If you missed the 4th Annual Bethlehem Prayer Service, simulcast from the Washington National Cathedral last Saturday, you can enjoy the service courtesy of the cathedral's on-demand video:
http://www.nationalcathedral.org/exec/cathedral/mediaPlayer?MediaID=MED-3VUGK-O8001M&EventID=CAL-3V2P2-MT000O
The joint simulcast service joined the National Cathedral with Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem.
Worshippers in the National Cathedral gathered with others in the USA and beyond who watched the service live. In Bethlehem, Palestinian Christians continue to bear witness to their faith this Christmas, as they have done for generations. Once again, voices were joined in seeking and offering hope for a better future.
Prayers, readings, and hymns alternated between Washington, D.C., and Bethlehem, bringing together people of different lands, languages and ethnic backgrounds in celebration of the birth of the Prince of Peace.
In Bethlehem, participants includes The Right Reverend Suheil Dawani, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, the Right Reverend Munib Younan, Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land and President of the Lutheran World Federation, and the Rev. Mitri Raheb of Bethlehem's Christmas Lutheran Church.
Participants in DC included: The Most Reverend Katharine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop and Primate of The Episcopal Church; The Right Reverend John Bryson Chane, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington; The Very Reverend Samuel T. Lloyd III, Dean of Washington National Cathedral; and The Reverend Richard H. Graham, Bishop, Metropolitan DC Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
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To receive regular bulletins from Ann Hafften, sign up at the blog A Texas Lutheran's Voice for Peace: http://www.voicesforpeace.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Highlights from the ELCA Peace Not Walls newsletter
It's late in the month for me to be sharing the Dec. 2 ELCA Peace Not Walls newsletter. The complete newsletter is at this link: http://www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Justice/Peace-Not-Walls/Resources/Newsletter.aspx
Here are some highlights:
Join CMEP's new national Christian campaign; send Christmas greetings to the President
“For the Peace of Jerusalem: Christians for Israeli-Palestinian Peace Now” is a year-long effort of 26 (and the number is growing) Christian churches and organizations to engage Christians across the country in the pursuit of a just and secure peace for Israelis and Palestinians in the Holy Land.
The initial campaign action is to send thousands of Christmas greetings to President Obama as a way to show him and all those who hear of our ecumenical efforts that we expect peace with justice and security for all Palestinians and Israelis; and, in the spirit of Advent, we expect it soon.
How you can help:
• Sign and send an online card at http://www.peaceofjerusalem.org/.
• Organize a card-mailing campaign in your synod or congregation. Cards should be signed and mailed (in one big envelope) to CMEP before Wed. Dec. 22 for delivery to the White House. Find planning advice and sample messages by clicking on the Take Action tab.
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The final entry in “Prince of Peace” 2010 Advent/Christmas Sunday Reflections from Christians in the Holy Land (this one by Brother Jack Curran, FSC, PhD, Bethlehem University): http://www.cmep.org/sites/default/files/advent2010_4_0.pdf
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Journey to Bethlehem in Advent by ELCA Denver lay leader Jan Miller is at her blgo: http://adventjourneybethlehem.blogspot.com/
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Churches for Middle East Peace has a completely new and updated website. Find Christian and Interfaith Statements, news, resources, photos and more at http://www.cmep.org/.
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Film, “Budrus,” expands theatrical release
“Budrus,” the award-winning film about Palestinian non-violence, is expanding its U.S. release. See a trailer and find showings: http://www.justvision.org/en/budrus
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New Gaza report published
Amnesty International and 21 other human rights and aid groups published a November 30 report on conditions in Gaza, titled, “Dashed Hopes: Continuation of the Gaza Blockade.” The 12-page report outlines the struggles which the people of Gaza continue to face and states, “Lifting the blockade of Gaza remains a legal, economic and political imperative for those seeking a lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The time for credible and effective action is now.” Read the full report: http://www.amnesty.org/en/news-and-updates/ngos-gaza-civilians-continue-suffer-2010-11-30
--- --- ---
To receive regular bulletins from Ann Hafften, sign up at the blog A Texas Lutheran's Voice for Peace: http://www.voicesforpeace.blogspot.com/
Here are some highlights:
Join CMEP's new national Christian campaign; send Christmas greetings to the President
“For the Peace of Jerusalem: Christians for Israeli-Palestinian Peace Now” is a year-long effort of 26 (and the number is growing) Christian churches and organizations to engage Christians across the country in the pursuit of a just and secure peace for Israelis and Palestinians in the Holy Land.
