October 17, 2006
By Marcia Freedman

Sir, - I write regarding Caroline B. Glick's recent commentary discussing the American Jewish peace movement ("Soros moves on to Israel," October 13). As board president of Brit Tzedek v'Shalom, the Jewish Alliance for Justice and Peace, I am deeply disturbed by Glick's ease in rejecting any opinion contrary to her own, even when this flies in the face of facts about those who have dedicated their lives to fighting for Israel's well-being. It is harmful and unwarranted for Glick to characterize such individuals as being something other than pro-Israel.

As Glick rightly contends, "One of the great strengths of the American Jewish community is its pluralism." Brit Tzedek has always maintained that there are many ways to be pro-Israel, and we are founded on a distinguished Jewish tradition of vigorous debate which has long strengthened and sustained both Judaism and Israel.

Glick referred to former Meretz leader Yossi Sarid's positions as within the range of acceptable opinion. Like Brit Tzedek, Sarid called on Israel to stop the war in Lebanon this summer and has long been a supporter of a Palestinian state. There is a lively debate about these issues among Israelis, including former head of Military Intelligence Maj.-Gen (res.) Sholmo Gazit, Amos Oz and David Grossman, who lost his own son in the latest war, hours after calling for a cease-fire. As American supporters of Israel, we must speak out for negotiations, just as do these distinguished Israeli citizens.

Brit Tzedek v'Shalom advocates initiatives leading to a negotiated, two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict because this offers the best prospects for Israel's enduring peace and security. Polls taken just last month show that 67 percent of Israelis agree with our support for direct negotiations with the Palestinians.

Furthermore, as evidenced by Israel's long-standing peace treaties with Egypt and Jordan, negotiations can bring peace. The ongoing violence and retribution between Israel and the Palestinians, however, will never lead to anything but more death.

We are pro-peace because we are pro-Israel.

MARCIA FREEDMAN
Board president
Brit Tzedek v'Shalom
Berkeley, California