Palestinians’ ‘alternate universe’
The actors delivered their lines, feigning interest in negotiating a reasonable, lasting peace between Israel and its neighbors. Much ado about nothing.
On Sept. 27 Israel was condemned, announcing the construction of 1,100 housing units in a “settlement.” Time to pile on Israel? One small problem, the “settlement” they are talking about is Gilo. The same Gilo, annexed to Jerusalem shortly after 1967. Gilo, steps from the Jerusalem neighborhoods of Talpiyot, Ramat Rachel and Bakka.
In what alternate universe do the Palestinians and the international community live where they expect Israel to negotiate on the status of Gilo? It’s not some remote outpost surrounded by thousands of Arabs. It’s an integral part of the Jewish neighborhoods in Jerusalem. It’s also the same Gilo that was used for target practice by the Tanzim in the last intifada. It’s a place where Israel built a wall (not the security barrier that everyone talks about) so civilians could sit in their kitchens and kids could bicycle to school without being shot by terrorist organizations across the valley near the road to Bethlehem. I’ve been there, I’ve seen it.
Call me when you are serious about talking peace; not scoring cheap brownie points at Israel’s expense.
Steve Lipman | Foster City
Don’t cut funding for P.A.
I am writing as an American, a Jew and a J Street supporter who is pro-Israel, pro-peace, to oppose the calls for cuts to funding that goes to the Palestinian Authority, the United Nations and countries that support the Palestinians at the United Nations.
Numerous American and Israeli security experts have highlighted the direct link between U.S. assistance to the P.A. and Israel’s security. Indeed, this funding has made it possible for the U.S. military to train Palestinian security forces — which, according to the Israeli government, have helped make last year Israel’s most terror-free year in its history.
Please note that I do not (and J Street does not) support the U.N. membership application to the Security Council at this time; however, punishing the Palestinians for what is a legal and non-violent act is counterproductive, because a viable and stable Palestinian government is essential to achieving a peaceful solution to the conflict with Israel.
Carol Friedman | Point Reyes
State vs. security
Sept. 23, Saeb Erekat, Palestine ambassador to the U.N., stated why Abbas is presenting a resolution to the U.N. to declare a Palestinian state. They want to first have a state, and then negotiate with Israel about the borders, refugees, security, settlements.
Ron Prosor, Israel ambassador to the U.N., said Israel wants negotiations with no preconditions, all issues to be negotiated. He said Israel wants two states for two peoples, meaning a Palestinian state, and recognition of Israel as a Jewish state.
Mort Zuckerman stated that the main issue for Israel is security, i.e. at the Jordan River, so that a Palestinian state does not repeat what happened in Gaza.
These statements were made on the Charlie Rose show Sept. 23. I can see one advantage to the Palestinian presentation to the U.N., that everybody will see the Palestinian hypocrisy.
Norman Licht | San Carlos
Honoring a Righteous Gentile
It was with great sadness that I read of the death of Knud Dyby, who was honored years ago here and in Israel as a Righteous Gentile for his part in helping save the Jews of Denmark during the Holocaust (“Knud Dyby, Danish rescuer, remembered as modest hero,” Sept. 16). For decades he lived in Marin County, always so modest about his deeds and at the same time a very proud man who spoke to school groups about the dangers of bigotry and hate.
Possessing a personality filled with life, he delighted in showing photos from his days as a member of the Danish Royal Guard as well as his inventions. (He invented the magnetic paper clip dispenser.)
Mr. Dyby played a key role in the rescue of thousands of people by coordinating fishing vessels that ferried Jews and others from imminent danger to freedom in the span of a few weeks in 1943. The Jewish teaching “he who saves a single life is as if he saved an entire world” has tangible meaning when one thinks of the actions of courageous individuals such as Knud Dyby. He helped save thousands of lives and touched so many of us who were inspired by his actions. May his name live on as a blessing.
Rabbi Doug Kahn | San Francisco Executive Director, Jewish Community Relations Council
Don’t count political eggs too soon
The upset victory of Republican Bob Turner over Assemblyman David I. Weprin for Rep. Anthony Weiner’s vacated seat is something all Americans should be proud of (“Jewish vote helps Republican win Weiner’s seat,” Sept. 16).
No longer can President Barack Obama put Israel and American industry in jeopardy without some political fallout. Hopefully all politicians will no longer take any voter block for granted!
Joseph DuPont | Towanda, Pa.
Seek middle ground for sake of children
StandWithUs’ newest transit ad features two young boys, Palestinian and Israeli, in a friendly embrace. (“New ads at local transit sites decry U.S. aid to Israel,” Aug. 26) TwoPeoplesOne
Future’s ad features friendly grandfathers. What’s the reality? What’s really in store for these kids? Israeli children in West Bank settlements are growing up in segregated enclaves outside the provisional borders of their national state. Their future is not secure. Palestinian children in the West Bank, and Gaza, are citizens of no country at all. Stateless, their future is even more precarious.
How Israelis define who, or what, is sufficiently “Jewish,” is surely up to them. The work is complicated by ongoing Jewish Israeli settlement east of the Green Line. In the end, the acceptance Israel and Palestine both seek will depend on how they define the privileges, if any, of all groups living within the final borders of their state(s).
In this context, can a unified Palestine acknowledge the horrors, as well as the heroism, of its resistance? Can Israel confront the profound injustice that lies at the very heart of its founding? Can Holocaust and Nakba be honored in a single narrative?
In a word, can we all forego our “exceptionalism” for the sake of the truth?
For the sake of our children?
Léa Park | San Francisco
JVP is ‘supporting extremism’
Many JVP members may truly believe that they are supporting “peace” and “human rights.”
But calling for the end of the Jewish people’s national rights, and groups with openly anti-Semitic and pro-terror agendas, will not bring peace. If the history of the region has shown us anything, it is that supporting extremism leads to more violence.
If JVP and its allies are truly interested in peace, they should call upon the Palestinians to accept living in peace alongside Israel, the state of the Jewish people.
Dr. Michael Harris | San Rafael
BBG president has local ties
We were thrilled to see the article and photo about the new BBYO International officers (“South Bay teen spends gap year as BBYO world ambassador,” Aug. 19).
Our granddaughter Samantha Levinson, International BBG N’siah (president) was pictured, with Oz Fishman, in front of the White House. Samantha has roots in the Bay Area, too; her grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins all live here. Her father, Rob Levinson, grew up in San Carlos and was in BBYO along with his siblings.
Diane and Jon Levinson | San Carlos
Lone Jew in Gaza
Lawrence M. Weiswasser’s letter (Aug. 19) had one error in it. He said that there are no Jews at all in Gaza. There is one. His name is Gilad Shalit. He was kidnapped and has been held captive by the Palestinians for five years and three months! This is five years and three months too many.
Lauren Helfand | Alameda