More than several times in this blog I have talked about my personal experiences with the progressives in my congregation, which is the vast majority. These are great people. Their motives are quite pure.
Recently a chapter of Brit Tzedek V'shalom was organized here.
Last night at going away party for a dear friend, I met the organizer, a new member of the congregation, and a fine human. I would like to count him as a friend if chance permits.
He never heard the word 'waqf'.
He did not recognize the name Haj Amin al Husseini
He had never read the HAMAS charter.
He believes firmly that HAMAS represents only 20% of the palestinians' wishes, and that Abbas received a majority of votes last time around.
He did not recognize the word 'salafi'
He does not believe this is a religious dispute.
He believes Sharon's withdrawal from Gaza was a crafty way to kill any West Bank withdrawal by reference to Sharon knowing what the arabs in Gaza would do.
Given all these things he believes, he told me of Rabin govt people who believe Abbas can be trusted. He thinks we should give more money and weapons to Abbas to strengthen Abbas and the moderates. He did not know their names.
He was totally unacquainted with the fact that Fatah is both infiltrated by HAMAS, and that about 40% of our aid went to HAMAS whether we intended it or not.
He was totally unacquainted with Condi Rice's shock and testimony about this, and her reaction to reduce aid.
Of course, if this IS a political issue in the Middle East, then compromises and chances are in order and peace is possible.
I questioned him about how it was possible to form a structure in which those palestinians who consciences demanded they value their children above being meat inside a suicide vest, be allowed to grow and lead without being considered apostates, and collaborators so that this COULD become a political and not a religious issue.
He directed me to the organization's website.
He yearns for peace, and has let this guide him towards acceptance of items as facts which remain to us objectively untrue.
I felt cruel, though I tried to be gentle, and was out of my 'blog style'.
It is a cruel world.
Recently a chapter of Brit Tzedek V'shalom was organized here.
Last night at going away party for a dear friend, I met the organizer, a new member of the congregation, and a fine human. I would like to count him as a friend if chance permits.
He never heard the word 'waqf'.
He did not recognize the name Haj Amin al Husseini
He had never read the HAMAS charter.
He believes firmly that HAMAS represents only 20% of the palestinians' wishes, and that Abbas received a majority of votes last time around.
He did not recognize the word 'salafi'
He does not believe this is a religious dispute.
He believes Sharon's withdrawal from Gaza was a crafty way to kill any West Bank withdrawal by reference to Sharon knowing what the arabs in Gaza would do.
Given all these things he believes, he told me of Rabin govt people who believe Abbas can be trusted. He thinks we should give more money and weapons to Abbas to strengthen Abbas and the moderates. He did not know their names.
He was totally unacquainted with the fact that Fatah is both infiltrated by HAMAS, and that about 40% of our aid went to HAMAS whether we intended it or not.
He was totally unacquainted with Condi Rice's shock and testimony about this, and her reaction to reduce aid.
Of course, if this IS a political issue in the Middle East, then compromises and chances are in order and peace is possible.
I questioned him about how it was possible to form a structure in which those palestinians who consciences demanded they value their children above being meat inside a suicide vest, be allowed to grow and lead without being considered apostates, and collaborators so that this COULD become a political and not a religious issue.
He directed me to the organization's website.
He yearns for peace, and has let this guide him towards acceptance of items as facts which remain to us objectively untrue.
I felt cruel, though I tried to be gentle, and was out of my 'blog style'.
It is a cruel world.
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