I WAS saddened and bothered by columnist H.D.S. Greenway’s negative comments about direct talks between Israel and the Palestinians in “Obama’s Mideast quicksand’’ (Op-ed, Sept. 7).
There is indeed promise for diplomatic success between Israel and the Palestinians. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stood up to further-right forces in his coalition when under pressure. Direct talks were not derailed by recent bloodshed in the West Bank.
The Palestinian security apparatus is growing increasingly strong and able to counter incitement. The peace movement in Israel is growing, as evidenced by the Sheikh Jarrah protests.
Unlike during the Oslo era, when the Arab states spouted rejectionist slogans, they are now proposing their own peace initiatives.
In this moment, even if we are only cautiously optimistic, we must remember that we do not enjoy the luxury of pessimism. We face great urgency: This round of talks may be our last chance to realize a two-state solution and to secure a Jewish democracy.
Michal Micner
Somerville
The writer is a member of the group J Street Boston. 
