Dr. Nader Hashemi:

The recent tragic events in Jerusalem highlight what we have all known for a very long time. There can be no security and safety for Israelis at the expense of safety and security for Palestinians. The safety and security of both peoples are deeply intertwined. We have this crisis in Jerusalem today because of a series of very aggressive, draconian and arrogant moves by the Israeli Government led by the Prime Minister, Mr. Netanyahu, that have disadvantaged the Palestinian people. This is a long story and we have been through it before. These events will keep recurring until someone in the international community starts to say enough is enough and recognises that both Israelis and Palestinians deserve security, safety and statehood. We need to work towards a solution that will embody the security of both peoples or else we will be in this cycle time and time again.

I applaud the Government of Ireland which is way ahead of the curve - at least way ahead of the country the passport of which I carry, Canada, and the country in which I live, the United States - in respect of the Israel-Palestine conflict. This country is supportive of the safety and security of the state of Israel, but it has also been very outspoken in raising the question of Palestinian suffering. If more countries were to do this, we would be a little closer to finding a political solution to the conflict.