Stop the Violence in the Middle East
by Susan Bakaley Marshall
I speak as a Jewish woman, who has been to Israel and loves Israel. It is a
beautiful land, with a lot of diversity. People of different faiths have
lived side by side for many decades.
I stand here in solidarity with my people — Israel's Jews and Palestinians
who have been working and marching for peace in large numbers over the past
two years. Last night in Tel Aviv, Peace Now Israel brought over 150,000
people out on the streets [the police estimated 60, 000 people—does this
sound familiar?].
More than 500 Israeli soldiers have refused orders to enter the occupied
territories — we need to support them.
As long as my Israeli brothers and sisters need to be in the streets so
will I. I have made a commitment to do what I can to stop the heedless
violence in the Middle East. There are many other American Jews working
towards peace and justice. A new organization has just been formed Brit
Tsedek V'Shalom Covenant for Righteousness and Peace—which supports the
work of Israeli and Palestinian organizations which share these seven
principles:
1) A complete end to the Israeli military occupation of the territories
occupied since 1967 in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem with
border adjustments agreeable to both parties.
2) The establishment of a viable Palestinian state based on the pre-1967
borders alongside Israel, with secure and recognized boundaries for both
states free from acts of force.
3) Jerusalem will be the capital of both states. Unfettered access to all
religious sites in Israel and in the future Palestine will be insured to all
Jews, Muslims and Christians.
4) A just resolution of the Palestinian refugee problem that takes into
account the needs and aspirations of both peoples This should acknowledge
Israel's share of responsibility for the plight of Palestinian refugees
while respecting the special relationship between the State of Israel and
the Jewish people.
5) The termination of both state-initiated violence and terrorism for
achieving political goals. We work towards a future in which peoples use
non-violent means to resolve social and political inequities.
6) Israeli settlements in the Occupied Territories are a major obstacle to
peace, a tremendous financial burden to Israel, and bring grave harm to the
Palestinians living under Occupation.
7) As U.S. Jews, we are dedicated to the implementation of the above-stated
principles. As U.S. citizens, we have a special responsibility to ensure
that our government pursues policies that are consistent with the
requirements of a just peace for Israel and the Palestinian people.
Susan Marshall, of Montville, vigils with the Women in Black in Belfast.
Back to Peace Talk Index, Summer, 2002