The initial campaign action is to send thousands of Christmas greetings to President Obama as a way to show him and all those who hear of our ecumenical efforts that we expect peace with justice and security for all Palestinians and Israelis; and, in the spirit of Advent, we expect it soon.
How you can help:
• Sign and send an online card at http://www.peaceofjerusalem.org/.
• Organize a card-mailing campaign in your synod or congregation. Cards should be signed and mailed (in one big envelope) to CMEP before Wed. Dec. 22 for delivery to the White House. Find planning advice and sample messages by clicking on the Take Action tab.
--- ---
The final entry in “Prince of Peace” 2010 Advent/Christmas Sunday Reflections from Christians in the Holy Land (this one by Brother Jack Curran, FSC, PhD, Bethlehem University): http://www.cmep.org/sites/default/files/advent2010_4_0.pdf
--- ---
Journey to Bethlehem in Advent by ELCA Denver lay leader Jan Miller is at her blgo: http://adventjourneybethlehem.blogspot.com/
--- ---
Churches for Middle East Peace has a completely new and updated website. Find Christian and Interfaith Statements, news, resources, photos and more at http://www.cmep.org/.
--- ---
Film, “Budrus,” expands theatrical release
“Budrus,” the award-winning film about Palestinian non-violence, is expanding its U.S. release. See a trailer and find showings: http://www.justvision.org/en/budrus
--- ---
New Gaza report published
Amnesty International and 21 other human rights and aid groups published a November 30 report on conditions in Gaza, titled, “Dashed Hopes: Continuation of the Gaza Blockade.” The 12-page report outlines the struggles which the people of Gaza continue to face and states, “Lifting the blockade of Gaza remains a legal, economic and political imperative for those seeking a lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The time for credible and effective action is now.” Read the full report: http://www.amnesty.org/en/news-and-updates/ngos-gaza-civilians-continue-suffer-2010-11-30
--- --- ---
To receive regular bulletins from Ann Hafften, sign up at the blog A Texas Lutheran's Voice for Peace: http://www.voicesforpeace.blogspot.com/
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Litany for Bethlehem from Bright Stars
Bright Stars of Bethlehem shares this litany for Advent
Litany for Bethlehem Sunday (Advent 2010)
Voice I -
With Christians around the world, we are traveling to the little town of Bethlehem to see the child whose face reflects the face of God.
Voice II
By the light of a star, we travel to see what God has done and is doing for us, among us, within us.
I - We remember the story of a star-lit stable and an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. In our memory we smell the hay and hear the bleating of sheep as shepherds approach and wise men come bearing gifts.
II - With hope born of memory and faith, we also come to the stable to give thanks to God for the birth of this child whose life bears witness to God’s presence among us.
I - And in the little town of Bethlehem this day the miracle continues in the faith and lives of God’s people who live behind a wall that separates neighbor from neighbor and farmers from their fields. In the witness of our sisters and brothers of Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem, the light of that ancient night still shines transforming humble stables and ordinary lives into places where God can be seen and experienced.
II - Let us continue to believe in the miracle of Christmas and the transforming power of God’s love made known to us in a tiny baby born in a manger. Let us join with Christians in Bethlehem, asking God to be born in and through us this year that our lives might also be bright stars of hope in our world.
Sing: “O Little Town of Bethlehem”
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Bright Stars of Bethlehem: http://www.brightstarsbethlehem.org/
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To receive regular bulletins from Ann Hafften, sign up at the blog A Texas Lutheran's Voice for Peace: http://www.voicesforpeace.blogspot.com/
Litany for Bethlehem Sunday (Advent 2010)
Voice I -
With Christians around the world, we are traveling to the little town of Bethlehem to see the child whose face reflects the face of God.
Voice II
By the light of a star, we travel to see what God has done and is doing for us, among us, within us.
I - We remember the story of a star-lit stable and an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. In our memory we smell the hay and hear the bleating of sheep as shepherds approach and wise men come bearing gifts.
II - With hope born of memory and faith, we also come to the stable to give thanks to God for the birth of this child whose life bears witness to God’s presence among us.
