We, the undersigned, who support peace in the Middle East, oppose the misguided divestment petition calling for punitive actions by the University of Pennsylvania against the State of Israel. We have diverse opinions on how peace in the Middle East can be achieved, and widely differing views of the current government's policies. We are unanimous, however, in our condemnation of this petition as a one-sided attempt to delegitimize Israel. We are appalled that in response to the tragic situation in the Middle East individuals should choose to associate their names with a distorted position that ignores the history of the last few years and revives rhetoric long discredited by its use among extremists as code for the destruction of the Jewish State. Israel has a right to exist free from terror. To place blame solely on Israel for the recent state of affairs, and to demand unilateral concessions without showing any concern for its self-defense, is unjust. Reasonable people should work for a peacefully negotiated solution, and not single out Israel for partisan attack. The divestment petition does not support peace negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians; it does not support the citizens of Israel in the face of an endless stream of suicide bombings. It makes no mention of the widespread desire within Israel for a long-term and just solution, nor of previous attempts to achieve a peaceful settlement. Instead, it pours scorn on Israel, and calls for abandonment and disengagement at this critical time. We therefore denounce the divestment petition and appeal to those who signed it to reconsider. We support the University of Pennsylvania's decision to repudiate the divestment petition and to continue to invest culturally, financially, and intellectually in Israel and its future, in order to ensure the endurance of our shared values and freedom. |
