Americans for Peace Now: Blog: May 2012 Archives

Madonna meets with Yariv Oppenheimer and other peace activists

By APN on May 31, 2012 11:21 AM

Pop star Madonna deserves praise for her tribute to Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts. The world's top selling female recording artist of all times chose to launch her new world tour in Israel. She is using the podium and the global attention to help advance Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts.

Yesterday, at a meeting with Israeli and Palestinian peace activists, Madonna promised that at her debut performance, tonight, she will talk about peace. Madonna also donated 600 tickets to Israeli and Palestinian peace activists as a salute to their important work.

Continue reading Madonna meets with Yariv Oppenheimer and other peace activists.

Snippets of the Insanity That the Occupation Is

By Ori Nir on May 29, 2012 4:26 PM

Dear Friend of Israel,

Who would you least expect to see joining a Peace Now tour of West Bank settlements? Right, West Bank settlers.

Continue reading Snippets of the Insanity That the Occupation Is.

Happy Shavuot!

By asuskin on May 25, 2012 11:30 AM

The holiday of Shavuot, which begins this Saturday night, celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai.

There are many traditions associated with Shavuot, including staying up throughout the night to study but among the most beloved is the eating of dairy meals (and cheesecake for we Americans!). This tradition is sometimes explained as being derived from the fact that the gift of Torah and its teachings are a guide towards justice and compassion. Killing, even killing for meat, which is permitted under some circumstances, is incompatible with these ways of

compassion. On this holiday of Shavuot,let us tap into our compassion for others, and build the world that was always intended for us -- a world of justice and compassion.

APN Mourns the Passing of Arthur Stern, a Longtime Leader; APN's DeLee: "He was our Moral Compass"

By APN on May 25, 2012 11:12 AM

Washington, DC - Americans for Peace Now is mourning the death of Arthur Stern, one of APN's longtime leaders. Arthur died in his home in Los Angeles overnight at 87.

Arthur was born in Budapest, Hungary in 1925. His amazing life story combined Holocaust-era heroism, scientific excellence, pioneering technological innovation, passionate pro-Israel activism, Jewish community volunteer work, and a stellar devotion to peace and justice.

Continue reading APN Mourns the Passing of Arthur Stern, a Longtime Leader; APN's DeLee: "He was our Moral Compass".

Racism in Israel: a Predictable Byproduct of Occupation

By Lara Friedman on May 24, 2012 3:00 PM

Two generations of Israelis have now been born and raised in an Israel that must constantly find ways to justify the occupation, including justifying both the denial of rights and freedoms to Palestinians and the ever-growing settlement enterprise. As those justifications become harder and harder to make - whether in the context of a moribund peace process or in the context of Israel facing harsh criticism for its actions in Gaza or against the flotilla, or in the context of Palestinian hunger strikers challenging Israel's policy of holding them indefinitely without trial (euphemistically called "administrative detention") - a tribalist, circle-the-wagons mentality, more pronounced than at any time in Israeli's history, is coming to the fore in Israeli society.

The ugly racism that was on display last night in Tel Aviv was a symptom of this phenomenon. A rally against African migrants turned violent and a race riot ensued. It followed on the heels of a rally earlier in the week characterized by similarly racist, hateful themes.

Continue reading Racism in Israel: a Predictable Byproduct of Occupation.

Legislating the Refugee Problem (LFriedman at The Daily Beast)

By Lara Friedman on May 24, 2012 1:07 PM

You have to laugh, or it would make you cry. That is, if you are someone who genuinely cares about Israel and believes that the two-state solution is the only thing that can save Israel as a democracy and a Jewish state, and that can end the occupation and permit the Palestinians to live, finally, as a free people with dignity and self-determination.

Continue reading Legislating the Refugee Problem (LFriedman at The Daily Beast).

APN and Peace Now: Fighting the Racist Tide inside Israel

By APN on May 24, 2012 11:48 AM

The outrage that took place in Tel Aviv last night must be a wake-up call to Israelis and to all American Jews who care about Israel.

All of us who love Israel and are committed to peace and a democratic Israel are disgusted and outraged by the events that took place last night in Tel Aviv, where a xenophobic demonstration turned into a race riot targeting African migrants. Some Israeli elected officials, including from the ruling Likud party of Benjamin Netanyahu, fanned the flames of hatred at the demonstration. Likud Knesset Member Miri Regev, for example, called African migrants "a cancer in our body."

Continue reading APN and Peace Now: Fighting the Racist Tide inside Israel.

APN Welcomes House Letter to Obama in Support of Iran Diplomacy

By Ori Nir on May 24, 2012 11:29 AM

Washington, DC - Americans for Peace Now (APN) welcomes the bipartisan letter that 71 members of the House of Representatives sent to President Obama yesterday, in support of ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis over Iran's nuclear program.

APN President and CEO Debra DeLee commented: "At a time when bipartisanship is rarely seen on Capitol Hill, Congressmen Price and Dreier deserve credit for looking past partisan politics to initiate this constructive and timely letter in support of resolving the Iran crisis through diplomacy. We commend them for doing so and we commend all the members, from both parties, who signed on."

