As a Presbyterian minister, I have registered my dissent from last year’s controversial resolution at our General Assembly calling for “selective disinvestment” from companies doing business in Israel and the occupied territories. I thought our activists’ campaign was one-sided and ill advised. If my religious celebrations were subject to suicide attack (maybe they are), I would be willing to go to considerable lengths to prevent its happening ever again. I would be open to building a barrier or wall (depends on who you talk to). I agree with some points made by Martin Peretz in the blog to which you linked.
As I read more of that blog, however, I saw a point of view that sees no room for compromise, no hope for Palestinian Arabs, only concern for Israel. Extremists on both sides drive this conflict, Palestinians who refuse to recognize the right of Israel to exist AND Israeli Jews who reserve the right to build new settlements anywhere and everywhere. The latter won’t recognize how sensible it is to withdraw from the exposed and almost indefensible Gaza settlements. Ariel Sharon’s opponents on the right make him look like the soul of reason. (The Rev.) Stephen Scott,First Presbyterian Church,Statesville, NC
posted by Judith
The Dish 