Letter to the Editor: A Sustainable Peace Treaty

The Jewish Advocate

April 11, 2008

By Steve Masters, Philidelphia Chapter

Rick Blumsack suggested I was unrealistic to call for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, because Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas cannot be trusted. I understand fears, as does anyone who loves Israel, but let us consider the facts.

President Abbas (Abu Mazen) denounced armed resistance in 1988 and has been working for a two-state solution ever since. Prime Minister Olmert has stated “My talks with Abu Mazen are being held in a good atmosphere and as of now they have created the level of personal trust that is so necessary to the process.” Foreign Minister Livni has secretly met with her Palestinian counterpart, Ahmed Queria, more than 50 times since the Annapolis peace conference.

The talks are being conducted in good faith and have made substantial progress. And as Prime Minister Olmert has stated on numerous occasions, the stakes could not be higher for Israel’s future.
Israel has twice entered into lasting peace agreements with Egypt and Jordan, neither of which has ever been violated. It’s not naïve to believe that sustainable peace agreements are the only means for achieving lasting security for Israel – it’s a fact.