"Regrettably, recent actions in the House may have sent a message that House members are not wholly supportive of ongoing diplomatic efforts to deal with Iran. This letter helps correct that impression, making clear that these diplomatic efforts have strong, bipartisan congressional backing, and setting out a clearer statement regarding congressional intent regarding 'nuclear weapons capability,' consistent with the definition articulated by Rep. Berman (D-CA) last week."

APN, a Jewish, Zionist organization dedicated to enhancing Israel's security through peace, has for years been urging Washington to address Iran's nuclear quest rationally and responsibly.

Op-Ed: When Israel lacks leadership, we should speak up (James B. Klutznick at JTA)

By APN on May 21, 2012 4:56 PM

CHICAGO (JTA) -- When a family member behaves self-destructively, what do you do? Do you become an apologist, an enabler, or do you call him out? Do you blame everyone else but him, or do you intervene? Do you sit back and just hope things will improve on their own, or do you take urgent action?

Continue reading Op-Ed: When Israel lacks leadership, we should speak up (James B. Klutznick at JTA).

Hard Questions, Tough Answers with Yossi Alpher - May 21, 2012

By APN on May 21, 2012 3:16 PM

Alpher discusses the agreement that ended the Palestinian prisoners' mass hunger strike last week, why Egyptian leaders can't do much about the lawlessness in the Sinai, and the spillover effect of the Syrian revolution.

Continue reading Hard Questions, Tough Answers with Yossi Alpher - May 21, 2012.

Iran on Capitol Hill

By APN on May 18, 2012 4:07 PM

Congress this past week made an effort to send a tough message on Iran - both to Iran and to the White House - as the Obama administration and its allies prepare for the May 23rd talks with Iran. APN expressed concern about some of this congressional action, but also welcomed some of this week's developments on Capitol Hill regarding Iran.

For APN's full report on this week's fascinating developments on Capitol Hill, read the latest edition of Lara Friedman's weekly Legislative Roundup. Lara Friedman is APN's Director of Policy and Government Relations.

Press Release: APN Applauds Defense Committee Leaders for Supporting "Use of Force" Amendment to NDAA

By Ori Nir on May 17, 2012 3:19 PM

APN Applauds House Committee for Clarifying that Bill doesn't not Authorize Use of Force against Iran; Urges Passage of "Iran Special Envoy" Amendment

Washington, DC - Last night the House began consideration of HR FY13 National Defense Authorization Act.

Americans for Peace Now (APN) has serious concerns that Part C of the bill could be interpreted as an authorization of use of force against Iran. APN strongly supports the amendment offered by Representatives John Conyers (D-MI), Keith Ellison (D-MN), Walter Jones (R-NC) and Ron Paul (R-TX), to "clarify that nothing in the bill shall be construed as authorizing the use of force against Iran."

Continue reading Press Release: APN Applauds Defense Committee Leaders for Supporting "Use of Force" Amendment to NDAA.

Follow-Up Action: Urge Members to Sign Price-Dreier Iran Diplomacy Letter

By Lara Friedman on May 16, 2012 2:07 PM

Thank you so much for taking action on H. Res. 568 - it made a difference (see below). Now we need you to follow up and take action one more time this week.

Tell your member of Congress: Sign the Price-Dreier letter to President Obama.

Continue reading Follow-Up Action: Urge Members to Sign Price-Dreier Iran Diplomacy Letter.

APN Urges Members to vote "No" or "Present" on H. Res. 568 (Iran resolution)

By Lara Friedman on May 14, 2012 5:33 PM

Below is the message sent May 14, 2012 to House staffers expressing APN's opposition to H. Res. 568.

Tomorrow, the House is scheduled to bring H. Res. 568, dealing with Iran, to the floor under suspension of the rules.

Americans for Peace Now (APN) urges members of Congress to vote NO or PRESENT on this resolution.

Continue reading APN Urges Members to vote "No" or "Present" on H. Res. 568 (Iran resolution).

Take Action NOW: House Set to Vote (Without Debate) on Reckless Iran Resolution

By asuskin on May 14, 2012 4:06 PM

The House is scheduled to vote tomorrow on H. Res. 568, an Iran-focused resolution that seeks to lower the bar for war, to tie the President's hands in negotiations, and to effectively take all options, except the military option, off the table. It appears to be no coincidence that this resolution is being brought to a vote now, just as a new round of Iran diplomacy is set to take place on May 23.

Call your member of Congress today and tell them: vote "No" or "Present" on H. Res. 568.

Continue reading Take Action NOW: House Set to Vote (Without Debate) on Reckless Iran Resolution.

Hard Questions, Tough Answers with Yossi Alpher - May 14, 2012

By APN on May 14, 2012 12:10 PM

Netanyahu's last-minute unity government

Alpher discusses why PM Netanyahu reversed himself last week at the last minute, canceled the September 4 general election, and brought Kadima into a broad unity government, and what do he and Mofaz stand to gain or lose.

