The following open letter, signed by more than 30 Jewish Australians, will be delivered to Israeli President Katsav when he visits Australia in early March.
We are Jewish Australians who feel great concern for Israel, and welcome the recent reduction in violence and the fragile opportunity to move towards peace. We are, however, deeply ashamed of the policies that have been pursued by the current Israeli government. We condemn all attacks on civilians, but cannot accept that Israeli retaliation of demolishing homes, destroying ancient olive groves, and bombing crowded residential areas in the Occupied Palestinian Territories has ever been justified.
We believe there can never be a military solution to this conflict, as any temporary “victories” leave such a bitter legacy of hatred. Long-term peace can only be achieved through a negotiated settlement which recognises the rights of both Palestinians and Israelis to live in self-governed lands.
The barrier being built through the Occupied Palestinian Territories is causing untold hardship to Palestinians. Houses and fields are destroyed, people are cut off from their families, schools, health services and workplaces, and travel is almost impossible. The International Court of Justice has ruled that it breaks international law.
We write as Jews because Israel claims to act on behalf of Jews worldwide, and reject the notion that all criticism of Israel is anti-Semitic. We recall your brave offer two years ago to address the Palestinian parliament for a temporary truce, and ask you to take this message to the Israeli government and the people of Israel. We urge you to act now to stop Israeli human rights violations in the occupied territories, and to engage with your neighbours to find real security, based on peace and justice for both Israelis and Palestinians.
From Green Left Weekly, March 2, 2005.
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