[tokyoprogressive] CPN#125 Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
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- Date: Wed, 03 Apr 2002 08:00:22 +0900
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Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, plus
news from Japan, a poem by a Vietnam War veteran,
pro refugee activists in Australia....
Lecture in Japanese by Human Rights Expert
Read the full article here:
http://www.arenson.org/2002_03_31_tokyoprog_archive.html#75053695
Please go to the bottom of the above article to add your comments
UNCOMFORTABLE TRUTHS
Most of the articles, as usual, are summarized here and a link is provided
to the full text online at tokyoprogressive.org or elsewhere. I would like to
print the full text of one right here though.
It stands in contrast to the one that immediate follows it, something sent to
me by a relative. In the article by Dennis Fox, of Brookline Massachusetts, a
Jew
like myself, he notes how debate which is unthinkable among many American
Jews is actually taking place in the center of the storm that is Israel.
Contrast that with the self-righteous tone on the article that follows
it to see that he is absolutely right. There are many more articles
which follow. One does not have to support Palestinian human bombs which
kill Israeli civilians to acknowledge that fascism is on the rise in
Israel. This is not heresy. Such evils did not begin and end with Hitler, just
as My Lai was not a one time exception in America's history. It is self-
deception to believe that fascism is something one is genetically predisposed
to,that victims cannot be victimizers. And it is not Jewish self-hatred to
speak out against the crimes of Israel. Yes, I cringed the other day when I
overheard an American anti-semite try to score points with a Pakistani that he
met in the local pool the other day when he talked about "the Jews" controlling
everything in the United States. But that does not mean Jews should sit idly
by while Israel murders and oppresses people. THAT is cowardice and that is
criminal--the crime of silence.
CAN BROOKLINE TALK ABOUT ISRAEL AND PALESTINE?
(originally appearing in GADFLYING --see below)
by Dennis Fox
At a recent forum organized by the liberal group Brookline PAX,
panelists had the audience nodding, sometimes in amazement, at
details of US policy following September's terrorist attacks. Despite
widespread agreement with the critical tone, one theme caused
particular discomfort: the insistence that activists focus greater
attention on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
One audience member objected to a panel member's departure from a
straight pro-Israel line. Seemingly dissatisfied with the foreign
affairs professor's response, the objector left early. No one else
addressed the topic until finally I wondered aloud why Brookline's
liberals find it so difficult to discuss in public what so many, in
private, acknowledge is central.
No one responded to my question -- until afterward. Privately.
Again I heard variations of the familiar: Non-Jewish peace activists
hesitate to criticize Israeli policy because doing so leads to
baseless accusations of anti-Semitism. Jewish activists fear others
will label them self-hating Jews, traitors to the tribe. It's just
easier to champion other causes that generate less venomous responses.
Brookline's lack of public dialogue on the Middle East is neither
inevitable nor universal. For example, a recent article in The Nation
contrasted the US media's pro-Israel conformity with the diverse
views debated in England, where civilian victims of Israeli force
receive greater attention.
More to the point, even in Israel -- perhaps especially in Israel --
the media debate and criticize Israeli policy to an extent
unthinkable in the US. Comments attacked here as anti-Semitic or
traitorous are, in Israel, the stuff of mainstream discourse.
Unfortunately, Israeli peace advocates tell us, the American Jewish
community's support for the most hard-nosed Israeli policies have
always strengthened those who choose power over justice. The silence
of the many Jews uncomfortable with Israeli policy has real
consequences.
That's a good reason to bring the debate to Brookline.
Here's what I have in mind:
Members of PAX, other community organizations, and local Jewish
groups should create a townwide discussion forum, in cooperation with
Boston-area pro-Palestinian groups. We could begin with an evening
panel. Participants might include someone committed to Israel's
survival, someone committed to Palestine's creation, and someone
committed to solutions that satisfy the legitimate needs of ordinary
people on both sides.
We should also invite historians, legal specialists, and other
experts, despite their own inevitable biases. History is inherently
selective and subjective, but we can still seek mutual acknowledgment
of key events. Only then does it make sense to assess conflicting
interpretations of those events.
One danger is that any single forum risks polarizing rather than
illuminating, especially if it's hijacked by people primarily
interested in preventing the discussion from taking place.
So we should follow the opening panel with a daylong event or a
series of conversations, with smaller groups of people willing to
listen despite their conflicting allegiances. Academics and others
who facilitate discussions between adversaries can help.
Will all this do any good?
Simply listening to one another, even understanding one another,
cannot resolve every contentious issue. Mistrust on both sides runs
deep, too often with good reason.
