Mubarak Awad and Israel

The jailing of Awad illustrates the inability of Judeo-Christian-Muslim thinking to evolve and accept the truth that we are all in this as one, and the use of the strategy of passive resistance. His persecution for supporting dignity and justice affects us all.

We Americans, whose history includes the foundations of tolerance and universal rights, have choices to contribute to the well being of all people. Our own roots help us identify those who are oppressed and help to check greed and power. We are beguiled into rationalizing our purposes when those in the way are perceived as being inferior. The agrarian nature of the Palestinians was no match for the Zionist movement, which was created in the monstrous purges of the last century. America helped defeat the threat and in trying to reconcile the Jews has supported the formation and existence of Israel.

Overlooked was the indigenous population which included Jews and Arabs who had coexisted for centuries. A divine purpose was institutionalized and ruthlessly applied to acquire and displace a nation and its people. The Palestinians have finally realized they stand alone in their fight to be recognized. Americans are awaking to the need of addressing these issues.

GERALD ANANI

Huntington Beach