I - And in the little town of Bethlehem this day the miracle continues in the faith and lives of God’s people who live behind a wall that separates neighbor from neighbor and farmers from their fields. In the witness of our sisters and brothers of Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem, the light of that ancient night still shines transforming humble stables and ordinary lives into places where God can be seen and experienced.
II - Let us continue to believe in the miracle of Christmas and the transforming power of God’s love made known to us in a tiny baby born in a manger. Let us join with Christians in Bethlehem, asking God to be born in and through us this year that our lives might also be bright stars of hope in our world.
Sing: “O Little Town of Bethlehem”
-- --
Bright Stars of Bethlehem: http://www.brightstarsbethlehem.org/
--- --- ---
To receive regular bulletins from Ann Hafften, sign up at the blog A Texas Lutheran's Voice for Peace: http://www.voicesforpeace.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Dar al-Kalima College was dedicated Tuesday
Dar al-Kalima College campus was dedicated Nov. 30, 2010 in Bethlehem
The Mount Murair campus of the Dar al-Kalima College in Bethlehem, Palestine, was dedicated Tuesday, Nov. 30. Video is at: http://www.diyar.ps/media/dak.wmv
“Dar al-Kalima College is a direct answer to the current shortage of higher education institutions in Palestine and a beacon of hope for future generations,” said Rev. Mitri Raheb, pastor of Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem and president of the Diyar Consortium. More than half of the Palestinian population is under the age of 19, with current projections predicting further growth. "With no expansion of the current educational system to absorb these growing numbers, a significant number of gifted young people in Palestine will have nowhere to further their education beyond the 12th grade and will have extremely limited opportunities in finding employment.”
The college, which opened its doors Sept. 15, offers 2-year degrees in the arts, multimedia, communication and tourism studies and in other major academic disciplines. Dar al-Kalima College offers majors and courses not offered elsewhere in Palestine, which can mean new jobs and opportunities for graduates. More than 200 full-time students will attend classes there and more than 1,000 people will participate in continuing education classes this academic year.
“Our mission is to, through education, build a culture of democracy, critical thinking and free expression,” said Dr. Nura Khoury, Dean of Dar al-Kalima College. “As the first Lutheran college in the Middle East, we hope to contribute to the strengthening of civil society in Palestine.”
Bright Stars of Bethlehem, based in the United States, has played a large part in fundraising for the college. The group organized a five-day trip to Bethlehem for the dedication.
Bright Stars of Bethlehem asked congregations and chapels across North America to pray together in Advent for peace in Bethlehem.
For more about Dar al-Kalima College, check the Bright Stars newsletter: http://www.brightstarsbethlehem.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=0&Itemid=82
(Bright Stars of Bethlehem, NFP, a 501 (c) (3) charity in the United States, was founded in 2003 to support educational, health and wellness, cultural and arts programs in the Holy Land. Our mission is to ensure that Christianity survives and thrives in the Middle East and to bring hope and healing to people in need. For more information on its mission and ministries, visit http://www.brightstarsbethlehem.org/)
Contact: Beth Nelson Chase
Vice President Bright Stars of Bethlehem
vp@brightstarsbethlehem.org
--- --- ---
To receive regular bulletins from Ann Hafften, sign up at the blog A Texas Lutheran's Voice for Peace: http://www.voicesforpeace.blogspot.com/
Send prayers and wishes for Advent and Christmas
The Palestine-Israel Ecumenical Forum of the World Council of Churches writes to invite you to send your prayers and wishes for Advent and Christmas in Bethlehem 2010.
For some, Christmas means spending time in a warm, safe atmosphere with family and friends. In a call for prayers that Pax Christi has initiated, they remind us, however, that this happiness cannot be shared by all people around the globe. Pax Christi notes that "Christmas celebrations in Israel and Palestine occur in a very difficult and instable climate". The call goes on to describe how "hope remains a keyword in the life of the citizens of Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, city of peace" and how "individuals and groups keep up the search for non-violent routes that lead to peace and justice for both peoples".
Since December 2000 Pax Christi has been sending out peace messages to friends in Bethlehem. PIEF endorses and joins this call and hopes member churches of the World Council of Churches will send out wishes and prayers for justice and peace to Bethlehem.
Messages can be e-mailed to the Arab Educational Institute at the following address: aei@p-ol.com
Read all messages at http://www.aeicenter.org/ and http://www.paxchristi.net/ [You can read the 2009 messages here; some might provide ideas for use in your own congregation or group's prayer vigils.]
