Mainers Organize Against the Israeli Occupation
by John Bernard
After more than a year of study and discussion, activists in the Portland
and Lewiston areas have established a new organization focused on the
concept that a just peace in Israel/Palestine requires that this country
take a more even-handed approach to the problem. Starting with veterans of
the vigils that took place in Portland in 2001 and 2002, the group, which
calls itself Maine Peace and Justice in Israel/Palestine (MPJIP) has
recently added members from Kennebunkport and South Portland.
Throughout its brief existence MPJIP has chafed at the failure of Washington
and the US media to balance their concern for Israeli security with an
acknowledgement of the rights of Palestinians in the West Bank, Gaza, and
East Jerusalem. In responding to the terrible consequences of suicide
bombings, both have tended to minimize, if not totally ignore, the
escalating repression and violence of the Israeli occupation and the right
of Palestinian refugees to a fair settlement of their claims.
In the organization's view, this suppression of information about the causes
of Palestinian resistance has left the American public unable to comprehend
the nearly universal condemnation of Israel outside the US. Jewish members
of the organization are especially concerned that Israeli perpetration of
and American complicity in violent repression may be fostering a resurgence
of anti-Semitism, as well as anti-Americanism, on the global scene.
In light of these concerns and the facts on the ground that have produced
them, the group has stipulated that peace and justice in Israel/Palestine
minimally require:
- Israel's withdrawal of its military and settlements from the West Bank,
Gaza, and East Jerusalem, consistent with UN resolutions and international
law;
- a fair resolution of refugee claims;
- a halt to foreign aid and loans and diplomatic support to Israel until it
complies;
- Palestinian self-determination within the 1967 occupied territories;
- the Palestinians' right to choose its leadership freely and to have that
leadership recognized by other nations; and
- internationally guaranteed security for Israelis and Palestinians.
Informally launched early in 2002 by the Rev. Eric Kelley, Wells
Staley-Mays, and Bill Slavick, MPJIP organized itself formally following the
arrival of Ed McCarthy some months later. Kelley and Staley-Mays had been to
the occupied territory and seen the plight of the Palestinians at first
hand, and McCarthy had worked on the issue in Washington, DC. All had read
extensively on the situation.
Monthly meetings in which the group grew to half a dozen spawned
participation in vigils, demonstrations, and a teach-in; preparations for
bringing in speakers, and attendance at public events where Palestinian
rights were likely to be misrepresented. MPJIP has tried to include members
of the Jewish, Muslim, Christian and nonbelieving communities and to educate
and influence editorial boards, members of Congress, and the general public.
From the outset it has networked with Veterans for Peace, Pax Christi Maine,
and other peace groups.
Membership has doubled recently. One new member, the Rev. Marjean Bailey,
has been to Palestine twice. A brochure produced this fall was circulated at
Rabbi Michael Lerner's Bowdoin lecture in November and other recent events,
including the November 9th demonstration in Portland against the "Apartheid
Wall" and the Israeli occupation of the West Bank.
Maine PJIP invites all who share the group's principles and goals to join
and attend its monthly meetings. Inquiries about the organization or
requests for an application form should be addressed to: Maine PJIP, P.O.
Box 17741, Portland ME 04112; or mainepjip@pivot.net.
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Winter, 2003 - 2004