| On this 250th Anniversary of U.S. independence, Friends of Sabeel in North America, specifically those of us in the United States, may be seriously wondering about the relationship of their country to Palestine. The historical record of that relationship has not been good. From the founding of the State of Israel, when President Truman recognized it within minutes, to the current situation whereby the United States is the largest supporter of Israel economically and militarily, the record is one of hostility to Palestinians and Palestinian rights. The U.S. also acts as its diplomatic shield and umbrella enabling its ongoing genocide and brutal apartheid. The US not only provides Israel with impunity, but also assists it in attacking and attempting to dismantle the very foundations of international law and international institutions. The U.S. went so far as to impose sanctions against the judges, prosecutors, and civil society organizations who try to use international law to bring some accountability and responsibility for Israel’s criminal behavior and its crimes against humanity. U.S. authorities have also been hostile to pro Palestinian activists, particularly on campuses. The United States, historically, has also inserted itself as the sole arbiter for peacemaking, while being totally one sided and biased in favor of Israel the whole time. Doing so, it has also actively and intentionally prevented any other actors, including the United Nations, from playing any role. The resulting “peace process” it championed ruled out any other process or mechanism for peacemaking and reconciliation, other than the system worked out between the U.S and Israel to always work in Israel’s favor. Most recently, and in the face of a horrendous ongoing genocide in Gaza, it has proposed a “Board of Peace” without any Palestinian participation, to govern the Gaza Strip and turn it into a developers’ Riviera (sans Palestinians). Initially, we were told that this state of affairs was the result of “domestic concerns” and the influence of the Zionist lobby, including AIPAC as well as the general ignorance of the American public about the true state of affairs. We were also told of the influence of Christian Zionism in this country, of organisations like CUFI and others, and its sway over political decision makers leading to uncritical bipartisan support for Israel, even when it appears to act against US interests. There is much truth in this, even as we acknowledge the role Israel plays in serving US imperial interests both within the region and around the world. Certainly, efforts to inform the public, to combat the nefarious influence of AIPAC and Christian Zionism are worthy endeavors, and will likely yield some tangible fruits in the foreseeable future. We already see the results of our advocacy work, as well as the weakening influence of AIPAC and the Zionist lobby even among its core constituencies in the Jewish and the evangelical communities. Given this state of affairs, it would be fully understandable if Palestinians, like Iranian leaders, spoke of the US as being “the big Satan to Israel’s little Satan.” Yet, despite all the hostility and bias of US government actions against Palestine and its supporters, there has always been a strange attraction Palestinians have for America and a belief that once facts are known, the influence of money in politics is neutralized or diminished, and the influence of special interests is countered, that US policy will change and result in a more even handed approach in favor of justice and Palestinian rights. Where does that optimism come from? Why should Palestinians ever expect anything from the US, and can we truly believe that the US will ever act with any measure of justice, humanity, and fairness towards Palestinians? I believe that the reason for this optimism lies at the heart of what makes The United States and its people a great country, and a true source of inspiration and hope for Palestinians as well as for many people throughout the world. Despite its actual history of settler-colonialism, its extermination and genocide against the native people of America, its violent record of slavery and racial discrimination, and its imperialist and colonial tendencies, the consequences and ongoing realities of which we are still dealing with and against which we still struggle, there is another reality about America. It is important to recognize within the history of the US the existence of a tradition, a bright strand inspiring people towards freedom, equality and human dignity. Recall the fight to adopt the Bill of Rights, the passion of the abolitionist movement, the labor movement and the social gospel, and the struggle for universal suffrage and civil rights. Its espousal of the principles of freedom and independence has inspired people globally. President Wilson’s Fourteen Points announced after the First World War and his open espousal of the values of independence and self determination were seen as a stark contrast to the imperial and colonial ambitions of Britain, France, and the other European powers. Within the United States, the rejection of monarchy and the feudal nobility alongside the espousal of the principles of democracy and egalitarianism has always been seen as being in sharp contrast to the values of hereditary monarchies and nobilities of the European world. The opportunities for immigrants from differing countries, ethnicities and religions to make a fresh start in “the New World” was exhilarating. The idea that anyone, regardless of creed, national or tribal origin, or ethnicity, could rise to the pinnacle of their chosen field or career and the ability to move from powerlessness to empowerment is a central ethos in this country. While this ethos is often betrayed, contradicted in practice, and at times even exploited to justify or deny the existence of ongoing injustices, it remains a promise and vision pursued by millions of immigrants, or would-be immigrants, and it has gained admirers throughout the world. The generosity of private philanthropists and the governmental programs of assistance and aid, represented by US AID (until it was abruptly cancelled by the current administration) provided assistance and help in the fields of health, education, and development to tens of millions throughout the world. It was proclaimed as assistance “from the people of the United States,” to the people of the different countries it assisted, rather than what it often was in reality, an instrument of US policy and self-seeking aggrandizement. The principle of the separation of Church and state, enshrined in the Constitution, and the fierce commitment to free speech and a free press are part of the brand of America to oppressed people everywhere. It still has power, even now. A unanimous Supreme Court decision that even burning the American flag was a protected form of free speech which cannot be legislated against is truly amazing. The fact that these very principles are being eroded today in the United States and are under severe attack notwithstanding, these ideals continue to be proclaimed. This is why people admire the United States, even while bemoaning the reality of its foreign policies, which are often often aligned with dictators and violators of these very same rights. The United States of America has set a high bar for freedom, democracy, liberty, generosity, and decency, a bar which it has rarely lived up to itself. That is why, on this 250th Anniversary, we say God Bless America and help it live up to the best ideals it proclaims. |
