The Incredible Lightness of Being...

... the Dalai Lama:

Q: His Holiness, around the time Tibetans lost their rights when they were occupied by China, another nation faced a similar tragedy, the Palestinians. The Israeli occupation of Palestine continues with full support from the United States and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). Millions of indigenous Palestinians have been made refugees and are denied the right to return to their homeland. We sometimes read your statements sympathetic to Israel but not the suffering of the Palestinians. Could you please enlighten us with your view on the ethnic cleansing of Palestine under illegal Israeli occupation?

A: The Jewish viewpoint of Israel is one of ancient times where they were made refugees thousands of years ago. I met groups of Palestinians who wanted their rights. It is difficult to judge but they should live together and help each other. In Jerusalem the land is greener and they use every technique. The side of Palestine is dry and not green. They should use the skills of the Jews and live together. On my second visit to Tel Aviv, I met a small group of Palestinians and Israelis living together in harmony. Israeli President Shimon Peres I know him, he is genuine for peace. With more interactions both for peace, sooner or later a clash will sort the problem. Palestine is an older issue than the Tibetan issue but violence is still involved. It is very sad." (From Challenging the Dalai Lama on his views on the Israeli occupation, Shareefa Panchbhaya, peaceandcommunity.wordpress.com, 19/6/12)