Who deserves our vote? In my view, in these elections the parties whose heads initiated and conducted the bloody war in Gaza are completely ineligible for the votes of peace-seekers who had opposed the war. In anti-war demonstrations the suspicion was often voiced that the war was intended, at least in part, to achieve electoral … Read more
“I have some good news and some bad news,” the sergeant in the joke tells his men. “The good news is that you are going to change your dirty socks. The bad news is that you are going to exchange them among yourselves.” I am not the only person who is reminded of this old … Read more
WE say:It is impossible forThe inhabitants of AshkelonTo live under rocket fire.THEY say:It is impossible forThe inhabitants of GazaTo live in demolished homesWhile the crossings areClosed for building materials.Impossible to separateBetween the two:Ending the launching of QassamsBy all the organizations –All of them!And opening the crossingsFor all materials –All of them! Ad in Haaretz, February … Read more
European Jews For Just PeaceLetter to Miguel A. MoratinosForeign Minister of Spain(and former Middle East Mediator) Your Excellency, Allow us to compliment the judicial system of your country, judges Baltasar Garzón, the legal process for the extradition of General Agusto Pinochet, and Fernando Andreu who initiated the proposed investigation against former Israeli officers and officials … Read more
A SPANISH JUDGE has instituted a judicial inquiry against seven Israeli political and military personalities on suspicion of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The case: the 2002 dropping of a one ton bomb on the home of Hamas leader Salah Shehade. Apart from the intended victim, 14 people, most of them children, were killed. … Read more
Israel does not recognizeThe Hamas government in Gaza –But holds it responsibleFor the attacks from there.Israel does not recognizeThe Hamas government in Gaza –But demands that itGuarantee the cease-fire there.That is ridiculous. That is hopeless.We must talk with Hamas.The enemy in war is alsoThe partner in the cease-fire. Ad published in Haaretz, January 30, 2009
In the aftermath of the Israeli military operation in Gaza, it is critical that full and unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza be granted immediately by all parties to the conflict. International agencies have faced unprecedented denial of access to Gaza since 5 November. On Friday morning a small group of international humanitarian workers were allowed … Read more
OF ALL the beautiful phrases in Barack Obama’s inauguration speech, these are the words that stuck in my mind: “You are on the wrong side of history.” He was talking about the tyrannical regimes of the world. But we, too, should ponder these words In the last few days I have heard a lot of … Read more
The war must endWith an exchange of POWs:The fighter Gilad ShalitMust return from GazaAnd the Palestinian fightersFrom Israel.“Blood on their hands”Cannot be an obstacle anymore:Our generals and ministersHave on their handsThe blood of Palestinian children.Our bloody-handed governmentMust release theBloody-handed prisonersFor the sake of Gilad Shalit –The only one withNo blood on his hands. Ad published … Read more
“Every cease-fire has two sides” said today former Knesset Member Uri Avnery, Gush Shalom activist. “A unilateral arrogant proclamation by Olmert and Barak, in front of the TV cameras, did not stop the shooting of missiles at the Negev, and it still continued this morning. Only when Hamas added a unilateral cease-fire of its own … Read more