Your observations provide a glimmer of hope. For a few months now through Substack, I have communicated with a young Palestinian woman. She shares Arabic words and reflections on how they relate to her life. She had lost a father and brother presumably buried under the rubble of their home. I share pictures of the natural beauty of my area (Northern California coast) and the adventures of my dog. I have also donated to her GoFundMe. It has been upsetting to see the lack of coverage and concern on too many Substack hosts, especially more right-leaning ones like The Bulwark. So, thank you for your moral courage.
I am so grateful Peter, to hear about these changes in your words rather than the polls I have been following. We are counting on you as we do our own work. Susan
It's fascinating to hear your impressions in the wake of your book tour. It's important to hear that there is growing movement in the States against the occupation and in support of Palestinian rights. Also, as a former Chair of Democrats Abroad - Israel, I agree that Biden and Harris misunderstood and ignored the importance of the issue of what is happening in Israel-Palestine. At the same time, last Thursday and Friday the Israel and Palestinian peace movements just held a very successful series of events under the title of "It's Time", with the climax being an all-day "Peace Summit" at the International Convention Center in Jerusalem with the participation of 5,000 activists, with tens of thousands more participating via social media. I placed a brief report with photos on my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/hillel.schenker
And it's worth noting that all of the 60 participating organizations, including the wonderful Standing Together young Jewish and Palestinian activist Israeli movement, the two leaders of the Palestinian-Israeli political parties Ayman Odeh of Hadash and Ahmad Tibi of Ta'al, as well as PLO President Mahmoud Abbas and his rival former Foreign Minister Dr. Nasseh El-Kidwah who is working with former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert for an end to the war and a resolution of the conflict, all expressed support at the conference for a two-state solution. There is simply no meaningful organizational or political support here for a one-state solution. One of the most hopeful videos on Friday came from President Macron, who announced the forthcoming French-Saudi initiative to promote Recognition of a Palestinian state and a two state solution, within the framework of the Saudi initiated "Global Alliance for the Two-State Solution" that will take place in June. In addition to going to Canada, Ireland and Australia, how about coming here to Israel-Palestine, to see how people react to your book and ideas.
Peter thanks for all you do. Veterans for Peace is a group of Veterans that have worked on educating people on the true costs of war since 1985. Below is our Position Statements. Our group feels the suffering of the Palestinian people as the latest example that war and occupation is not the answer and all suffer. Thanks for your work.
This is heartening to read. I’m so looking forward to your event tonight. And yup it will most likely be filled with like-minded people. But it’s still good and really helpful for us to gather in person, I think.
This is super interesting and heartening. Your first point does not match my experience. I see “liberal” Reform synagogues as the most vocal, endlessly attacking higher education over antisemitism. But I suspect those large congregations like Rabbi Ammi Hirsch in NY or Rabbi Dan Levin in Boca Raton aren’t inviting you to speak. Thank you for all of your work.
Thanks for the smidgen of hope Peter. Since Oct 7, I've witnessed similar willingness in Australia to discuss and call out Zionist lies, but MSM and politicians remain pro-Israel. Jewish activism is the most important eg six 'self-hating' Jews are suing AIJAC (AIPAC) for deformation, and many Jews are working with Palestinians. Meantime, genocide and plans for Trump Gaza continue...
I don't think saying your position "has become more radical" is fair. You are just upholding human values more forcefully and changing some views because the the situation has changed. Also, there are many in the middle and even right of the political spectrum who also know what is going on is wrong but do not speak up. As the title suggests it's Washington and the powers that be that are the impediment.
I attended last night’s Toronto event hosted by UJPO. I found it absolutely magnificent to see so many people of different views all listening thoughtfully to your excellent discussion. I knew there was a Jewish community appalled by Israel’s barbarity and it was wonderful to see it first hand. It was quite fantastic to listen to you connecting the dots between various historical events that all share assorted intellectual connections to Zionism. The idea that ‘the other’ is always inherently a threat was fascinating (and distressing because of its persistence and ubiquity).
Your book was excellent and encouraging. I purchased five more copies to give to my children and friends, and I’ve no doubt they’ll all find it as valuable as I did. The world needs more Peter Beinarts!! Thank you.
Thank you Peter, for all your good work and support for Palestinians and, I think, for the downtrodden people everywhere. Glad your book is getting
lots of attention and good reviews!
