Seeing Beyond Enemies
Here in Montana, many people note with pride how many generations of their family have lived in this state and nurtured a sense of belonging here. We are just beginning to understand the full costs of that belonging to the people who lived on and cared for this land before white Europeans arrived. As I watch the increasing violence in Israel and Palestine, there are similar themes of colonization, oppression and destruction. Last night on the news, a young girl from Israel wanted to simply give a hug of understanding to a young Palestinian who said she just wanted to be safe in her home and be able to go to school. There is suffering on both sides and complex emotions involved. The Jewish community worldwide has long been horrifically oppressed and still faces anti-Semitism all over the world. And yet, the Israeli government has spent decades systematically oppressing the people of Palestine and robbing them of human rights. It should be crystal clear from the years of conflict that violence isn’t a solution and colonialism only fuels hatred and destruction. Israel is so much more powerful, with our tax dollars helping to bolster that power with arms and support. I wish that power could be spent finding ways to live together in peace for all people in the region. Just like I wish that those early European immigrants to this country had used their power to learn from the indigenous people they encountered instead of trying to eliminate them. All the weapons, rockets and missiles are destroying the lands that people in both Palestine and Israel love. Watching a Palestinian man tearfully carry the body of his dead child makes it clear that the collateral damage to lives, businesses and homes will fuel hatred and struggle for many years to come. There are several international efforts to call for a cease-fire and an end to oppression. As US taxpayers, we must realize that we have paid for some of the weapons that are killing children. And then, in the interest of peace, we must act.
This coming Friday (May 21, 4:30 am Montana Time) Combatants For Peace (Palestinians and Israelis together) will hold a "Freedom March" with other organizations, calling for an end to violence, an end to repression and an end to the occupation. The march will be broadcast live on Facebook.
US House Rep. Betty McCollum has introduced HR 2590, the Defending the Human Rights of Palestinian Children and Families Living Under Israeli Military Occupation Act, that would prohibit the use of U.S. funds to support the military detention of children, the demolition of Palestinian homes, and the annexation of more Palestinian territory. The Friends Committee on National Legislation urges us to ask Rep. Rosendale to support it.
Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rashida Tlaib and Mark Pocan are getting ready to introduce a House Joint Resolution to block the US proposed sale of $735 million in U.S. weapons to Israel. Jewish Voices For Peace would like us to ask Rep. Rosendale to sign on as a co-sponsor.
Author | Betsy Mulligan-Dague, JRPC Director