Prime Minister Netanyahu needs to watch Occupation 101
9/19/09 - President Obama – I'm pleased that you are going to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday.
America has stood behind Israel's every move for 60 years while contributing billions in the process. Anyone who speaks out against this one-sided support is immediately labeled Anti-Semitic. Nothing could be further from the truth. The dictionary defines Antisemitism as: a term used to describe prejudice against or hostility towards Jews, often rooted in hatred of their religious/cultural/ethnic background. To complain about Israel's criminal occupation of the Palestinian Territory has nothing to do with hostility towards Jews, based on hatred of their religious/cultural/ethnic background. It is based solely upon their failure, as a country, to abide by international laws and United Nations regulations. Israel, with the absolute complicity of America, has squandered every opportunity to bring peace to the Middle-East. Their occupation and total control of Palestine is actually worse than the apartheid state that South Africans suffered under.
Before your meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu, I strongly suggest that you obtain a copy of the excellent documentary, Occupation 101.
“A thought-provoking and powerful documentary film on the current and historical root causes of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Unlike any other film ever produced on the conflict -- 'Occupation 101' presents a comprehensive analysis of the facts and hidden truths surrounding the never ending controversy and dispels many of its long-perceived myths and misconceptions.
The film also details life under Israeli military rule, the role of the United States in the conflict, and the major obstacles that stand in the way of a lasting and viable peace. The roots of the conflict are explained through first-hand on-the-ground experiences from leading Middle East scholars, peace activists, journalists, religious leaders and humanitarian workers whose voices have too often been suppressed in American media outlets.
The film covers a wide range of topics -- which include -- the first wave of Jewish immigration from Europe in the 1880's, the 1920 tensions, the 1948 war, the 1967 war, the first Intifada of 1987, the Oslo Peace Process, Settlement expansion, the role of the United States Government, the second Intifada of 2000, the separation barrier and the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, as well as many heart wrenching testimonials from victims of this tragedy.”
I would love to travel to Gaza with you so that we could see first hand the truth of the illegal Israeli occupation. I also strongly suggest that you ask Netanyahu to watch this compelling documentary. Of course he won't, because he does not wish to confront the truth, but the truth will not go quietly away. Information about this remarkable film is available here: http://www.occupation101.com/
Israel's failure to reach a peace agreement with the Palestinians is the leading cause of all Mid-East tensions as well as the leading cause of so-called terrorism against the West.
There have been numerous talks; now is the time for action, for real Change. You must be firm in your resolve to solve this worldwide problem. Netanyahu and the Israeli government must be made to understand that they have run out of time. They need to stop all settlement construction and vacate all existing settlements. They need accept the Arab Peace Initiative. The plan offers Israel recognition and permanent peace with all Arab countries in return for an Israeli withdrawal from lands captured in the 1967 Six-Day War. It also calls for setting up a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital and a just solution to the issue of Palestinian refugees. It not only offers peace to the Israelis and long suffering Palestinians, but offers peace and hope to the entire World. There is no more time to waste. Peace is the only road you should travel.
Thomas Daly
Retired California Newspaper Publisher