They have treated the wound of my people carelessly,
saying, ‘Peace, peace’,
when there is no peace. Jeremiah 6:14
The chaos and terrible loss of life in Egypt this past week moved the peace talks between Israeli and Palestinian leaders out of the spotlight. That and the cynicism that these talks will be non-starters, one more example of the futile record of discussions and accords. The last significant negotiations were in 2007-08 and didn't accomplish much. This time around the Israeli governments committed to releasing about a hundred Palestinian prisoners but also announced the building of 2,000 homes in disputed territories. There are now half a million Israelis living in settlements in those territories and this is a key issue for the Palestinians. The word "intractable" comes to mind in both directions.
The prophet Jeremiah warned against the false prophets who make noises about peace when it doesn't exist. They are cogent words for a peace process in which no one is committed to reconciliation. Yet we have to grab onto whatever hopeful scraps are tossed our way, it seems to me. Some talk, however flawed, is better than no talk.
The United Church took it pretty hard on the chin last year for its criticisms of the Israeli government and its unrelenting policy of settlement. Without discussion, where will change begin?
The talks came to an end without any statements of any kind. Who knows what happened or whether they will resume.
Should they bother, given the history? Should we concern ourselves? Is this a faith matter as well as a political matter?
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