This is an article that was published in the Contra Costa Times on June 17th by Middle East Study Group member Amer Araim, Ph.D, an adjunct professor at Diablo Valley College. He lives in Walnut Creek.
PEACE AND JUSTICE IN THE HOLY LAND by Amer Araim
The Middle East Study Group (MESG), representing individuals in this area concerned with the Palestinian -Israeli conflict in particular and the Middle East in general, convened on May 21 a public forum on divestment to end the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories.
Since the forum has caused some alarm within the leadership of the Jewish community and because I am personally committed to strengthen and improve the relationship between the Muslim community and all faith groups including the Jewish community, I am sharing with readers the background and objectives of the forum.
Last year the Presbyterian Church in Pittsburg convened hearings on divestment from corporations investing in the Occupied Palestinian territories. Muslim, Jewish and Christian leaders participated. It was hoped that a constructive dialogue would commence between all those concerned with peace and justice in the Holy Land. However, it was noticed that the Jewish leadership considered Israel as a taboo, which should not be questioned about the occupation and instead the Palestinians, the victims of the occupation, were blamed for everything wrong. Therefore MESG decided to organize the forum as an educational tool to inform the people about the realities of the occupation and to send a political message to the Israeli government that the occupation must end.
The forum was not an Israel bashing scheme but reflected on the realities of the Israeli occupation. All the panelists stressed the need for peace and justice to end this conflict. Participants including the supporters of Israel made questions and comments. Emphasis was made on the mutual cessation of violence between the Palestinians and Israelis, the two states solution, a Palestinian state on the territories occupied in 1967 with its capital Arab East Jerusalem (which is an occupied territory in accordance with international law and the Judgment of the International Court of Justice) and the Israeli state living side by side in peace and with cordial diplomatic, economic and all forms of normal relations between friendly neighboring states. An amicable solution to the question of the right of return of Palestinian refugees was stressed.
A reference was made in the forum to the repeated statements by the Palestinian Authority that this right of return should be implemented through negotiations and in such a manner that it would not adversely affect the Jewish character of the state of Israel. This is a genuine message of peace and that was the aim of the forum.
Unfortunately these peace initiatives are always rejected by the supporters of Israel. Instead of positively responding to such true determination to work for peace and to assist the Palestinians and Israelis to achieve such a noble goal, the usual accusation is made against the critics of the present Israeli policies as anti-Semitic. The issue of Jews from the Arab countries is raised to deflect from genuine efforts to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on the basis of peace and justice.
When bringing-up the question of anti- Semitism with our friends the leaders of the Jewish community, the response has been that it is a non-issue.
It is regrettable that pro-Israeli academics, instead of working for peace between the Israelis and Palestinians, are continuing to hammer on the question of Jews from the Arab countries to divert the attention from the requirements for peace.
I wish to state that my family in Iraq had excellent relations with members of the Jewish community.
The fact is Zionist organizations used violence to force Jews from Arab countries to migrate to Israel. Arab masses were angry at the atrocities committed against the Palestinians by Zionist organizations and directed their anger at members of the Jewish community, however, many Iraqi families defended their Jewish neighbors and friends. Finally Arab governments at that time were stooges of the British Colonial Power; therefore they were caught between the anger of their masses and their inability to help the Palestinians. In conclusion, I wish to reiterate my friendship with members of the Jewish community and invite them to work together for peace and justice in the Holy Land.
The first step is to end the Israeli occupation. Israeli Prime Minister Olmert’s plan will perpetuate the occupation and conflict; therefore let us work for a viable alternative as stated above.
Letter to the Editor
Published in the Contra Costa Times, July 2, 2006
West Bank, Gaza truths
Responding to Joseph Abdel Wahed’s commentary (Times, June 24): Yes, Jews in Arab countries suffered terribly during and after World War II. It shouldn’t have happened, just as the terrible suffering of Palestinians in the occupied territories shouldn’t be happening now.
The May 21 Middle East Study Group forum, which I moderated, focused on nonviolent ways to end Israel’s military occupation of Palestinian territories, which causes daily suffering, deprivation and humiliation.
Speakers criticized U.S. and Israeli policies, which are prolonging and intensifying the suffering of Palestinians today. The MESG is not anti-Israel. Does opposing certain U.S. policies make one anti-American? The MESG believes the harm being done to Palestinians can be stopped without bringing harm to Israelis.
Wahed, to the extent Jewish refugees from Arab countries continue to suffer today in their current place of residence or are thwarted in their desire to return to their Arab homelands, I would gladly ask MESG to consider working with Jews Indigenous to the Middle East and North Africa (JIMENA) to hold a forum on this topic. Please contact us.
The May 21 forum, however, was about the harsh realities of present-day life in the West Bank and Gaza under Israeli military control.
Marilyn Langlois
Richmond
