The Non-Violent Path To Peace in the Middle East…
A Really Important Book
…it’s been a long weary road, with discouragement, defeat and disaster at every turn. The Palestine brand can only be described as one that expresses the essence of suffering in the 21st century.
Maxine Kaufman-Lacusta
Maxine Kaufman-Lacusta, a long-time resident of Israel and passionate peace activist, has put together a book called “Refusing to be Enemies.” She says the strategy of non-violent action is having an impact. “When you are sent to jail for non-violent protest, then you know the authorities are paying attention.”
Peaceful demonstrators are defined as “enemies of the Israeli state.” All non-violent actions are carried out by Palestinians and Israelis together.
Dr. Franklin
Ms. Kaufman’s book is graced with an eloquent forward by the renowned Canadian scholar, Ursula Franklin. Professor Franklin says that the very term “enemy” is a heavily loaded one.
“Not only can the presence of “enemies” serve as social glue, their presumed evil intent and unbending hostility can become the justification for otherwise unacceptable actions against them. Once one appreciates the deep social roots of the concept of “The Enemy”, it becomes clear that refusing to be enemies is a profoundly political act.”
Ms. Kaufman’s book is a must read for all of us who care about peace.
Enemy – for caring about ‘the other’ – disgraceful.
“There is absolutely no inevitability as long as there is a willingness to contemplate what is happening.” And this is an inspiring book that does just that.
I agree fully.
I think non-violent action is a wrong strategy for the Palestinians. Israel’s strategy is to make the Palestinians lives so miserable that they will emigrate to another country.
A good example is how they treat Palestinian women in labour. Last year (2009), there we 78 Palestinian women who were being driven to the hospital in labour. In all cases the guards took up to 45 min to search their cars when normally they would have gotten through in 5 min. One third of the children died because they were late getting to the hospital. This was reported on CBC TV.
Non violent action is exactly what Israel wants. I am not suggesting violence but I am suggesting active demonstrations that make the lives of the Israeli soldiers as miserable as possible. And have the media nearby to let the world know what is going on.