> -----Ursprüngliche Nachricht-----
> Von: Liana Giorgi
> Gesendet: Montag, 08. April 2002 14:26
> An: [log in to unmask]
> Cc: [log in to unmask]; Ronald J. Pohoryles; [log in to unmask]
> Betreff: Petition opposing a European moratorium on cultural and academic ties with Israel
>
> Dear Aaron,
>
> please place me on the list of signatories opposing the call to place a moratorium on European-Israeli cultural and academic ties.
>
> I agree with your comments as well as those of other signatories to this petition.
>
> It is understandable that we all experience a sense of helplessness in view of the deterioriation of the peace process which began some years ago and which culminated in the spate of suicide attacks of the recent months and the re-occupation by the Israeli army of the West Bank since last week. The situation is particularly tragic considering that what the solution to the problem would be is well known and not very different from that foreseen by the Mitchel Plan. Yet once again, the identification of the solution is not enough. This goes to show that despite declarations to the opposite, peace -- and what it would involve, namely compromises -- is not really wanted, or still not by a significant proportion of the populations affected. What it also shows is that political elites -- on either side -- have not had the courage to speak openly to their citizenry about the implications of a just solution.
>
> I remember it was back in 1995 or around that time but in any way shortly after the Oslo process had started, when I first visited Israel for a conference which among others brought together politicians from both sides to speak about the peace process. They all declared peace and wished it well. Yet they almost did it too often, and I had the sense that much too swiftly after speaking the word 'peace' they would fall back into the old rhetorics.
>
> Some European intellectuals unfortunately tend to use the term 'boycott' in the same un-reflected way. It is so easy after all to sign a petition, especially one that fits well into the mainstream anti-Israel / pro-Palestinian discourse that dominates public opinion and the media in Europe. This is easy protest, quasi of the type 'without tears', they type that offers quick gratification to a bothering sense of helplessness.
>
> Instead we should all concentrate on amplifying our efforts to draw bridges and to have sincere debates -- not only about why there is a problem and who is to blame, but rather how to proceed to resolve it in a fair and just way, i.e. one which maximises benefits and minimises losses and -- not least important -- about the opportunities and obstacles involved in the transition process as such.
>
> Myself a Greek Cypriot who was made a refugee at an early age through the Turkish invasion of Cyprus and knowing that the solution currently under negotiation for Cyprus will probably imply that my family and I never get to return to the home we used to know (if at all), I still believe the process and solution is worth it and should be pursued. My recent encounter with a Turkish Cypriot student living on the other side for the purpose of collaboration on the development of the area which is now known as the 'green line' of the capital city Nicosia (the no-man's land which divides the city and separates the two communities), confirmed my sense that this is the best way to proceed and ultimately the most gratifying. The past (and remembrance) is important less for the purpose of establishing claims or assigning blames, much more for the purpose of learning and for assuming responsibility -- namely to do things better.
>
> Regards,
> Liana Giorgi
> ICCR
>
>
>
>
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