| The violent attack which killed two Israeli diplomats in Washington on Wednesday has been roundly condemned by all, including pro-Palestinian activists. Full details about and the true motivation of the attacker remain unknown, though it is reported that he yelled “Free Palestine.” Many pundits quickly labelled the attack as being antisemitic in nature, using the opportunity to score political points by labelling all anti-Israel activism as a “manifestation of antisemitism” and by attempting to connect all pro-Palestinian activism with “support for terrorism.” Some have even blamed anti-Israeli protests for leading up to the attack. We still do not know enough to determine the actual views and motivations of the perpetrator, though a reported manifesto signed by him emphasizes Gaza as the reason for his action. Regardless of his motivation, we at FOSNA wholeheartedly denounce this attack on unarmed civilians. I use this opportunity to reemphasize our rejection of violence, of all assassinations and killings, and to reaffirm our rejection of all anti-Jewish bigotry, discrimination, and hatred (known as antisemitism) regardless of political motivations or excuses. The Palestinian cause must never be allowed to be hijacked to justify anti-Jewish bigotry (though it does appear at least one of the victims was actually Christian or Messianic) or to provide cover for racism, discrimination, and bigotry against any group. Such hatred and violence runs directly counter to the vision of a just, liberated, and peaceful future towards which we strive. Along with anti-Jewish hate we condemn violence against Muslim, Arab, Black and other oppressed peoples and communities. Even though it appears the killer’s actions were politically rather than racially motivated, it is clear that it also does not in any way contribute to the Palestinian cause. Rather than highlight the ongoing genocide, it provides a platform for Zionists to distract from the state of Israel’s ongoing crimes against Palestinians, including the forced starvation, displacement, and murder of thousands of innocent civilians. I wish to clarify further our own views on violence. While international law protects the right of Palestinians to use armed resistance in fighting for their rights in Palestine (provided it is aimed solely at armed combatants and not civilians), we at FOSNA have always stood for principled and practical nonviolence, a position favored by the vast majority of Palestinian Christians of all denominations. Although we believe in the theology of nonviolence, it is also our assertion that nonviolence is both the more strategic and effective path for Palestinians to follow. We should point out, however, that for those who do not share our pacifist convictions, it is hypocritical to constantly harp about Israel’s right to defend itself while denying Palestinians such a right. Away from the Middle East, in this country and internationally, however, there can be no justification for violence, even though Israelis have often assassinated their political enemies abroad, including politicians, scientists, writers, and diplomats. Also attacks on diplomats, whether in the West Bank or in Washington are contrary to international law. We call on those who are anguished by the ongoing genocide in Gaza and who feel the need to act, not just speak, about the deliberate starvation of Palestinians to follow principled nonviolence to demand accountability and pressure others to end their complicity in Israel’s crimes. BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) are effective, nonviolent tools for exacting a political price and calling for accountability. Assassinations, bombing, and killing are not. Looking for a nonviolent option to join? Consider joining us in our 40-day fast for Gaza, organized with Veterans For Peace and others, as we demand the immediate lifting of all restrictions on food, water, medicine, and humanitarian supplies to the 2.1 million residents of Gaza, as well as the cessation of arms shipments to Israel. Many of those participating in this action are limiting their intake to 250 calories a day, highlighting the average number of calories most Palestinians currently have to survive on. Already, we have 40 co-sponsoring organizations and almost 475 people nationwide who have joined us in this grassroots campaign of nonviolent resistance, through fasting. We urge all of you to participate. |
