I was a Red Cross EMT on the Israel-Gaza border 15 years ago. No amount of geopolitical pontificating, biblical scripture, dehumanization of the other side, or arguing over who had it "first" is going to bring lasting peace. Both sides have been committing atrocities against each other for over 3,000 years. So what do we do moving forward?

1. Immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid relief.

2. The bad actors- Hamas and the Netanyahu cabinet- both need to step down, with coalition governments put in place.

3. REBUILD GAZA. It has no infrastructure or economy. The UN needs to reassert its authority and organize a massive effort, in conjunction with the Arab League, to build roads, hospitals, schools, stores, permanent housing etc. A New Deal-style employment system giving Palestinians steady high-paying jobs to transform their open-air prison camp into a habitable area would do a world of good. The Troubles in Northern Ireland were ultimately solved by the Celtic Tiger (Ireland's economic boom), when people decided it was more fun to go mini golfing than take potshots at each other.

4. Sit everyone down at the table for peace talks. There are very smart people on both sides.

In the meantime, reach out to your Jewish and Muslim friends. They're having a difficult time right now.