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To quote Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “I have a dream.” And in my dream was an initiative for the future-thinking and peace-loving nations of the Persian Gulf to build the city-state of New Palestine within the Gaza Strip. If Saudi Arabia can spend a trillion dollars and build The Line, they — with the help of other like-minded Islamic states — can build something similar along the Mediterranean Sea (i.e., Gaza).
It would make sense to construct the city in two stages from north to south. The north could be mostly residential and associated services, and the south could be an Arabic cultural, recreational and human achievement zone. This southern zone could include an institution that would both mirror the mission and eclipse the scale of the great Library of Alexandria. Between the city and Israel there could be constructed a temple twice the size and glamor of India’s Taj Mahal and due to its size and brilliance at night it would be unmistakably visible from nearly every corner of Israel. You then could build an exact replica of Old Jerusalem at the time of the Sultan Salah al-Din to surround the temple. A gathering point for the world to reflect and join hands in the name of peace.
I have seen the possibility of New Palestine and New Jerusalem, and it is good. I can show you the way to peace but I can’t force you to choose. That you must do on your own. All are welcome to come together there — in harmony.
Carl Altomare
Machiasport
