Miko Stands with Sabeel in New Mexico
In his presentation at this weekend’s conference, Miko Peled, the Israeli-born anti-Zionist and advocate of equal rights and decolonization in a single state, made the observation that every cause of social justice in history that has been worth fighting for was divisive in its time. The Civil Rights struggle in the United States was one such cause, but even more divisive than that, Peled reminded us, was slavery. So divisive, it led to Civil War in which hundreds of thousands died.
–Ali Abunimah, referring to Miko’s speech at the Sabeel Conference held in Albuquerque, New Mexico September 28-29 in his Electronic Intifada article “‘Seeking Balance’: How Albuquerque Cathedral that slammed its doors to Sabeel helps Israeli oppression.” The original host of the event, an Episcopal church, disinvited Sabeel after pressure from American Jewish organizations.
It’s sad and frustrated when American Christian groups think they’re doing the right thing by blindly supporting Israel when in fact they are doing damage not only to Palestinians, but also to Israel’s long-term prospects as a truly democratic and secure state and to the vitality of Judaism itself.