Penny discussed a wide range of issues concerning the conflict in the Middle East. She showed slides from her trips to Israel and Palestine. These included slides of: Palestinian homes destroyed by Israeli bulldozers; Israeli roadblocks in the Occupied Territories; children at the Palestinian Counseling Center, where children traumatized by violence are counseled; and demonstrations by Israeli and Palestinian peace activists. In introducing her talk, she said, "I am going to show you pictures and tell you stories of both Palestinian and Israeli people who are supporters of peace. I personally reject the labels: 'Pro-Palestinian' and 'Pro-Israeli.' I am pro-peace and justice. I truly believe that is possible. It is certainly a painful and heartbreaking time right now. That's why it is so important for all of us to be speaking out. We should be calling for international monitors, spearheaded by the United Nations, to be sent to the region to protect the civilians on both sides."
In her very balanced presentation, Penny condemned all forms of violence in the current conflict. She condemned the Palestinian suicide bombings both for the loss of life and the terror they cause and because they perpetuate the cycle of violence and retribution. Likewise, she condemned the Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands in all its forms: the bombing of Palestinian cities, the extrajudicial assassination of Palestinian citizens, the curfews, the roadblocks, the demolition of Palestinian homes and orchards. She spoke at some depth of the daily humiliations that Palestinians living in the Occupied Territories face, particularly at roadblocks, where people are searched, spit upon, and often held for hours. She is convinced it is this kind of humiliation, forced upon people year after year, that drives some Palestinians to respond violently.
Penny reminded us that the U.S. gives about $3 billion a year in arms to Israel. "It is really important to know that 75% of that money never leaves the U.S.," she said. "It goes to U.S. arms manufacturers for F-16s and Apache helicopters. That's what our tax money is going for. So when we hear on the radio, for example, that 30 refugees were killed in the last two days in Jenin refugee camp, that was paid for by our tax dollars. And when you consider that in our country one in five children go to sleep at night hungry, how about if that $3 billion were used to feed hungry American children, or improve schools in California, or provide health care or environmental clean-up?"
The heart of Penny's presentation was a discussion of the Israeli peace movement. It is sometimes argued that the settlements are necessary for Israel's security, to protect Israel from threats of Palestinian terrorism. But "...the settlements and the current militaristic policies of the Sharon government have not brought the Israeli people security. Just the opposite. The only way there will be peace and security for Israel is for there to be justice for Palestine." It is possible, Penny said, to support the Israeli people, but still criticize its government's policies. These policies, she made clear, are not only self-destructive, they are illegal. The Israeli peace movement's criticisms of their government are rooted in Israeli violations of international law. For example, all Jewish settlements in territories outside Israel's 1967 boundaries are a direct violation of the Geneva Conventions.
Penny showed many slides and told stories of the kinds of non-violent direct actions that Israeli peace activists are engaged in. For example, she showed pictures and described the dismantling of an Israeli military roadblock. This was carried out, at real risk, by Palestinian and Israeli peace activists, working together. This peace movement, while small, is well-established and growing. Evidence of its growing strength is the refusal by over 300 Israeli soldiers to participate in military actions in the Occupied Territories. As American citizens, we are actually in a strong position to support the efforts of these courageous people.
For more information, try the Middle East Children's Alliance website at http://www.mecaforpeace.org or www.jewishvoiceforpeace.org. You can reach Penny Rosenwasser at (510) 548-0542.
Copyright Mendocino Environmental Center 2002
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