Editor: Few people would contest the need for a peaceful resolution
to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Resolution, however, is not
a one-sided affair. It requires fairness, justice and recognition
of the rights of all parties concerned. In light of the continued
terrorist attacks against Israel, the widespread ignorance of the
history of Israel and the documented evidence revealing the hypocrisy
of Mr. Arafat, we are obliged to put things into perspective. If
Israel were in control and the peace process were sincere, it would
be possible to settle some of the internal disputes.
The arguments of those who claim they are working for a “just
peace” raise more questions than answers. They claim they are
for democracy and the rights of all people. If that were so, why
do they choose to focus on only what they consider Israeli wrongs?
The suffering, discrimination and marginalization of Palestinians
by other Arab countries does not get their attention. Nor do the
Christians who are discriminated against and persecuted by Arab
countries. Israel’s efforts to accommodate Palestinians demands
are also ignored.
In these troubled times, it is important to have a perspective and
put things in context. The desire to destroy the state of Israel
cannot be denied. Children in Palestinian schools are being taught
to hate. We are once again seeing the same hateful, soul-destroying
propaganda that filled Nazi textbooks. To blame Israel for the current
conflict is tantamount to blaming the Jews for the Holocaust. Let
us wake up before it is too late.
Sally Rogow
Vancouver