A Call (to American Jews) to Bring the Settlers Home to Israel

[Wordie]

We are American Jews who care deeply about Israel and who are filled with sorrow by the continuous cycle of violence and death in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We call upon the US government to embrace an initiative that can build on the momentum generated by the Gaza withdrawal, lay the groundwork for a negotiated settlement, safeguard the lives of Israeli settlers, and remove a major obstacle to peace.

We call upon the US government:

* To urge the Israeli government to reverse its longstanding policy of offering financial inducements to Israeli settlers in the West Bank and to redirect those funds to settlers who are now willing to return voluntarily to Israel proper;

* To provide generous foreign assistance and to solicit contributions from the European Union, other major industrial democracies, and the United Nations for this massive relocation effort.

FOR THE SAKE OF ISRAEL'S SECURITY, BRING THE SETTLERS HOME
The settlers have never enhanced Israel's security. On the contrary, their vulnerability to attack has resulted in the loss of thousands of Israeli soldiers and civilians. Those who live on land expected to be negotiated as part of the future Palestinian State, especially those in settlements that are distant from the Green Line (pre-1967 borders of Israel) and are surrounded by much larger Arab populations, are an obstacle to peace; their continued presence prevents a viable solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

FOR THE SAKE OF ISRAEL'S ECONOMY, BRING THE SETTLERS HOME
The cost of sustaining and protecting the settlers is draining Israel's resources; it limits Israel's ability to provide vital social services, build a stable economy, and ensure peaceful coexistence between the Jews and the Arabs of Israel.

PROVIDING SUITABLE COMPENSATION OPENS UP THE POSSIBILITY FOR MANY SETTLERS TO VOLUNTARILY RETURN TO ISRAEL PROPER
A popular misconception claims that settlers would uniformly resist any attempt to bring them home to Israel, but a November 2005 survey* of settlers whose communities are on the Palestinian side of the separation barrier found that about 25% would be willing to leave immediately if they were offered comparable housing within the Green Line. The poll also found that 35% percent of the settlers and 74% of the general public support the new 'evacuation-compensation' bill that would enable those who wish to move out of their settlement to do so, in return alternative housing within the Green Line.

A 2002 survey** revealed that 59% of settlers are prepared to accept a withdrawal from the settlements in exchange for suitable financial compensation in the context of a democratic decision by the Israeli government. Only 2% would fight against the decision with illegal means. The survey also found that 77% of settlers chose to live in settlements for “quality of life” reasons and just 20% of settlers moved to the occupied territories for religious reasons.

*Survey of 500 settlers whose communities are on the Palestinian side of the separation barrier, and 500 Israelis nationwide conducted by the Israeli firm TNS Teleseker in November 2005for the One Home Movement.

**Survey of 3200 households in 127 settlements in the West Bank and Gaza conducted by the Hopp Research Company in July 2002 for Peace Now.

http://bringthemhome.btvshalom.org/t-io_call2_txt

There is a petition for American Jews to sign on this site.

[Peace Patriot]

1. Thank you so much for this information! It is refreshing to have the

perspective of those who want peace, and the perspective of Israelis themselves, as opposed to the perspective of the ruling party in Israel, and Bush fascists, which is all we are getting from the US war profiteering corporate news monopolies. This prompts me to want to know more. I've had a feeling that the Likud government is no more representative of most Israelis than the Bush junta is representative of most Americans. I believe that both peoples want peace and justice, and are being prevented from achieving it by war profiteers and rightwing elements.

Please continue to keep DUers informed of peace initiatives and of what the Israeli people and others in the region are really thinking. Could you suggest an Israeli web site where news and opinion from ordinary Israelis is featured (and is honestly reflected)?

[Wordie]

3. I agree, PeacePatriot, it's wonderful to hear of efforts toward peace

like this one. I agree that it's important for people to know that there are Israeli and American Jewish peace groups, and not all Israelis and/or Jews outside of Israel support the illegal settlement policies and the occupation itself.

This group of American Jews, who oppose the illegal settlements, are trying to raise funds to help those settlers who wish to leave homes in the occupied territories to return to live in Israel proper. Their ideas do reflect a good knowledge about the Israeli settlement policies and how they are an impediment to peace. They talk about it in their FAQ, here: http://bringthemhome.btvshalom.org/faq.html

The situation in Israel is quite complicated, with several recent factors in play: the creation of the new party Kadima, which is more centrist than Likud (although still apparently in support of the occupation); Sharon's illness, which means he will not be running in the upcoming elections; and the disengagement from Gaza (which must not be confused with a complete withdrawal, as the majority of the occupied territories are not affected). The Palestinian elections will occur this month (barring any change due to Israel's decisions on the participation of Hamas or for other reasons), and Israeli elections are in March. There's a lot going on. At this point it's difficult to know exactly what will happen as far as Likud is concerned.

