"I am a Palestinian"

With Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu’s visit to the United States I have received a number of emails from friends in support of Israel. I replied to one with the enclosed email reiterating my long held and unwavering position. Years ago I said, “I am a Palestinian.”

“Let's not forget we have agreed not to haunt each other with propaganda. I think the Israeli government's treatment of the Palestinians has been horrific. Camps, military brutality, breaking agreements, walls, building on disputed property, constant hindering negotiations and disregarding United Nation’s mandates all hinder peace and tranquility in Israel. The US Congress pandering to Netanyahu was ludicrous.” I hope President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority will also be invited to address a joint session of Congress.

Israel’s leaders have refused to negotiate with the Palestinians until they repudiate Hamas, a group democratically elected to leadership by the people. In addition Israeli leaders have indicated they would not negotiate with any group who does not believe in the right of Israel to exist.

Negotiating about those two important should be exactly what the discussions are all about. People of good will can sit down and deal with the hardest issues. They must not be pre-conditions to talking together. The refusal to do so smacks of not wanting to negotiate under any circumstances.

Lest you think I am just one more anti-Israeli government crank, please note these web sites of Jews and others who support Palestinians.

Jews for Justice for Palestinians

http://jfjfp.com/

http://www.tikkun.org - Rabbi Michael Lerner

http://www.womeninblack.org/en/about