RE: From Ireland to Israel by Zion Evronyhttp://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/05/opinion/05iht-edevrony.html?ref=global
Dear Editor,
Yes peace will take compromise, but Evrony frames it all wrong when he says, "In the Middle East, Israelis would have to give up the dream of a “Greater Israel.” Palestinians would have to give up the dream of “return” for the refugees, accepting their accommodation in a future Palestinian state." Evrony is way off base.
Real compromise, and the foundation of a just and lasting peace is both Israel and Palestinians respecting the reality of two sovereign, separate, side by side states, with both states fully respecting international laws and basic human rights- including but not limited to the Palestinians refugees inalienable right to return to original homes and lands.
Refugees should not be discriminated against because of their supposed race or religion.
UN Resolution 194 from 1948 "Resolves that the refugees wishing to return to their homes and live at peace with their neighbours should be permitted to do so at the earliest practicable date, and that compensation should be paid for the property of those choosing not to return and for loss of or damage to property which, under principles of international law or in equity, should be made good by the Governments or authorities responsible" http://unispal.un.org/UNISPAL.NSF/0/C758572B78D1CD0085256BCF0077E51A
Not all Palestinian refugees will want to return to live in Israel as Israeli citizens.... but they do need to be free to go visit in peace for peace. Negotiations are necessary in order to make the process go as smoothly as possible- not to make legal and moral obligations disappear. The process of honoring and implementing UN Resolution 194 from 1948 needs to begin as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Anne Selden Annab
Growing Gardens for Palestine
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