I don't know quite what to recommend for reading material representing the ordinary Israeli. That may be a bit like asking for a site representing the "ordinary American," quite a difficult thing to do. One Israeli newspaper that seems to offer a more balanced view is Haaretz, which is here:
http://www.haaretzdaily.com/
I think that Haaretz is considered somewhat to the left of the Israeli political spectrum, however. So that doesn't quite fulfill your request.

Perhaps some other posters can offer additional recommendations for good news sources.

[peacetalksforall]

2. What a welcome breath of fresh air this Sunday morning. Thanks. Does

this group have an audience? Are they listened to?

[Wordie]

4. The campaign has only just started. They have 11,665 signatures.

I'm not certain about the amount of donations they have received. I did not personally know about the group before I saw their ad on the Haaretz (Israeli newspaper) site.

I should add that I myself am not Jewish. I posted this because I wanted to applaud the efforts of the group and this good idea that can help lead to peace.

[peacetalksforall]

5. This gets my personal oscar for level-headed activism. I don't know

how many posts I've ended with a question asking where the peace-makers are.

There are other reasons to praise this in addition to their objective:

. I admired the consideration given to non-Jews - there is a tab at the top of the home page explaining that they want to limit support to Jews, but that we can help by telling our Jewish friends about this and then suggest ways and methods for doing it.

. I loved the dove in their logo. The logo is perfect.

. We've been given the perfect response to posters who accuse us of being anti-Semitic if we want fairness for Palestinians. We can learn at this site. We can recommend this site.

I'm going to print out some of the text, the URL, and the notes to our 'non-jewish friends' and carry it around to have ready. Two pieces of paper will make me feel like I can finally do something.

The way I see it, Israel-Palestine-U.S.-U.K. are at the heart of grievances for millions of people in the Middle East when considered from their viewpoint - and all we've done is escalate the greivances in the last five years.

[Wordie]

7. That was my reaction too. And there are other Jewish Peace groups, both

here and in Israel. We don't hear of them as much. Here's a good one, here in the US, Jewish Voice for Peace: http://www.jewishvoiceforpeace.org/
You might want to explore their site, too.

And take a look at this one, B'tselem, a prominent Israeli peace organization:
http://www.btselem.org/English/index.asp
B'tselem calls itself "The Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories."

But this effort stands out to me, because it at once is aimed at influencing US policy, and at the same time is trying to take some very practical steps to change the situation in Israel in a positive direction. Here is what they say about themselves:

Brit Tzedek v'Shalom
Jewish Alliance for Justice and Peace

Who We Are
Brit Tzedek v'Shalom, the Jewish Alliance for Justice and Peace, is a national organization of American Jews deeply committed to Israel's well-being through the achievement of a negotiated settlement to the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We are guided by the mitzvah, or obligation, to pursue peace and justice that is rooted in both secular and religious Jewish traditions. We believe the vast majority of Israelis and Palestinians long for an enduring peace and that security for Israel can only be achieved through the establishment of an economically and politically viable Palestinian state, necessitating an end to Israel's occupation of land acquired during the 1967 war and an end to Palestinian terrorism.

Brit Tzedek provides a platform for American Jews to articulate their belief that the on-going conflict threatens Israel's security, severely damages its economy, and erodes the values that underlie a democratic society. We believe that many American Jews share this perspective, but are reluctant to express themselves for fear they may bring harm to Israel and the Jewish people.

Through education, advocacy, local chapter activities, and work with the media, we seek to generate greater dialogue within the American Jewish community in order to direct U.S. foreign policy toward the realization of a just peace.

I'm highly impressed.

[pelsar]

6. for it to work....

the settlers who are willing to return have to have money. Their homes are now worthless and they cannot sell them. The israeli govt is dragging its feet on this issue.

[Wordie]

8. Goal of group is to fund those settlers willing to return voluntarily.

Here is more info from the FAQ on their site:

#1
How can supporting the Call make a difference?

Brit Tzedek v'Shalom has reissued the Call to Bring the Settlers Home to Israel for a number of reasons:

The Timing Is Right. The successful withdrawal from Gaza and five West Bank settlements demonstrated the viability of settlement evacuation and relocation of their residents and created a precedent for further evacuations in the West Bank. In some cases, residents have requested evacuation but cannot get adequate compensation to relocate within the Green Line. Within Israel recent polls show majority support for offering settlers compensation similar to what settlers received in Gaza for voluntary relocation. Amir Peretz introduced a bill in the Knesset in November 2005 to extend voluntary compensation to all the residents of settlements in which at least 60% are willing to relocate. The Call is a positive step that both the United States and Israel can take NOW to maintain the momentum created by the Gaza withdrawal, independent of any ongoing peace negotiations.

