March 6, 2007
By Allan Abrams

Andrea Whitmore's column ("Israel Wages a Policy of Deliberate Destruction," As I See It, 2/20/07) omitted context-adding perspective.

First and foremost, without condoning Israeli actions that are considered by many to be excessive and counterproductive, Arab terrorism is the central factor permeating every aspect of Israel's security policy. This paramount fact in no way is negated by the additional fact that Arab anger, and hence terrorist acts, directed at Israel may be understandable.

Second, although some Israeli actions are taken under the guise of protecting Israeli West Bank settlers, compared to Israel proper, which is 20 percent Palestinian, some settlers care little for peace-oriented West Bank Arabs' human rights and, rather than trading land for peace, are willing to accept ongoing war.

Third, most Israelis are frustrated by their government's policies, which often are driven by groups that exploit Israel's less-than-perfect political system and give inordinate power to marginal parties in the governing coalition. Israel's policies often deviate from popular opinion -- just like the war in Iraq here.

Fourth, there is major disconnect in Israeli society where most Israelis outside the settlements (Israel proper) would like to see an end to the occupation (and settlements) of Palestinian land. In fact, more than 70 percent of both Israelis and Palestinians, according to various polls would like to live in peace with their "adversary."

Fifth, both sides need not be adversaries but in fact could be cooperative partners for their great mutual benefit if there is a two-state solution to the political impasse by the creation of a viable, contiguous, independent Palestinian state next to Israel. There are many people, organizations and countries, there, here and elsewhere who endeavor to make this happen.

Brit Tzedek v'Shalom (Jewish Alliance for Justice and Peace) is a pro-Israel and pro-peace grass-roots organization with 40 chapters and more than 36,000 supporters. We believe Israel can have peace with its Arab neighbors only if the U.S. government is more pro-active in creating a viable independent Palestinian state next to Israel.

Although international efforts in recent years were unsuccessful, we continue our resolve. On Jan. 30, we hosted Israeli and Palestinian representatives from Combatants for Peace, which was well-received in Kansas City. Similarly, this spring we will again bring the executive director of Rabbis for Human Rights here, in a program celebrating Kansas City's sister city, Ramle, Israel, which has a large Arab minority population.

Israel is a democracy and thus not above criticism. But criticism should be both constructive and placed in proper context.
Allan Abrams is a member of the national board and chair of the Kansas City chapter of Brit Tzedek v'Shalom. He lives in Prairie Village.