Israelis and Palestinians Call for Rebuilding Gaza

Here is a hopeful note from Israelis and Palestinians trying to work together, despite the odds. It was written by Abdallah Awadallah (Kiswani) and Jonatan Peled of the Center for Citizenship and Democratic Transformation (Palestine) Friendship Village (Israel). I wish I knew more about the CCDT, but I do know Jonatan Peled. He was one my counselors when I belonged to Reut-Sadaka, a Jewish-Arab youth movement in Israel.

They write:

For the past 4 years our organizations have been working together to prepare young political and community leaders from both sides to achieve a better understanding and the capability to cooperate on the basis of mutual respect and equality. Even in this time of crisis we remain firm in our belief that the future of our two people is interdependent and thus we continue to work together, keeping the channels of communication open, sharing views, emotions and looking for ways to create breakthroughs between the two sides.

The two organizations strongly condemn the continued Israeli military attacks in the Gaza Strip, which is killing hundreds and wounding thousands of innocent unarmed civilians including infants and children, destroying their homes, mosques, universities, schools as well as their infrastructure. Although there is no way to equalize the suffering of those in Gaza to those in Southern Israel, we condemn all violence against innocent lives including the continued rocket attacks from Gaza on Israeli civilians and towns.

We call for an immediate halt of all forms of military activities on Gaza Strip with unconditional terms. It is necessary to have an Israeli ceasefire, a complete Israeli army withdrawal and a genuine compromise, TAHADEA agreement, between both parties that will provide civilians with protection and security.
The terms should also include:

1. A lift of the siege in addition to opening all passages and outlets to Gaza in order to allow free movement of individuals and goods including medical supplies, humanitarian aid, and reconstruction material into the Gaza Strip

2. An international campaign that will rebuild the Gaza Strip after the huge destruction.

3. Increase efforts of the International community to promote trust building activity and cooperation of peace organizations between the Palestinian and the Israeli people.

We are deeply convinced that only through political dialogue and diplomacy can a peaceful and just solution be achieved and not through violence and force. Therefore, we call on the International Community to actively pursue the political process as well as People to People dialogue activities. We are aiming to create fair relationships, based on mutual trust among as many individuals as possible from the two nations in conflict, in order to promote peaceful relationships based on mutual respect for the benefit of all involved partners. Peace agreement should include an end of the occupation of all Palestinian territories and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state through a mutually just agreed upon resolution, ensuring the dignity, liberty and security of both nations.

Sometimes it can feel like the task of making peace and rebuilding what was destroyed is overwhelming. The sense of despair in Gaza must be terrible. Maybe not for those in Hamas who were in favor of the military confrontation with Israel, and more or less invited it, but for those who opposed Hamas and feared the consequences of their rocket fire.

Under these circumstances, maybe speaking out together for peace isn't much. But it's a start. I hope they don't mind me putting my name on their document as well.