IN THE tumult of the last few days, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the “unification” of Jerusalem, one of the articles stated that “even peace-activist Uri Avnery” voted in the Knesset for the unification of the city. That is true. I have tried to set out the circumstances in my autobiography, “Optimistic”. … Read more
If we continueRejecting peaceAnd perpetuatingOccupation,We are inevitablyHeading towardsActs of despair,Such as“Operation Samson”. Published in Haaretz, 09/06/17
A FEW days ago, a not so well-known Palestinian woman received an unusual honor. An article of hers was published on top of the first page of the most respected newspaper on earth: New York Times. The editors defined the writer, Diana Buttu, as: “a lawyer and a former adviser to the negotiating team of … Read more
“Ye shall hallowThe fiftieth year, andProclaim libertyThroughout all the landUnto all theInhabitants thereof”(Leviticus 25, 10).To the attention ofThe government of Israel. To mark 50 years of occupation, we will join a Jewish-Arab demonstration in Haifa (Mon. 21.00, Paris Square)and the Green Line March (Thur. 15.30, Giv’at Haviva). Published in Haaretz, 02/06/17
THANK GOD for Oren Hazan. Without him, this would have been an exceedingly dull visit. Israel’s cabinet ministers were lined up in the blazing sun at the foot of the airplane stairs for the official reception of President Donald Trump. It was very hot, there was no shade, dark suits for men were obligatory. Just … Read more
Not for Trump,But for our own future,We mustEnd the occupationAnd make peace.Tomorrow eveningWe will call out:“Two States –One Hope!” The rally of the Israeli peace organizations,marking fifty years of occupation, will take placetomorrow, at 8.00 pm, Rabin Square Tel Aviv. Published in Haaretz, 26/05/17
This year, yet again, the extreme right-wing will celebrate the day in whichJerusalem was unified through a march of flags along the streets of theMuslim Quarter in the Old City. Business owners will be required to closetheir shops and Palestinian residents will be asked to shut themselves up intheir homes – while Lahava thugs march … Read more
WHEN I first entered the Knesset, I was shocked by the low standard of its debates. Speeches were full of clichés, platitudes and party slogans, the intellectual content was almost nil. That was 52 years ago. Among the members were David Ben-Gurion, Menachem Begin, Levi Eshkol and several others of their kind. Today, looking back, … Read more
The U.S. Embassy toThe State of Israel -In West Jerusalem,Capital of Israel.The U.S. Embassy toThe State of Palestine -In East Jerusalem,Capital of Palestine.Two embassiesIn two states. Published in Haaretz, 19/05/17
Fri. May 19 – some four hundred women – half Israeli, half Palestinians – will today hold grassroots peace negotiations, aiming to formulate solutions to the conflict. Held at the corner of Rothschild Boulevard and Shenkin St. in downtown Tel Aviv, the deliberations will be open to all, also chance passers-by would be welcome to … Read more