On Saturday there was a conference held at Tooting Islamic Centre on Palestine and the Gaza Crisis. The schedule for the day was changed at the last minute, without my knowing (!), and so I arrived at 6:00pm to find the conference winding down. I nevertheless gave a short presentation to a remnant of participants on the historical context for the conflict in Gaza, to put it within the context of the wider tensions in the Middle East. I explained how in the early 20th Century, Britain’s strategic interest in Palestine had been concerned with maintaining control of its Empire. This led to the sponsoring of the Zionist movement and the British Mandate. As the USA took over from Britain in the second half of the 20th Century, I shared how the Christian Zionist movement in the United States emerged as a dominant and influential force lobbying on behalf of Israel.
The appalling suffering and tragedy of Gaza transcends religion and politics. I believe it is important to seek common cause with others committed to peacemaking and to challenge those who still believe the ends justify the means. Jesus said “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
I tried to give a Christian perspective and to urge participants to find peaceful, non-violent and constructive ways to express their anger and frustration at the appalling suffering in Gaza during the recent attacks. We must not to seek revenge or retaliation as this will only play into the hands of extremists on both sides. Violence breeds violence. Jesus said “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.” (Matthew 26:52)
Seven Initiatives
I recommend seven peaceful and proactive initiatives through which we can contribute to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, working alongside like minded Israelis and Palestinians. I recognize that you are likely already active in one or more of those initiatives.
1. War Crimes Investigations
Support legal, political and human rights organisations calling for the investigation of alleged war crimes in Gaza. Al Haq, is one of fifteen human rights, humanitarian and peace organizations, that have called on the European Union (EU) and Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to take strong and immediate action to hold Israel accountable for grave breaches of international humanitarian law and gross violations of international human rights law. Al Haq’s report is detailed and comprehensive. The United Nations, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), British Parliamentarians and Amnesty International have also called for an investigation, in particular into the use of phosphorous bombs, as also reported in the Times. The International Criminal Court are also investigating whether proceedings can be initiated. We must support multilateral and bipartisan investigations of war crimes whether committed by the Israeli military or Hamas.
2. An Arms Embargo
Support Amnesty International and other humanitarian agencies calling for an arms embargo against Israel and Hamas. Amnesty write, “A full arms embargo on all parties involved in the Gaza conflict is urgently needed to prevent further unlawful attacks and other violations of international law.” Amnesty highlight, for example, how foreign supplied weapons have clearly been used by Israel and Hamas.
3. Responsible Investment
Support the Global BDS Movement and the work of agencies such as War on Want and the Interfaith Group for Morally Responsible Investment (IMRI) who have exposed the way Western companies have profited from the illegal Israeli occupation of the West Bank, Golan and Gaza. We are free to choose what products we buy and what companies we support. We should make morally responsible decisions. The recent decision of the Church Commissioners of the Church of England to sell their shares in Caterpillar, agreed by General Synod two years ago, but initially rebuffed by their Ethical Investment Advisory Group, is an example of good practice. Caterpillar has been implicated in the use of D9 bulldozers by the Israeli military against civilians in breach of international law. The death of Rachel Corrie was a tragic consequence of the use of bulldozers to demolish homes in Gaza.
4. Combating Racism
Support the United Nations Durban Review Conference to be held in Geneva in April. The Durban Review Conference, to be held in Geneva, Switzerland, 20-24 April 2009, will evaluate progress towards the goals set by the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance in Durban, South Africa, in 2001. The Review Conference will serve as a catalyst to fulfilling the promises of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action agreed at the 2001 World Conference through reinvigorated actions, initiatives and practical solutions, illuminating the way toward equality for every individual and group in all regions and countries of the world. A practical way to defeat racism is to support the work of the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions (ICAHD) founded by Dr Jeff Halper. His article, “The Key to Peace, dismantling the matrix of control”, is brilliant.
5. Interfaith Dialogue
Engage in interfaith dialogue with Jews, Christians and Muslims who respect one another and are committed to working in common cause for peace with justice in Israel-Palestine and other parts of the world where faith communities are presently in conflict. Examples include the Forum for Discussion of Israel and Palestine (FODIP), the Three Faith Forum, The Interfaith Council, and The Religion and Ethics in War and Peace-Making Programme at Cambridge University.
6. Fair Trade
We can actively support the economy of Palestine and Gaza, through initiatives such as Zaytoon. The Cooperative Society has just announced its decision to stock olive oil from Gaza. The Co-operative Group is to become the first supermarket to stock Fairtrade Palestinian olive oil – the first Palestinian product to receive Fairtrade certification. The Equal Exchange Fairtrade Palestinian Extra Virgin Olive Oil will be available in around 300 stores across the UK. Prime Minister Gordon Brown has also welcomed the announcement, saying: “I’m delighted that, at the beginning of Fairtrade Fortnight, Fairtrade-certificated Palestinian olive oil is to go on sale in British supermarkets. Olive oil production plays an essential part in the West Bank economy. In buying this oil, British shoppers will be helping the farmers of Palestine to make a living.” Almost 75% of Palestinians live below the United Nations poverty line. Olive and olive oil production is a vital source of livelihood for Palestinian communities in the West Bank and Gaza, where olive production is a crucial alternative to abandonment or desertification. For many, the olive harvest provides their main means of survival.
7. Parliamentary Democracy
Get behind the local, national and European democratic processes as a way of expressing your views and bringing about change in government policy. Lobby your MP with your concerns and participate in national lobby events so that collectively the will of the people can be expressed in democratic, peaceful and law abiding ways. Over the Gaza bombings, over 100 Members of Parliament lobbied for a cessation of violence and in February, for example, the Foreign Affairs Committee conducted a Gaza evidence session.
To people of faith present, what does the Lord God Almighty expect of us? The prophet Micah expressed God’s will, thousands of years ago. It has not changed. “He has shown all you people what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8). As Jesus said, “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” (John 13:17)