The Call Enjoys Overwhelming Support. According to all major opinion polls, a large majority of American Jews support the evacuation of most settlements in the West Bank. Thus, the Call is an excellent vehicle for mobilizing large numbers of American Jews by providing them an opportunity to express their belief that such a step is not only logistically possible, but necessary to ensure Israel’s long-term security and well-being. Brit Tzedek believes that many American Jews are eager to find a way to articulate their concern that the settlements present a major obstacle to the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and to have a strong, positive voice that can affect U.S. foreign policy. Brit Tzedek's Call is that voice.

The Call Supports the Work of Israelis. The Call allows American Jews to strongly support the compensation of West Bank settlers who voluntarily relocate within the Green Line by advocating for a U.S. foreign policy that urges the Israeli government to take concrete steps to make this possible.

The National Campaign in Support of the Call is Designed to Mobilize a Broad Grassroots Base of American Jews to Influence American Foreign Policy.

We are certain that with sufficient signers this Call can be transformed into a powerful vehicle for shaping the debate and direction of U.S. foreign policy. We are counting on you and all signers to tell others about the Call and to contribute to our outreach efforts so that we can achieve the greatest possible impact on U.S. foreign policy.

http://bringthemhome.btvshalom.org/faq.html#q1

[pelsar]

9. i personally like the idea.....

but its a financial thing...thats really the heart of the a matter. There's actually a group of them that is attempting to pressure the govt for some compenstation...but they're getting nowhere.

anyway if it works, it will leave just the extremists who few israelis will actually support.......provided (yes here it comes again....) gaza works. Without gaza working, i will be volunteering, again, to protect the israeli extremists just to keep the PAs extremist at arms (kassams) length. (which can enter the world of the surreal)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/israel/Story/0,2763,1686907,00.html

[Wordie]

12. You got my hopes up there for a moment, pelsar.

I think you exaggerate the problem of Gaza, and underplay the problem of the illegal settlements. :(

[pelsar]

13. on the contrary...

read about it....its also a one way street...once done there is no going back....

lets say the westbank goes the way of gaza (read the link above)....then what?....what would you suggest we do? (take the hypothetical.... because its a very real scenario unless the events in gaza are all in my imagination)

[Wordie]

15. Sorry, I don't want to change the subject of this thread to Gaza. eom

[pelsar]

16. i'll start a new thread...

just for you ...just for the subject...of what if the westbank turns into gaza jan 2006

[Tom Joad]

10. The purpose of the settlements is to displace the Palestinians.

It is true that many of settlers are there because it is a place to live, subsidized by US taxpayers, it is often a great deal.

However these settlements became part of Israeli policy is to dispossess Palestinians of their land, to "create facts on the ground" that cannot be changed (well, not easily changed). This has been done by both the Labor Party (after the Oslo Accords, there was a dramatic increase in settlement building) and the Likud. Sharon was a great proponent of this policy, it is his legacy, but not his alone. Rabin was another proponent of "natural growth".

From Friends Comm. on National Legislation:
http://www.fcnl.org/issues/persp5_isr-pal_3.htm
Soon after the Oslo accords, the government of Itzhak Rabin promised the U.S. that Israel would not establish new settlements and would not expand existing ones, except to meet the needs occasioned by the “natural growth” of the settler population. Palestinian negotiators seem to have accepted this pledge as a sufficient guarantee on the settlement question. While all subsequent Israeli governments have reaffirmed this commitment, Israel has interpreted “natural growth” to be a much broader concept than “natural increase,” i.e. the population increase due only to an excess of births over deaths. In practice, “natural growth” has meant as rapid an expansion of settlements as available resources permit. An essentially unlimited interpretation of “natural growth” plus an exception Israel declared for an extensive “greater Jerusalem area” in the center of the West Bank have made possible, despite the pledge, the near doubling of the settlement population during the seven years of the Oslo period. The settlements harm the Palestinian population in a number of ways. Most obviously, they prevent Palestinian development in (and even access to) substantial tracts of land.

[Wordie]

11. This group has some great ideas about all of that:

#13
Why does your Call only give brief mention to the suffering of the Palestinians when in fact they suffer most under Israel's settlement policy?

It is undeniable that the continued growth of the settlements has made life disproportionately difficult for Palestinians, but it is equally true that both Israelis and Palestinians stand to gain from a negotiated end to the occupation of the West Bank. The Call presents a winnable plan that lays the basis for such a resolution. Moreover, it positions the American Jewish community to uniquely influence U.S. foreign policy by advocating concrete steps to evacuate settlements as an outgrowth of the community’s record of unwavering support for Israel.

http://bringthemhome.btvshalom.org/faq.html#q13

They also say this:

#10
Does the Call ask the US government for an additional financial commitment to the Israeli government?

The Call urges that international funding from the United States, the European Union, and other major industrial democracies be given directly to the settlers wishing to relocate rather than to the Israeli government. Furthermore, the Call proposes that Israel redirect the funds it currently uses as inducements to settle in the West Bank to those settlers who are now willing to return to Israel proper.