But I suspect we will all hear uncomfortable truths. And that's
important. It's easy to list historical and current events justifying
one's position. It's harder to respond substantively to the other
side's list, to grapple with their best arguments rather than simply
sneer at those we dismiss as superficial or erroneous.
More broadly, increased understanding can help reveal differing
interests and value priorities and unequal access to power. Solutions
aren't possible without addressing these significant, and ultimately
most troublesome, concerns.
Discussion can also reveal diversity, of views as well as of people.
When interaction humanizes both Jews and Arabs, it becomes harder to
believe the dangerous stereotypes perpetuated by those on both sides
who seek supremacy rather than resolution.
In the meantime, the website of Visions for Peace with Justice in
Israel/Palestine, a Boston-area Jewish group with members active in
the Brookline Jewish community, contains links to relevant sources
(see http://vopj.org). A section on Hot Button Issues dissects
historical and contemporary claims.
That kind of analysis won't solve every problem. But it's better than
making believe there's nothing to talk about.
--------------------------------------------------
Dennis Fox writes opinion, academic, and personal essays at the
interface of critical psychology, law, and radical politics.
GADFLYING applies broader themes to local issues in Brookline,
Massachusetts and appears about twice a month. Other material comes
much less often.
Most papers are posted at http://people.uis.edu/dfox1
To add yourself to this list or remove your name, to make comments,
or for information about reprinting, email dennis@xxxxxxxx
Thanks for reading!
--------------------------------------------------
Dennis Fox
http://people.uis.edu/dfox1
--------------------------------------------------
Now here is the article sent by a relative. It made me want to vomit,
but it is good to read it and then go back to Dennis' article and the
others linked here.
NOTE---I do NOT agree with ANY of this....
French Embassy in Washington
French Consulate in Los Angeles
Dear French Nation!
Shalom!
As a Jew, I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart. I would
like to thank your President Jacques Chirac for saying that Israel needs
to be convinced that peace is better than war. Never mind that peace
(shalom in Hebrew) is the most common word in Jewish prayers, that it is
endlessly repeated in synagogues, when greeting or taking leave, when
getting up or going to bed. Never mind that shalom (peace) is mentioned
77 times in the Torah, and 275 times in the Jewish Bible (The Old Testament
ofChristians.) Never mind that of all the world's literature the United
Nations chose to inscribe the words of Israeli Prophet Isaiah on the wall
across from its building in New York. Here are these words, "and they shall
beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks:
nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war
any more."
Never mind that these words are said in every synagogue at nearly every
assembly, and that peace is called "God's greatest gift."
Therefore,the President of the Nation that still venerates general Napoleon
would do better teaching cows how to make milk, or teaching grass how to grow
quietly than teaching Jews (Israelis) that peace is better than war. Thank
you, Jacques Chirac, for informing me about the encyclopedic extent of your
ignorance.
And how can I not mention the doctorate degree in history, which was
offered to Mustafa Talas (who just happens to be Syria's Foreign
Minister) by Sorbonne? Doctor Talas has written a book on the Damascus
Blood Libel of 1840, in which he claims that Jews kill Christians to
obtain their blood for Passover. A true genius of historical science is
Mustafa Talas, and certainly worthy of Sorbonne. I am infinitely glad that
good old blood libels (perhaps the most imaginative product of European
civilization), nearly forgotten in the last 50 years, are being revived
in French academic circles.
I also cannot forget the events of October, 2000, with synagogues
firebombed and burned, Jewish worshipers wre attacked and stoned. I know that
President Chirac spoke out against all this, saying that this is not what he
meant when he criticized Israel. Well, as English playwright
Shakespeare said, "Methinks the Lady doth protest too much." The President's
criticisms of Israel had been (and remain) so extensive, so common and so
unforgiving, that I cannot possibly believe him. The events of October, 2000
is exactly what he meant. And if there is any doubt about it, your
ambassador to the United Kingdom Daniel Bernard has cleared it up. Not only
did he call Israel "that shitty little country," (quite a polite and
diplomatic fellow is Daniel Bernard, is he not?) but he also ante-factum
(before the fact) blamed the Jewish people for starting World War Three. My
greatest gift
of gratitude, therefore, goes to him. He has discovered in me (after all, I
belong to "those people") a horrifying quality of causing world wars, a
terrible character flaw about which I hitherto had been completely
unaware. He has also forewarned us of our pre-assigned guilt. I would like to
inform you that I have decided to join the campaign against France. I
will not visit or fly through France and its colonies of Guadeloupe,
Martinique, and St. Pierre. I will also boycott all products made in France,
including perfume and cosmetics industry, designer fashion labels,
French wines, chocolates, etc. I will use my money to buy Israeli
products, and travel to Israel and other countries who still think that Jews
are human and should not live at the mercy of Palestinian terrorists. I
will also contact all people I know and try to get them to do the same.