With prayers for a just peace in Palestine and Israel,
Yours in Christ
Michel Nseir
Programme Executive
Public witness programme
Special focus on the Middle East
World Council of Churches
---
For some, Christmas means spending time in a warm, safe atmosphere with family and friends. In a call for prayers that Pax Christi has initiated, they remind us, however, that this happiness cannot be shared by all people around the globe. Pax Christi notes that "Christmas celebrations in Israel and Palestine occur in a very difficult and instable climate". The call goes on to describe how "hope remains a keyword in the life of the citizens of Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, city of peace" and how "individuals and groups keep up the search for non-violent routes that lead to peace and justice for both peoples".
Since December 2000 Pax Christi has been sending out peace messages to friends in Bethlehem. PIEF endorses and joins this call and hopes member churches of the World Council of Churches will send out wishes and prayers for justice and peace to Bethlehem.
Messages can be e-mailed to the Arab Educational Institute at the following address: aei@p-ol.com
Read all messages at http://www.aeicenter.org/ and http://www.paxchristi.net/ [You can read the 2009 messages here; some might provide ideas for use in your own congregation or group's prayer vigils.]
With prayers for a just peace in Palestine and Israel,
Yours in Christ
Michel Nseir
Programme Executive
Public witness programme
Special focus on the Middle East
World Council of Churches
---
PIEF: http://www.oikoumene.org/en/programmes/public-witness-addressing-power-affirming-peace/churches-in-the-middle-east/pief/pief-home.html
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Sunday, November 28, 2010
Notes while traveling in Palestine and Israel
Since I'm traveling, I've been posting occasionally to Facebook friends. Here's a running list of those posts, offered here because they contain some good links.
Nov. 23
Jim Wall's analysis is completely chilling. We are dupes, and it feels awful.
US Offers Bibi 20 F-35 Bombers, The Jordan Valley and a Free UN Pass
http://wallwritings.wordpress.com/2010/11/21/us-offers-bibi-20-f-35-bombers-the-jordan-valley-and-a-free-un-pass/
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been meeting with his seven-member inner cabinet. They are discussing the offer Hillary Clinton made as an incentive to Israel to “freeze” settlement construction for 90 days.
---
Nov. 24
Looking forward to another yummy Middle Eastern breakfast and really good coffee. Think I'll try a fresh persimmon as they are in season.
---
Nov. 24
Cool event this afternoon in Beit Hanina: http://www.diakonia.se/documents/public/IHL/IHLsessions/IHL_session_Invitation_IHL_and_Corporate_Accountability_24_Nov2010.pdf Corporate accountability for International Crimes in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
---
Nov. 24
"Who Profits ? Exposing the Israeli Occupation Industry." Www.whoprofits.org
---
Nov. 24
Wow fascinating stuff at this symposium at Diakonia in East Jerusalem. Check out all the cool info at www.alhaq.org - Al Haq.
---
Nov. 24
Here's a good example of a successful op ed project. Good job Portland folks.
http://mobile.oregonlive.com/advorg/pm_29237/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=ReCAIySc
OregonLive : Boycott: Put more pressure on Israel to change
---
Thursday
"That year the first snows came heavily, big flakes falling into the lake like words into memory, heavy, irreclaimable." Rhoda Janzen, Mennonite in a Little Black Dress.
---
Thursday
Having an espresso in the Golden Walls hotel lobby bar. Used to be the Pilgrim's Palace, first hotel I stayed at in Jerusalem 1977.
--
Thursday
Ann Hafften Is sitting in a meeting of the Jerusalem municipal council. We're here at the invitation of a member of the Meretz party; he's part of a coalition advocating on behalf of Palestinian homeowners in the Sheik Jarrah neighborhood ; their homes have been taken over by extremist settlers.
---
Thursday
Ann Hafften Just arrived atop the Mount of Olives for Thanksgiving fellowship and dinner at the "Stone House" at Augusta Victoria. Eager to see Mark & Susanne Brown and other friends. EAPPI meetings completed.
---
Yesterday
When you're sick and someone sets a bowl of soup down on front of you, don't you just lean into that first spoonful with a tangible rush of gratitude!
