we care Oct 15

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Permalink Reply by Stewart Mills on October 16, 2011 at 8:36pm

Thanks Neri for this.

A quick response.

Context of the video:

The October 15 movement is borne out of the Arab Spring. It is a sign of dissatisfaction of peoples across the world with decisions being made by mainstream politicians and those who control us.

It is a day set aside not only for people to be active, but for people to be conscious of a global movement for change.

www.15october.net

Text from the video:

“We support our brothers and sisters fighting for global change and a better world. The people of Israel support the people of Syria. We want to make a revolution of the mind. We have to stop the limitations put upon us by our politicians and those who control us. United for global change.”

Personal response:

I support this movement as long as it gets that the people who need liberation include the people of Palestine. An equally appropriate response would have been to stand alongside Palestinians continuing to live under occupation. Images of balloons being sent into Gaza also would be appropriate and to visit communities in the West Bank.

For an example of Jewish Israelis who showed such courage see:

Solidarity with the people for Anata (and the response from Israeli settlers from Anatot/Almon)

http://mepeace.org/forum/topics/courageous-israeli-peace-activists-...

http://mepeace.org/video/linch-by-settlers-of-almon-on-palestinian-...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/'Anata

Solidarity with the people of Nabi Salih (and the response from Israeli forces)

http://mepeace.org/forum/topics/courageous-palestinian-and

Solidarity with the people of Bil’in

http://mepeace.org/forum/topics/palestinians-and

http://mepeace.org/profiles/blog/show?id=661876%3ABlogPost%3A428907...

Solidarity with the people of Sheikh Jarrah

http://mepeace.org/profiles/blogs/standing-for-peace-in-sheikh

Solidarity with the people of Qalqilya

http://zope.gush-shalom.org/home/en/channels/archive/past_activitie...

Solidarity with the people of Budrus

http://mepeace.org/video/budrus-trailer-1

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Budrus

http://972mag.com/watch-budrus-even-if-it’s-a-one-hit-wonder/16264/

Solidarity against annexation of land between the barrier and the Green Line

http://zope.gush-shalom.org/home/en/channels/archive/past_activitie...

Also see

Gush Shalom, Ta'ayush, Yesh Gvul, the Women's Coalition for Peace etc

Related links:

Adeeb Abu Rahma speech:

http://mepeace.org/forum/topics/remembering-adeeb-abu-rahma-a

Heroes for Peace in Palestine and Israel

http://mepeace.org/profiles/blogs/heroes-for-peace-in-palestine

Issue of settlements

http://mepeace.org/forum/topics/settlements-maps?xg_source=activity

Historical origins of the conflict

http://mepeace.org/forum/topics/the-historical-origins-of-the

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Permalink Reply by Neri Bar-On on October 16, 2011 at 10:29pm

Dear Stewart Mills

I understand the point you make, but I think the core message is that we are all one, a human tissue interrelate with global and local economics, technology, environment and ideas.

Some of the "pro-palestinian" activity miss the point as is fight against Israel and not for building palestine. the focus now need to be in build palestine like the general ideas in the worls accepts a Palestinian state and recognize this is time of change.

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Permalink Reply by Stewart Mills on October 17, 2011 at 1:53am

I agree Neri we are all one.

I support the good work done by the Israeli peace activists in terms of Israeli-Syrian solidarity. This is a noble initiative.

Given these activists chose a specific example of unity, eg with Syrians striving for liberation. I thought it appropriate and relevant for our discussions to include within that framework of unity - unity with our brothers and sisters on either side of the Green Line - and for peace for the people of Israel and Palestine.

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Permalink Reply by Jeff stern on October 24, 2011 at 12:01am

Stewart - in that vain - I think here is your chance to condemn violence even in its "simplist form". Recently, you were praising acts of rock throwing as a legitimate form of non-voilent resistance. As I am sure you heard a yound man and his baby were killed by a rock thrown at their car which drove them off the rode.

I look forward to your condemnation in the name of your brothers on both sides of the green line.

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Permalink Reply by Robert Haymond on October 24, 2011 at 6:11am

I don't think you'll hear from him, Jeff. Killing, maiming and injuring Jews on this website is not a morally unlawful process. For instance, the fact that there have been twenty-eight deaths, a multiplicity of injuries and many cases of PTSD caused by rockets and mortars launched into civilian areas of Israel since the year 2000 including, most recently, the death of a young Thai farmer working in a kibbutz, is really not considered a human rights violation by the usual MEPeace members but when Israel went into Gaza to defend itself and its security (Operation Cast Lead) then it brought upon itself the most furious and indignant responses from all the compelling "liberals" on this board. And why is that? Underneath it all, there is the real belief that not only do Jews not have a place on this planet but that they don`t deserve one. None would admit that, however, as it would contradict their clean self-images. Not a very good launching pad for peace, is it, unless peace is defined by the destruction of world Jewry.

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Permalink Reply by Sussan on October 24, 2011 at 8:54am

Robert Haymond, my understanding of mepeace is that it is about experimenting with ideas that could need to a peaceful resolution of one of the most protracted disputes in history.

Negotiating in this kind of situation requires a little patience, tolerance, respect and maturity. It has nothing to do with who is right or wrong, but it does have a lot to do with the ability to recognize both your own, and the other side’s propaganda.

Without at least one of the skills or attributes I listed (there are also many other equally useful attributes), you are going to be floundering, as a peacemaker.

Interestingly, just one – any one - of those values, would get you past the post as a peacemaker. We do not expect a lot of anyone, just a willingness to make a modest effort to show some commitment to a peaceful future that is inclusive of everyone who has no choice but to live in the Holy Land.

Robert, Michael, Jeff, what do you think?

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Permalink Reply by Robert Haymond on October 24, 2011 at 9:18am

Funny, Sussan, none of the qualities listed including patience, tolerance, respect and maturity appear to apply to you. Furthermore, your posts are overwhelmingly patronizing, not only towards me but towards others (it was already pointed out by another poster) with whom you disagree. I suppose considering and recognizing this trait (especially "patronizing") would be, as you indicate, a sign of minimal effort on your part.

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Permalink Reply by Jeff stern on October 24, 2011 at 11:20am

Sussan I will answer what I think aboutyour ability for " little patience, tolerance, respect and maturity" - with something you wrote to me not too long ago:

"There is nothing ethical or moral about your position. You are an opportunist, who cares for none but yourself."

I think that sums it up. You are the ultimate peacemaker.