Linda
Your observations provide a glimmer of hope. For a few months now through Substack, I have communicated with a young Palestinian woman. She shares Arabic words and reflections on how they relate to her life. She had lost a father and brother presumably buried under the rubble of their home. I share pictures of the natural beauty of my area (Northern California coast) and the adventures of my dog. I have also donated to her GoFundMe. It has been upsetting to see the lack of coverage and concern on too many Substack hosts, especially more right-leaning ones like The Bulwark. So, thank you for your moral courage.
All the more strength to you my friend. Onward and upward, together.
I appreciate the optimism and hope expressed in the last minutes of your talk. Greatly needed.
I am so grateful Peter, to hear about these changes in your words rather than the polls I have been following. We are counting on you as we do our own work. Susan
From your lips to God’s ears-I only hope someone politically motivated is listening.
It's fascinating to hear your impressions in the wake of your book tour. It's important to hear that there is growing movement in the States against the occupation and in support of Palestinian rights. Also, as a former Chair of Democrats Abroad - Israel, I agree that Biden and Harris misunderstood and ignored the importance of the issue of what is happening in Israel-Palestine. At the same time, last Thursday and Friday the Israel and Palestinian peace movements just held a very successful series of events under the title of "It's Time", with the climax being an all-day "Peace Summit" at the International Convention Center in Jerusalem with the participation of 5,000 activists, with tens of thousands more participating via social media. I placed a brief report with photos on my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/hillel.schenker
And it's worth noting that all of the 60 participating organizations, including the wonderful Standing Together young Jewish and Palestinian activist Israeli movement, the two leaders of the Palestinian-Israeli political parties Ayman Odeh of Hadash and Ahmad Tibi of Ta'al, as well as PLO President Mahmoud Abbas and his rival former Foreign Minister Dr. Nasseh El-Kidwah who is working with former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert for an end to the war and a resolution of the conflict, all expressed support at the conference for a two-state solution. There is simply no meaningful organizational or political support here for a one-state solution. One of the most hopeful videos on Friday came from President Macron, who announced the forthcoming French-Saudi initiative to promote Recognition of a Palestinian state and a two state solution, within the framework of the Saudi initiated "Global Alliance for the Two-State Solution" that will take place in June. In addition to going to Canada, Ireland and Australia, how about coming here to Israel-Palestine, to see how people react to your book and ideas.
Peter thanks for all you do. Veterans for Peace is a group of Veterans that have worked on educating people on the true costs of war since 1985. Below is our Position Statements. Our group feels the suffering of the Palestinian people as the latest example that war and occupation is not the answer and all suffer. Thanks for your work.
Jim
https://www.veteransforpeace.org/position-statements
This is heartening to read. I’m so looking forward to your event tonight. And yup it will most likely be filled with like-minded people. But it’s still good and really helpful for us to gather in person, I think.
This is super interesting and heartening. Your first point does not match my experience. I see “liberal” Reform synagogues as the most vocal, endlessly attacking higher education over antisemitism. But I suspect those large congregations like Rabbi Ammi Hirsch in NY or Rabbi Dan Levin in Boca Raton aren’t inviting you to speak. Thank you for all of your work.
Thanks for the smidgen of hope Peter. Since Oct 7, I've witnessed similar willingness in Australia to discuss and call out Zionist lies, but MSM and politicians remain pro-Israel. Jewish activism is the most important eg six 'self-hating' Jews are suing AIJAC (AIPAC) for deformation, and many Jews are working with Palestinians. Meantime, genocide and plans for Trump Gaza continue...
I don't think saying your position "has become more radical" is fair. You are just upholding human values more forcefully and changing some views because the the situation has changed. Also, there are many in the middle and even right of the political spectrum who also know what is going on is wrong but do not speak up. As the title suggests it's Washington and the powers that be that are the impediment.
thanks for coming to detroit, peter. sorry i didn't get to see you there. but others did!
I attended last night’s Toronto event hosted by UJPO. I found it absolutely magnificent to see so many people of different views all listening thoughtfully to your excellent discussion. I knew there was a Jewish community appalled by Israel’s barbarity and it was wonderful to see it first hand. It was quite fantastic to listen to you connecting the dots between various historical events that all share assorted intellectual connections to Zionism. The idea that ‘the other’ is always inherently a threat was fascinating (and distressing because of its persistence and ubiquity).
Your book was excellent and encouraging. I purchased five more copies to give to my children and friends, and I’ve no doubt they’ll all find it as valuable as I did. The world needs more Peter Beinarts!! Thank you.