Let it be a humble manifestation of my gratitude. Sincerely, David Tsal
Shalom!
Note---I do not agree with any of this. Go back to the top and read
the artilce by Dennis Fox, and/or the others linked here.
Here is one from an Israeli-born American citizen
...the right-wing has called itself the "pro-Israel"
side and too often we have used those terms too -- we have to stop
doing that. They are not pro-Israel, they are pro-war, pro-Sharon,
pro-Israeli-occupation, but they are very harmful to the Israeli
populations future, as well as to Palestinians.
Read more:
http://www.arenson.org/2002_03_31_tokyoprog_archive.html#75053789
"Why Every Jewish Soldier Should Refuse"
By Shamai Leibowitz, Attorney, Tank Gunner in Reserve Duty, Tel Aviv
Read more:
http://www.arenson.org/2002_03_31_tokyoprog_archive.html#75053791
Please go to the bottom of the above article to add your comments
Radio Interview
Due to the extraordinary circumstances of the present moment, we send you
this unusual JPN piece. The following is a transcript of the radio program
Flashpoints, which aired today on Berkeley, California radio station, KPFA.
The transcript below includes interviews with various members of the
International Solidarity Movement, a Palestinian businessman, and an Israeli
activist, all in or around the scene of the Israeli invasion of the West
Bank. The most disturbing part, however is a re-broadcast of the report that
came in to New York City's WBAI from an Italian reporter with the ISM. In
that report we hear the IDF opening fire on unarmed internationals, wounding
several.
More here (and read/listen to the interview):
http://www.arenson.org/2002_03_31_tokyoprog_archive.html#75053797
Please go to the bottom of the above article to add your comments
FROM Institute for Public Accuracy on Israeli-Palestinian conflict
ALLEGRA PACHECO, Jewish Israeli-American human rights attorney, Pacheco is in
the West Bank. She said today: "Bush says he respects the right of Israel to
defend herself, but this isn't a matter of self-defense, but rather aggression,
oppression, power and dispossession.....
Read the full article here:
http://www.arenson.org/2002_03_31_tokyoprog_archive.html#75052326
Please go to the bottom of the above article to add your comments
FROM Jewish Voice for Peace
Israel's state terrorism
Dr. Lev Grinberg, a political sociologist at Ben Gurion University, raises
what should be a fundamental question of the ongoing conflict in
Israel/Palestine. He asks why it is that the suicide bombings are considered
terrible crimes, which he agrees they are, yet the state terrorism practiced
by Israel (learned well from Israel's mentor, the United States) is not?
Grinberg, in fact, asserts that the latter is the greater crime, as suicide
bombers are individuals driven to acts of desperation, while the acts of
states are calculated decisions, made by people wielding great power who
consider their acts carefully. This observer would concur with Grinberg in
this, but even if one disagrees with him, as I'm sure many will, the
question of how, in moral estimations, state terrorism remains beyond
reproach should still be one of the gravest consequence. Grinberg lists the
many crimes of the Sharon government (and he might well add the crimes of
the Barak, Netanyahu, Peres, Rabin, Shamir, Begin, Meir, Eshkol, Sharett and
Ben-Gurion governments before it) and asks who is going to prosecute these?
He raises this not specifically push for such prosecution, but rather to
make clear that the discussion of the crimes of this conflict must be
fundamentally changed if the current course is to be reversed. Only when
there is recognition of all the horrors, all the brutality, all the crimes
on both sides of the conflict can the international community hope to step
in to bring some measure of justice to the region......
Read the full article here:
http://www.arenson.org/2002_03_31_tokyoprog_archive.html#75053644
Please go to the bottom of the above article to add your comments
FROM Tikkun Magazine
BUILDING SETTLEMENTS, KILLING PEACE
It is with a sense of despair that we at Tikkun have watched
recent events in Israel. We abhor the bombing of the Tel Aviv
nightclub that killed 18 young people who could so easily have
been our own sons and daughters, our brothers and sisters; we
share the grief of the Jewish family who lost their baby to a
Palestinian attack. But we also mourn the deaths of two Arab
grandmothers and their seventeen-year-old granddaughter from
misplaced Israeli sniper fire; we reach out to the family of
the Palestinian teenager shot down by an Israeli's rubber
bullet.....
