Though perhaps easy to dismiss with cynical reasons as to why it will make no difference or that it is ultimately irrelevant, the formation of a group comprised of Israeli combat soldiers and former Palestinian militants would seem to provide grounds for, at worst, cautious optimism. The group is Combatants For Peace, and it currently numbers around 150 members --equally divided between Israelis and Palestinians-- who collectively voice the following:
"We all used weapons against one another, and looked at each other only through weapon sights; however today we cooperate and commit ourselves to the following:
* We no longer believe that the conflict can be resolved through violence.
* We believe that the blood shed will not end unless we act together to terminate the occupation and stop all forms of violence.
* We call for the establishment of a Palestinian State, alongside the State of Israel. The two states can exist in peace and security beside each other.
* We will use only non-violent means to achieve our goals and call for both societies to end violence."
The group formed nearly two years ago, and for a full year, the group met in private, using the time to build trust among its members. Then, around eight months ago in Jerusalem, the group held its first public event. Now, arrangements are being made for a tour of the United States. The Israeli and Palestinian coordinators of the group will visit 22 U.S. cities in January and February 2007.
Dear InReviewers, I wonder what you think of this group and whether they are worthy of support. I welcome your input...
sounds like a step in the right direction, although I'm not sure why they are touring the United States. They need to be touring That-Land-Along-The-South-East-Mediterranean (Israel/Palestine)
Combatants For Peace ("CFP") members have been speaking around Israel/Palestine for the past eight months and are continuing to do so even as two of them begin their U.S. speaking tour.
In coming to the U.S., I believe that their goals are three-fold:
1) Show the U.S. Jewish community that there are Palestinians -- even ones who've previously engaged in violent resistance -- who want peace... & also that there is an alternative to AIPAC.
2) Show the U.S. Palestinian/Arab community that there are both Israelis and American Jews who are ready to leave the enmity behind and to genuinely empathize with "the Other."
3) Influence the U.S. government to take a more active, and peace-focused, role in bringing the parties together for sincere negotiations...
Alright, gotta run... look forward to more input...Thanks, Joel
It's an excellent idea and if these people can get something solid and lasting and good, they'll be up there with Gandhi for incredible-ness. But I haven't seen enough evidence, and history's against the theory, that there's willingness among the vast majority of both sides to give and take ... and there's enough punters on both sides who'll never give up, whose sole sworn goal is to wipe out the other mob.
But yes - I hope these guys can make something happen. It's a good and pure goal. Whether it's utopian ... hope not. But man, these folks have been fighting so long they're like, what else is there.
