Thoughts about Israel

What are some of my colleagues thinking now, I wonder? A couple of years ago the General Council of the United Church wrestled with our denominational responses to the development of Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories. Before the meeting of Council a document was circulated that raised the ire of the Jewish community in Canada because it was perceived as unbalanced and unfair in its portrayal of Israel. It also suggested a boycott of products from communities in the Occupied Territories but the media made a mess of reporting this and it seemed that the United Church was advocating a boycott of all Israeli products.

The focus of the discussion was on justice for Palestinians, but the United Church has always been careful to uphold the right of Israel to exist and has been in open dialogue with the Jewish community here and internationally. Still we were portrayed as anti-Jewish or anti-Semitic, and that we were sympathetic to terrorists. Some United Church clergy got on that bandwagon. I felt that their characterization of the UCC was unfair and their understanding of the situation naïve.

It's strange because while the current government of Canada has seemed at times to be blind to injustices in that region, it has resolutely supported what is called a two-state solution. Many other many countries have condemned the development of settlements as illegal and provocative.

What did those United Church clergy think when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated without reservation that there would be no two-state solution in Israel/Palestine in the lead-up to the recent election? And what about his fear-mongering, urging Jewish Israelis to vote because "the Arabs are voting in droves?"

Netanyahu has since apologized, but it seems rather hollow. His racism and declaration that he is unwilling to negotiate has dismayed world leaders, as well as many Jews in the strongly pro-Israel United States. Netanyahu's re-election is a mess, a huge step back for peace in the region. The United Church could have handled the situation better three years ago, but at least we were recognizing that change is necessary in the land where Jesus was born. When the UCC took its stand beleaguered Arab Christians in Israel/Palestine expressed gratitude. Where is there hope now?