviv than spending my time in the checkpoint on the way to Ramallah."
Regardless, of their preference they all seem to rush and make their judgment: For or against, good or bad. But while there are pitfalls in every path, surely, each route we travel also has its merits - if only for the experience gained along the way.
It is important in these dynamic times to realize that every change entails an opportunity and a challenge. Every unknown future into which we stride cannot simply be labelled as better or as worse than the present – it is, however, simply different.
The current challenge to the status quo, whether it shall bring about real change or not for ordinary Palestinians and Israelis, will no doubt elevate the Israel-Palestine conflict back into the limelight of public discussion. A Palestine with 1967 borders, recognized or not by the international community, leaves an Israel with 1967 borders as its necessary partner. My tour group walks the invisible green line and we all wonder: Decelerations aside, what will happen next?
My guess; after all the dust settles at the UN, the Palestinians and Israelis will find no other choice but to return to the negotiations' table and there, as they will be forced to choose their path, they will face yet again the inevitability of change.
Identity's tour groups will keep strolling through Jerusalem's markets and asking people for their opinion, After all, the dynamic nature and extraordinary diversity of thought is Israel's most powerful tourist attraction.
