The President is right on this particular issue I believe
Whether you are a fan of the President or not, his words to the U.N. regarding the Israel/Palestine peace process, as reported today on CNN.com, were very well-said:
“Palestinians will never know the pride and dignity that comes with their own state. Israelis will never know the certainty and security that comes with sovereign and stable neighbors who are committed to co-existence,” he said. “This Holy Land will remain a symbol of our differences instead of our common humanity.”
“I refuse to accept that future. We all have a choice to make. And each of us must choose the path of peace. That responsibility begins with the parties themselves, who must answer the call of history.”
Obama urged Israel to continue its settlement moratorium, which “has made a difference on the ground, and improved the atmosphere for talks.”
“Our position on this issue is well known. We believe that the moratorium should be extended. We also believe that talks should press on until completed.”
Obama said friends of Israel “must understand that true security for the Jewish state requires an independent Palestine — one that allows the Palestinian people to live with dignity and opportunity. ”
He said friends of the Palestinians must realize that “the rights of the Palestinian people will be won only through peaceful means — including genuine reconciliation with a secure Israel.”
And he reiterated that those “who long to see an independent Palestine rise must stop trying to tear Israel down.”
Obama, who has been criticized in Israel for his Middle East policy, stressed his support for the Jewish state.
“After 60 years in the community of nations, Israel’s existence must not be a subject for debate. Israel is a sovereign state, and the historic homeland of the Jewish people. It should be clear to all that efforts to chip away at Israel’s legitimacy will only be met by the unshakeable opposition of the United States. And efforts to threaten or kill Israelis will do nothing to help the Palestinian people — the slaughter of innocent Israelis is not resistance, it is injustice,” said Obama, who praised the courage of Abbas and scorned violent militants.”
From CNN.com
May we all continue to pray for peace in Israel and Palestine and may we rise above folk-religious support for one side over the other, seeking instead to see both Israelis and Palestinians as people created in the image of God and caught up in a geopolitical struggle in which no side completely blameless or righteous.
JM
ps: I highly recommend this DVD for those who believe that Christians are obligated to unquestioningly support Israel and oppose Palestine. Also, check out some of these videos if you’re interested in hearing a perspective that normally goes unvoiced in Christian media.
Categories: Blog, Eschatology, Political/Social issues, Theological issues
“Israel is a sovereign state, and the historic homeland of the Jewish people.”
This land is also the historic homeland of many Palestinians. Three faiths, two peoples, one G-d — land shared by all.
May they live in peace, as may we all.
by Susan Phillips on Sep 23, 2010 at 6:07 pm
Andy, I have the DVD, but I’d be down for publicizing the Renovatus showing on here if you can get them in touch with me!
by jm on Sep 23, 2010 at 6:56 pm