My letter to the NYTimes RE Why Abbas Reconciled With Hamas by Ali Jarbawi

RE Why Abbas Reconciled With Hamas by Ali Jarbawi
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/02/opinion/jarbawi-why-abbas-reconciled-with-hamas.html?ref=opinion&_r=0

Dear Editor,

It is very VERY hard to write to say thank you for publishing Ali Jarbawi's op-ed "Why Abbas Reconciled With Hamas" because I think Islamists in general have done huge harm to Palestine and the Palestinians' quest for freedom and justice... and statehood.

But I do have to thank you for what Ali Jarbawi wrote was very true- and very important, and very helpful if the goal is to end the Israel/Palestine conflict. Point by point Ali Jarbawi provides good insight into where Abbas is coming from, and why Abbas and Palestine should have our support.

 

There are energetic cynics on both sides of the Israel-Palestine conflict who would rather find reasons and ways to perpetuate the conflict by inciting rage, bigotry, scorn and character assassinations whenever and wherever they can, rather than empowering compassion, thoughtful conversations, support for the rule of fair and just laws, full respect for universal human rights and diplomatic efforts to end the conflict once and for all, for everyone's sake. 

I'd rather pay attention to people who are looking for reasons and ways to end the Israel-Palestine conflict with a just and lasting peace.

Sincerely,
Anne Selden Annab

NOTES
Sources ...a poem (for Palestine)

“Forgiving is not forgetting; it’s actually remembering - remembering and not using your right to hit back.”

Middle East peace: The concrete proof of Israel’s opposition to a two-state solution - the construction of nearly 14,000 homes in occupied territories

Palestinian Refugees (1948-NOW) refused their right to return... and their right to live in peace free from religious bigotry and injustice.

Reactions to the new unity deal ... for Palestine

“Forgiveness is not an occasional act, it is a constant attitude.” ― Martin Luther King Jr. ... FINDING alternatives to conflict and revenge: The Forgiveness Project

Jordan's King honours winners of King Abdullah II Award for World Interfaith Harmony Week 2014

Palestinians signal willingness to continue peace talks

Abbas: New govt recognizes Israel and rejects violence

King hails outgoing UNRWA chief in Jordan

PBS: Six takes on the Palestinian unity deal

That is real cultural and educational leadership and integrity. It is principled, brave, intelligent and unflinching. It deserves only support, applause and emulation...

American Task Force on Palestine Springs Forward

Choosing Sides ... a poem  

To a State ...a poem

Outreach: American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) "Our Israeli and Palestinian partners in the Middle East as well as our partners in the U.S. believe as we do that a lasting peace must begin with a commitment to shared security for all."

"Read and remember, take a minute to recall the smell of your grandmother’s za’atar and the taste of balady labaneh, and imagine what would happen if we were to lose it all…" This Week in Palestine

Growing Gardens for Palestine: "And it's up to all of us together"... a Spring poem for Palestine & peace

Peace Building ... civic muscle

• All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.

The Golden Rule... Do unto others as you would have them do unto you

"The only way to honor our tragic histories is to create a future for our children free of man-made tragedy. This means making peace fully, completely and without reservation, between Israel and Palestine." American Task Force on Palestine's born in Jerusalem Dr. Ziad Asali: To honor a tragic history, we must work for peace