Obama’s historic speech deserves to be watched in full by all – it pulls no punches but does break many previous taboos or no-go zones – this is especially so for Jews who uncritically support the State of Israel.
It is clear now – as it always should have been – that the Israeli settlements on occupied land that was to be part of the UN sanctioned Palestinian State was always illegal and contrary to International Law (
see The United Nations Special Commission on Palestine (UNSCOP) recommended that Palestine be
divided into an Arab state and a Jewish state. The commission called for Jerusalem to be put under international
administration The UN General Assembly adopted this plan on Nov. 29, 1947 as UN Resolution GA
181).
Since 1967 the continued illegality of settlements in Occupied Palestine – whether on the so called West Bank or Gaza – have been and continue to be the major stumbling block to peaceful coexistence between Israel and Palestine.
Jews should not be necessarily forced to leave these illegal settlements – but if they want to live in the Palestinian Homeland or future State of Palestine – they should be prepared to become citizens of the country of Palestine and obey their laws and statutes!
Jewish community reaction to Obama’s speech predictably will be ignorant and defensive – note for example the current weasel words emanating from the Israeli leadership about so-called private understandings” between Bush and Olmert and Sharon that have already been denied by Bush staffers!
The following points must be acknowledged:
- Israeli occupation and
settlement are the most severe impediments to a just and lasting peace
between - All Israeli settlement
construction and expansion in occupied - Refusal to recognise
existence does not help the Palestinian cause - The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu’s refusal to publicly accept the international community’s demand for a two-state solution threatens both peace and
future as a democracy through the continued occupation of another nation - The use of violence or
threats of violence by Israelis, Palestinians and other nations serves to
only exacerbate and perpetuate conflict
If you agree with these sentiments please sign the petition online at
http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/australian-jews-support-obamas-mideast-statement.html