The conversion of a Zionist

My beloved friend, Esther, was born in about 1923 and grew up in a non-secular Jewish home. The family was politically radical, and, so, as a young woman, Esther was a fierce supporter of Israel. Later on, in fact, two of her three children lived on kibbutzes. I am the same age. (Incidentally, a Quaker- not a Jew).

Esther earned a doctorate in Philosophy from the University of California in the late 1940s. She was one of the finest, most ethical, people I've ever known. Over time, Esther's enthusiasm for Israel turned to dismay and, finally, disgust over its militarism and suppression of Palestinians. As someone deeply righteous, she was appalled by the transformation of what had begun as an idealistic country into a fascist regime, as the great Argentinian hero- a world famous humanitarian, Jacobo Timmerman, wrote in his 1982 book: THE LONGEST WAR. 

What Esther came to see- reluctantly- was that Israel had fulfilled the terrible prophesy- "the abused become abusers." By the last Israeli invasion and destruction of Lebanon, it had lost her sympathy. Indeed, she told me, Israel had lost its moral right to exist.

With Iran serious about giving up its nuclear program, we see Netanyahu's sullen thuggish resentment at a growing international move to boycott Israel as the US ends sanctions, on Iran. I think it's time to take a careful look at the facts. If there is ever to be Mid-East peace, it must absolutely entail justice for Palestinians, a two-state solution; the abandoning of illegal settlements (including many that have been built in the Occupied West Bank); the establishing of a Palestinian capital in East Jerusalem; and many other things, such as their right to control the water on their land.    

I don't speak as an enemy of Israel but, rather, as one interested in peace and justice. My hope is that the Israelis wake up while there is still time, throw Netanahyu out on his ass, and get serious about negotiations. Everyone has an ancient book, which promises them cosmic rights: Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, etc.- everyone can claim justification for what they want. But justice delayed is justice denied, and if Israel continues along this tragically self-defeating path, it guarantees a terrible fate.