Continue reading Hard Questions, Tough Answers with Yossi Alpher - May 14, 2012.

Israeli leading columnist explains Likud-Kadima alliance

By Ori Nir on May 11, 2012 12:15 PM

APN hosted leading Israeli political commentator, Akiva Eldar of Haaretz on May 10th, for a briefing call on the latest dramatic political developments in Israel.

APN Board Member Mandy Patinkin in the West Bank with Peace Now, and Speaking at Peace Now Conference

By APN on May 11, 2012 11:21 AM

Americans for Peace Now Board Member Mandy Patinkin today toured the West Bank and East Jerusalem with Israel's Peace Now movement and spoke at an annual conference of Israel's peace camp, addressing a crowd of 700 progressive activists.

Continue reading APN Board Member Mandy Patinkin in the West Bank with Peace Now, and Speaking at Peace Now Conference.

Ambassador Oren Gets it Right on "Pro-Israel" (LFriedman at The Daily Beast)

By Lara Friedman on May 10, 2012 5:27 PM

Thank you, Ambassador Oren. On Sunday you told an audience in Detroit what "pro-Israel" means.

You said that "The person who is pro-Israel recalls what Jewish life was like without a Jewish state and works to ensure that there always will be a Jewish state." Someone who "knows that there is a place at our table for divergent views. But irrespective of politics... asks, 'how can I contribute to Israel, how can I enrich it and be enriched by it...?'" Someone who "appreciates the immense threats the people of Israel face every day" and "understands the threats to Israel of not achieving peace but also understands the threat to Israel of making a peace that will quickly unravel..."

Continue reading Ambassador Oren Gets it Right on "Pro-Israel" (LFriedman at The Daily Beast).

Political Earthquake In Israel: Analysis and Briefing Call Information

By Ori Nir on May 8, 2012 3:34 PM

Last night's dramatic news caught everyone by surprise: following secret negotiations, the Kadima party has agreed to join Benjamin Netanyahu's government, establishing a "unity government." On its face, this breathtaking political development in Israel does not promise a breakthrough toward peace. But as it is with every major shakeup, the new alliance between Israel's largest parties also presents opportunities.

Continue reading Political Earthquake In Israel: Analysis and Briefing Call Information.

Rule of Law Wins (for now) in the Case of Another Outpost (Ulpana)

By Lara Friedman on May 8, 2012 3:26 PM

As we reported earlier, on April 27th Israeli government announced its intention to once again flout Israeli law in order to protect another illegal settler outpost -- "Givat Ha'Ulpana" (aka Jabel Artis). This outpost is located deep inside the West Bank, near Ramallah, and far to the east of Israel's "separation barrier." The Israeli government had previously promised the Israeli High Court of Justice that it would remove the illegal construction at this site by May 1, 2012, but as that deadline approached, last month the State told the court that it had changed its mind and asked for more time to find a way to "legalize" the illegal construction.

The Supreme Court, however, apparently has not changed its mind on the question of whether rule of law applies to outposts. On May 6th, that court of rejected the State's request to postpone Ulpana's eviction. The Court ruled, instead, that the demolition must be carried out by July 1st. The full court ruling is available here (Hebrew only).

Continue reading Rule of Law Wins (for now) in the Case of Another Outpost (Ulpana).

Peace Now's Lawyer on Israel's Illegal Outpost Policy

By Ori Nir on May 7, 2012 3:36 PM

The Israeli Supreme Court handed another ruling, on May 7th, blasting the Israeli government's position on illegal West Bank "outposts, built on land privately owned by Palestinians. Peace Now's lawyer, Michael Sfard, talks about the case and its significance.

Read the Forward's profile of Michael Sfard here.

Hard Questions, Tough Answers with Yossi Alpher - May 7, 2012

By APN on May 7, 2012 2:56 PM

Alpher discusses what the significance is of PM Binyamin Netanyahu's decision to hold elections in early September, and of the move to disband the outgoing Knesset immediately, what are the chances that the parties of the center-left could displace Netanyahu or force the Likud into a more moderate coalition, whether the prospect of elections rules out a preventive Israeli attack on Iran in the coming months and what are the ramifications for Egyptian-Israeli peace and for Israel's energy economy of Egypt cancelling its commercial contract to deliver natural gas to Israel.

Continue reading Hard Questions, Tough Answers with Yossi Alpher - May 7, 2012.

A Balance of Interests: Reading Hamas (LFriedman at The Forward)

By Lara Friedman on May 2, 2012 4:17 PM

The Forward's interview with Mousa Abu Marzook highlights some fundamental truths about peacemaking: You make peace with your enemies, not your friends; you make peace not to be nice, but because it is in your self-interest; real peace must reflect a balance of interests, not an imbalance of power, and security arrangements, not trust, will be the foundation of any peace treaty.

Continue reading A Balance of Interests: Reading Hamas (LFriedman at The Forward).

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Blog: May 2012 Archives