#11
If international aid was forthcoming but the Israeli government was uncooperative, couldn't it prevent settlers from relocating even if they could afford to do so?

Citizens of Israel have the right to live wherever they choose within the l967 borders. The government cannot, under the present system of law and custom, prevent citizens from determining their own place of residence within the l967 borders. It could, of course, take steps to discourage settlers from returning, but doing so would likely lead to an outcry both inside and outside Israel.


#12
Doesn’t the evacuation of settlements reward terrorism?

No. Like any and all concessions to the Palestinians that lay the necessary groundwork for achieving a negotiated resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the evacuation of settlements will be rejected by those who view the conflict as a zero-sum game. While terrorism is not likely to be completely eradicated in the foreseeable future by either political or military means, reaching a negotiated resolution of the conflict based on mutually agreed-upon and defendable borders will significantly reduce its occurrence.

[pelsar]

14. shhesh..open your eyes....

same was said about gaza......

[Wordie]

17. Here's a discussion of financial incentives offered by Israel for illegal

settlements. (I know this isn't what you want to talk about, pelsar, but this is what drives much of the violence in general.)

#4
What exactly are the financial incentives offered to Jewish settlers by the Israeli government?

Successive Israeli governments have implemented a sustained policy of financial inducements designed to encourage Jewish citizens to migrate to the West Bank.

Most of the settlements in the West Bank are defined as national priority areas. Accordingly, the settlers and other Israeli citizens working or investing in the settlements are entitled to significant financial benefits. These benefits include:

* Generous loans for the purchase of apartments, part of which is converted to a grant
* Significant price reductions in leasing land
* Incentives for teachers, exemption from tuition fees in kindergartens, and free transportation to school)
* Grants for investors, infrastructure for industrial zones
* Incentives for social workers
* Reductions in income tax for individuals and companies

In the year 2000, the average per capita allocation from the Israeli government to the Jewish local councils in the West Bank was approximately 65% higher than the average per capita allocation in local councils inside Israel. The discrepancy in the grants for the regional councils is even greater: the average per capita grant in 2000 for the regional councils in the West Bank was 165% of that for a resident of a regional council inside Israel.

One of the mechanisms used by the government to favor the local Jewish authorities in the West Bank, in comparison with local authorities inside Israel, is to channel funding for the settlements through the Settlement Division of the World Zionist Organization (WZO). While not an official government body, the Settlement Division is staffed and largely directed by political appointees. Its quasi-governmental status enables it to circumvent public commitments made by successive Israeli administrations to freeze settlement growth. The Sasson report on the status of illegal settlements found that the WZO serves as a conduit for the creation of illegal settlement outposts and in some cases, that it has knowingly built these outposts on Arab land.

http://bringthemhome.btvshalom.org/faq.html

[pelsar]

18. i dont mind talking about them..

and i been around them alot...i just find the "blame all the violence on the settlements" to be so ignorent of the actual reasons for the violence. They are part of them and they are definitily a problem and cause violence and i could go on and on.....about them....

but to claim that they are THE reason is ignoring the years previous to them as if they didnt exist. Admit that much of the voilence toward israel is its existance and we'll much to discuss. Blame it on the settlements and you'll do what your doing about gaza....finding excuses for the palestenains chaos and violence (like the occupation by electricity grid.....) when there are no settlements left to blame.

the difference between us, is that i have a real stake in palestenain society, that its peaceful and develops alongside israel. I dont close my eyes and pretend the violence and chaos in gaza cant move over to the westbank, and i also know that if it does, a lot more people are going to get hurt for a longer period of time......thats a very real possibility, saying "it wont happen" can only be said by someone who, if it does, will only say: oops.

[Wordie]

21. You just don't see that the destruction of Palestinian culture isn't the

answer, do you. You just ignore everything that's been written about how the settlements will destroy any hope for a viable Palestinian society. It just doesn't matter to you.

When I talk to you I often imagine that there is a Palestinian somewhere saying the exact same things you do, but from the exact opposite perspective. Justifying his own actions due to the actions of Israel. Don't you see that as long as it goes on that way it won't ever end, except for one side actually destroying the other completely?

[Coastie for Truth]

19. I am replying

My cousin e-mailed - and directed me to his name on the list, and the name of another cousin. Checked for my old birth state - and found the old "ACLU-Progressive Democratic Club-NARAL" crowd from home. Lots of academics. My dad's oncologist.

This is the base of Democratic support in the Jewish community - and the base of ACLU, and NARAL support.

I do agree with the apparent policy of "Pay The Settlers Anything To Move Back Inside The Green Line - Worth It IF It Buys Peace."

[Wordie]

20. Are you saying you signed on too, Coastie? eom