My letter to the NYTimes RE Let Israel Fight ISIS by Shmuel Rosner

RE Let Israel Fight ISIS by Shmuel Rosner
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/11/opinion/let-israel-fight-isis.html?ref=international&_r=0

Dear Editor,

ISIS/Daesh sees quite clearly how successful modern Israel has been as a Jews-preferred nation state that actively oppresses, impoverishes and displaces the native non-Jewish Palestinians.  

Israel could indeed not only help fight, but actually help end ISIS/Daesh's reign of terror- but not by deploying more violence, bullets, bombs and escalating bigotry. 

"The Jewish State" VS  "The Islamic State" both armed with lethal weaponry and hate filled rhetoric (plus plenty of graphic videos depicting the very real plight and suffering of the Palestinians) would only make a very bad situation much much worse, everywhere.

Religion should be a personal private matter, not a state funded enterprise with freedom, jobs, housing, special privileges and positive PR reserved for those deemed to be the right religion. Respecting the spirit and the letter of international law and universal human rights, including but not limited to the refugees inalienable right to return to original homes and lands, would send a powerfully compelling message about real justice and peace.

Building peace and universal prosperity by establishing and sustaining the rule of fair and just laws will always an ongoing process, but it is the right road to be on, for everyone's sake.  Israel needs to evacuate all of its illegal occupation of the West Bank and its crippling stranglehold on Gaza immediately OR give full Israeli citizenship with equal rights and freedoms to all Palestinians everywhere ASAP.  

Sincerely,
Anne Selden Annab

NOTES
UN: Despite Human Rights Day, 'Many Challenges Remain'

Weeks of violence dampen Christmas spirit at Bethlehem hotel

Crucifixion: Nathalie Handal on being Palestinian, writing and enduring love

What is the Israel/Palestine conflict? ...Imagine a SEGREGATED road system where the color of your license plate dictates which roads you can drive on.

Strangling Jerusalem: "In reality, the roots of the violence in Jerusalem are deeper and far more complex. For decades now, Israel has been strangling East Jerusalem denying its Palestinian inhabitants freedom, opportunity, dignity, and hope, with devastating impact. Before Israel closed Jerusalem off from the rest of the West Bank in 1994, the city had served as the hub of Palestinian life. Not only was the city important for its religious role, all of the major Palestinian economic, social, cultural, educational, medical, and service institutions were located in the city. " James Zogby, President of the Arab American Institute & author of 'Arab Voices'

"Israel's unmistakable message is: "You are defeated and subjugated, now accept your lot." Palestinian political leaders are all seen as essentially saying: "We are your champions, but we have absolutely no idea about how to advance your interests, promote your cause or gain your independence." The West, and the international community generally, seems to be saying: "We'll get back to you as soon as Israel seems to be interested in peace again, now in the meanwhile here are some kind words and limited aid." " IBISH: The Tragedy of the Palestinians

***

"What is so special about the Journal of Palestine Studies is our commitment to academically rigorous content that is also accessible to non-academics, to anyone interested in Palestine. I want to make sure Palestinian non-academics who crave this information and history can enjoy the Journal as much as a scholar in Middle East studies." Nehad Khader, managing editor of The Journal of Palestine Studies

***

A Curious Land: Stories from Home... "A superb collection and a perfect selection for public libraries"

US State Department: "And as you know, we do not consider settlements to be part of Israel. We do not view labeling the origin of products as being from the settlements as a boycott of Israel."

STAY CONNECTED... Given the U.S. commitment to religious freedom, and to the international covenants that guarantee it as the inalienable right of every human being, the United States seeks to: Promote freedom of religion and conscience throughout the world as a fundamental human right and as a source of stability for all countries

Unclench your fist... Live by the Golden Rule...

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

Words to Honor: The United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Article 1.

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.