Recognize Palestine! Recognize Israel!

The Palestinian people are seeking recognition at the U.N. now that Israel's ultra-right-wing government has refused to freeze settlements and refuses to negotiate with the Palestinian Authority if Hamas is part of the Palestinian government.

The Network of Spiritual Progressives is both pro-Israel and pro-Palestine. We are hopeful that UN recognition of Palestine will convince Israel to freeze its expansion of settlements in the areas that were part of Palestine pre-1967, and negotiate in good faith to create a Palestinian state and a settlement of all remaining issues that is just and also provides security for Israel and Palestine.

Mindful of the ways that the U.N. has in the past been perceived as one sidedly anti-Israel, we believe that the recognition of Palestine should be accompanied by a statement re-affirming Israel's right to security. Even though there is a major difference in power between the two sides, the inner experience of Israel and of its supporters around the world is one of insecurity and fear, so it's important to acknowledge that fear by offering Israel, one of the greatest military powers in the world, real reassurance while supporting Palestinian recognition and membership in the U.N.  

Yet we also want to acknowledge the suffering of the Palesitnian people under Israeli Occupation, and for that reason we are no longer willing to watch passively as Israel continues into its 44th year of the Occupation of the West Bank as well as its four year old blockade of Gaza. So in the hopes that U.N. recognition will be a stepping stone toward a peaceful resolution of the conflict, we encourage you to sign the petition below which we will deliver to the U.S. government and to the United Nations. 

If you are interested in learning more about the two-sidedness of the struggle, and the long-term strategy which we believe is necessary to bring a lasting peace, please read Rabbi Michael Lerner's newest book Embracing Israel/Palestine. It will be in book stores in late November, and can be ordered in advance from Barnes and Noble or Amazon on line. Meanwhile, please sign the petition below!