Read the full article here:
http://www.arenson.org/2002_03_31_tokyoprog_archive.html#75053656
Please go to the bottom of the above article to add your comments
Lily Galili of Ha'aretz filed this useful thumbnail portrait of the
various Israeli groups that are supporting the Israeli soldiers and
officers who have refused to serve in the Occupied Territories (some
of whom refuse to serve in the IDF at all).
Read the full article here:
http://www.arenson.org/2002_03_31_tokyoprog_archive.html#75053669
Please go to the bottom of the above article to add your comments
Passover Eve, 2002
An Open Letter to American Jews
By Assaf Oron [Israeli army reservist]
Dear People,
Yesterday I was informed of an interesting phenomenon: a peace-supporting
Jewish organization called Tikkun published an ad in favor of us, the
Israeli reservist refuseniks [now over 1,000 Iraeli soldiers officers &
generals], and was immediately bombarded with hate mails and phones from
other American Jews. What is more
interesting is that even other Jews considering themselves supporters of
peace have denounced the Tikkun ad, to the extent that some of the Tikkun
Advisory Board members are resigning in order to minimize the personal
damage to themselves. This has so saddened, alarmed and angered me, that I
find myself setting aside a half-day at the eve of Passover, and writing
this open letter to you all. As is my habit, it is quite long, so please
bear with me.........
Read the full article here:
http://www.arenson.org/2002_03_31_tokyoprog_archive.html#75053689
Please go to the bottom of the above article to add your comments
Poem by Vietnam Veteran-The Military Few and the Civilian Many
By Eric Edward Johansson
Read it here:
http://www.arenson.org/2002_03_31_tokyoprog_archive.html#75053728
Please go to the bottom of the above article to add your comments
FROM Jewish Voice for Peace
The Murder of Arafat
[In his latest article, Uri Avnery speculates on the potential repercussions
we might see should the IDF kill Yasir Arafat. Ariel Sharon has promised the
United States that he will do no such thing. While it does seem sensible
that Sharon recognizes that it is in his interest to keep that promise, it
is also true that Sharon has expressed his regret at not killing Arafat
during the invasion of Lebanon 20 years ago. Add to this the uncertainty of
maintaining Arafat's life in a war zone, where a stray bullet or over-eager
soldier could well take his life, and it is clear that Arafat's death during
this assault is a distinct possibility.
Avnery is quite likely correct that Arafat's death will be, as he puts it,
"the moment of no return". But those of us fortunate enough to be outside
the immediate battle need to recognize that the intensifying fighting, and
the growing hatred on both sides that goes along with it, is just as much of
a threat to bring this situation past the point where any peaceful
resolution is possible. It is fair to say that at no point in the history of
this conflict--not in the 20s and 30s during the Hebron riots and the Arab
revolt, not during the 40s when the naqba/birth of the State of Israel came
about, not at any point--has the hatred and violence level between Israelis
and Palestinians been this high. It is scarring both sides. If those of us
of good will do not act to stop it soon, it may well be too late, even if
Israel does not succeed in murdering Arafat.
Read the full article here:
http://www.arenson.org/2002_03_31_tokyoprog_archive.html#75053735
Please go to the bottom of the above article to add your comments
FROM Jewish Voice for Peace
APPEAL FOR HELP FROM THE SIEGE OF RAMALLAH
Zinaida Miller sends the following appeal from a group of
internationals and Palestinians who are trapped by Israel's military
siege of Ramallah. While the appeal is unsigned -- the authors'
names and contact information have been withheld out of fear of
retribution -- a contact number for more information is given at the
end. The information contained in the appeal appears to be
consistent with other reports we have been receiving from besieged
Ramallah, where Israeli forces have taken over civilian homes,
rounded up all men aged 16-40, cut water and electricity, delayed or
halted medical care, caused vast and often wanton destruction, and
will shoot anyone who violates a 24-hour curfew. The writers ask
that internationals mobilize and lodge urgent complaints with local
and international officials.
Read the appeal here:
http://www.arenson.org/2002_03_31_tokyoprog_archive.html#75053738
Please go to the bottom of the above article to add your comments
Call for global solidarity--www.woomera2002.com
(This arrived too late for participation, but
it is worth printing nonetheless)
Woomera is located 500 kms from the nearest city of Adelaide, in South
Australia. It is best known as the location of Australia's largest
onshore internment camp, and the scene of the most determined resistance to
Australian Government policies of automatically and extrajudicially
interning people who arrive in Australia by boat and without papers.
Read more here:
http://www.arenson.org/2002_03_31_tokyoprog_archive.html#75053748
Please go to the bottom of the above article to add your comments
The Economic Democracy Site
Read about it here:
http://www.arenson.org/2002_03_31_tokyoprog_archive.html#75053759
Please go to the bottom of the above article to add your comments
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