JANIP

JANIP urges swift movement towards two-state solution

January 26th, 2009 Posted by Leonard

(January 2009)

As teachers, researchers, and others associated with academic pursuits, we believe that there is only one solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict:  two states for two peoples. Millions of decent, ordinary Israelis and Palestinians want to live in peace and raise their children in freedom without fear of death, injury, and the loss of quality of life which accompanies hot or cold warfare.   But time and failed leadership on both sides have dealt these simple and unarguable values a profound blow. Both societies are now exhausted; some cynical, others frustrated, too many now indifferent to the possibility of peace.

There are no simple solutions to this crisis that deepens daily in the absence of progress, emboldening extremists within both societies and from beyond. The international community - most especially the government of the United States - must engage in creative diplomacy to help put an end to the stalemate that exists today — if not out of compassion for the traumatized victims of this unremitting conflict, then out of their own interest in stability and progress in the region.

The Arab League has reasserted the Saudi Initiative which offers a comprehensive regional approach to the conflict. The principle of international involvement and a security presence - reaffirmed and strengthened in the resolution of the Second Lebanon War of 2006 - is both a precedent for and an indicator of the possibilities of peace.

What is urgently needed is the will on the part of the Obama Administration, the Arab League, the European Union, the United Nations, Russia, and most importantly, the leaders of Israel and the Palestinian people to come together, not in the indeterminate future, but before the first quarter of 2009 ends, to once and for all cleave the Gordian knot of fear, cynicism, and resignation which paralyzes the future of Israelis and Palestinians, alike – and, not incidentally, the future of other peoples and nations near and far.

As Jews, we stand with our families and friends in Israel whose right to life and liberty is no less than any people’s. As Jews, we stand with our cousins, the Palestinians, whose right to life and liberty are no less than any people’s. We stand as witnesses to the myriad human tragedies of this conflict. We must not stand mute in the knowledge that inaction and indifference - on our part and on the part of national leaders - will multiply these tragedies a thousand fold.

Join us. Add your name to this statement and reach out to others to join. Something must be done, and this much we can do. Right now.

Entry Filed under: Online Community, Statements