---
Yesterday
Historian Rick Perlstein ("Nixonland") applied himself to one recent example: polls showing that most voters in the last congressional election believed President Obama had raised their taxes, although he'd cut them. Led by Rush Limbaugh, "conservative commentators told them Barack Obama was a tax-mad lunatic. They lied....
The mainstream media did not do their job and correct them. The White House was too polite -- Who will smack down all the lies? http://www.salon.com/news/opinion/feature/2010/11/17/democrats_mainstream_media/index.html Over the past few decades, America's "mainstream media" has been hornswoggled by one big falsehood after another
---
Last night
Trying to sleep through the worst part of the front end of a cold. I think I'll eat something and sleep some more. Tomorrow, got to be on my feet for church at Redeemer Lutheran in Jerusalem's Old City.
---
TodayGlad to have met with both EAs from the USA, Clark serving in Hebron and Donna in Jerusalem. Bless their hearts! Check for their blogs here... www.eappi-us.org
---
Now
It's almost twilight in Jerusalem; there's just enough daylight for one more walk down the block.
Nov. 23
Jim Wall's analysis is completely chilling. We are dupes, and it feels awful.
US Offers Bibi 20 F-35 Bombers, The Jordan Valley and a Free UN Pass
http://wallwritings.wordpress.com/2010/11/21/us-offers-bibi-20-f-35-bombers-the-jordan-valley-and-a-free-un-pass/
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been meeting with his seven-member inner cabinet. They are discussing the offer Hillary Clinton made as an incentive to Israel to “freeze” settlement construction for 90 days.
---
Nov. 24
Looking forward to another yummy Middle Eastern breakfast and really good coffee. Think I'll try a fresh persimmon as they are in season.
---
Nov. 24
Cool event this afternoon in Beit Hanina: http://www.diakonia.se/documents/public/IHL/IHLsessions/IHL_session_Invitation_IHL_and_Corporate_Accountability_24_Nov2010.pdf Corporate accountability for International Crimes in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
---
Nov. 24
"Who Profits ? Exposing the Israeli Occupation Industry." Www.whoprofits.org
---
Nov. 24
Wow fascinating stuff at this symposium at Diakonia in East Jerusalem. Check out all the cool info at www.alhaq.org - Al Haq.
---
Nov. 24
Here's a good example of a successful op ed project. Good job Portland folks.
http://mobile.oregonlive.com/advorg/pm_29237/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=ReCAIySc
OregonLive : Boycott: Put more pressure on Israel to change
---
Thursday
"That year the first snows came heavily, big flakes falling into the lake like words into memory, heavy, irreclaimable." Rhoda Janzen, Mennonite in a Little Black Dress.
---
Thursday
Having an espresso in the Golden Walls hotel lobby bar. Used to be the Pilgrim's Palace, first hotel I stayed at in Jerusalem 1977.
--
Thursday
Ann Hafften Is sitting in a meeting of the Jerusalem municipal council. We're here at the invitation of a member of the Meretz party; he's part of a coalition advocating on behalf of Palestinian homeowners in the Sheik Jarrah neighborhood ; their homes have been taken over by extremist settlers.
---
Thursday
Ann Hafften Just arrived atop the Mount of Olives for Thanksgiving fellowship and dinner at the "Stone House" at Augusta Victoria. Eager to see Mark & Susanne Brown and other friends. EAPPI meetings completed.
---
Yesterday
When you're sick and someone sets a bowl of soup down on front of you, don't you just lean into that first spoonful with a tangible rush of gratitude!
---
Yesterday
Historian Rick Perlstein ("Nixonland") applied himself to one recent example: polls showing that most voters in the last congressional election believed President Obama had raised their taxes, although he'd cut them. Led by Rush Limbaugh, "conservative commentators told them Barack Obama was a tax-mad lunatic. They lied....
The mainstream media did not do their job and correct them. The White House was too polite -- Who will smack down all the lies? http://www.salon.com/news/opinion/feature/2010/11/17/democrats_mainstream_media/index.html Over the past few decades, America's "mainstream media" has been hornswoggled by one big falsehood after another
---
Last night
Trying to sleep through the worst part of the front end of a cold. I think I'll eat something and sleep some more. Tomorrow, got to be on my feet for church at Redeemer Lutheran in Jerusalem's Old City.
---
TodayGlad to have met with both EAs from the USA, Clark serving in Hebron and Donna in Jerusalem. Bless their hearts! Check for their blogs here... www.eappi-us.org
---
Now
It's almost twilight in Jerusalem; there's just enough daylight for one more walk down the block.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Israeli settlements remain an obstacle - LA Times
Last week, a pretty good editorial about settlements in the Los Angeles Times: http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/editorials/la-ed-settlements-20101111,0,727949.story
Nov. 11, 2010
Settlement fatigue
Four decades is enough. If Israel wants peace, it must stop building in the occupied territories.
"This tiresome controversy has been raging ever since Israel captured the West Bank and the Gaza Strip (along with the Golan Heights and the Sinai peninsula) in the 1967 Middle East War. The first settlement was built in the Golan a month later. That's four decades ago. Four decades during which the international community has been demanding that Israel step back to the pre-1967 lines, four decades during which Palestinians have called for an end to Israeli efforts to redraw the political map. It's been 35 years since the first Los Angeles Times editorial on the subject called the settlements an `obstacle to peace.'
"At the time that editorial was written in 1975, there were fewer than 5,000 settlers in the West Bank. Today there are nearly 300,000. That doesn't count those living in the Golan Heights or the 190,000 Israelis who have moved into traditionally Arab East Jerusalem."
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/editorials/la-ed-settlements-20101111,0,727949.story
[I've just pulled the concluding paragraphs since they provide such a good summary.]
"If Israel were serious about negotiating a peace deal, wouldn't it stop building? The short answer is yes. The longer answer is that a segment of the Israeli political establishment simply refuses to accept the new reality — and that segment, mostly made up of right-wing and religious political parties, is crucial to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's delicate coalition government. Truthfully, the settler movement's political power extends beyond the right wing; that's why settlements have grown steadily regardless of what government was in power, including those of Labor Party Prime Ministers Yitzhak Rabin, Shimon Peres and Ehud Barak.
"This page continues to believe, as it did in 1975, that settlements are an obstacle to peace. There's plenty of blame to go around, to be sure, for the absence of a final deal, but on this issue, the Israelis are squarely in the wrong. As long as they continue building in the occupied territories, the world will continue to question the depth of their commitment to peace."
--- --- ---
To receive regular bulletins from Ann Hafften, sign up at the blog A Texas Lutheran's Voice for Peace: http://www.voicesforpeace.blogspot.com/
Nov. 11, 2010
Settlement fatigue
Four decades is enough. If Israel wants peace, it must stop building in the occupied territories.
"This tiresome controversy has been raging ever since Israel captured the West Bank and the Gaza Strip (along with the Golan Heights and the Sinai peninsula) in the 1967 Middle East War. The first settlement was built in the Golan a month later. That's four decades ago. Four decades during which the international community has been demanding that Israel step back to the pre-1967 lines, four decades during which Palestinians have called for an end to Israeli efforts to redraw the political map. It's been 35 years since the first Los Angeles Times editorial on the subject called the settlements an `obstacle to peace.'
"At the time that editorial was written in 1975, there were fewer than 5,000 settlers in the West Bank. Today there are nearly 300,000. That doesn't count those living in the Golan Heights or the 190,000 Israelis who have moved into traditionally Arab East Jerusalem."
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/editorials/la-ed-settlements-20101111,0,727949.story
[I've just pulled the concluding paragraphs since they provide such a good summary.]
"If Israel were serious about negotiating a peace deal, wouldn't it stop building? The short answer is yes. The longer answer is that a segment of the Israeli political establishment simply refuses to accept the new reality — and that segment, mostly made up of right-wing and religious political parties, is crucial to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's delicate coalition government. Truthfully, the settler movement's political power extends beyond the right wing; that's why settlements have grown steadily regardless of what government was in power, including those of Labor Party Prime Ministers Yitzhak Rabin, Shimon Peres and Ehud Barak.
"This page continues to believe, as it did in 1975, that settlements are an obstacle to peace. There's plenty of blame to go around, to be sure, for the absence of a final deal, but on this issue, the Israelis are squarely in the wrong. As long as they continue building in the occupied territories, the world will continue to question the depth of their commitment to peace."
--- --- ---
To receive regular bulletins from Ann Hafften, sign up at the blog A Texas Lutheran's Voice for Peace: http://www.voicesforpeace.blogspot.com/
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