Some people regard Israel as evil. Others defend it as if it can do no wrong. As ardent opponents of the occupation who see no contradiction between being pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian, we know that some of what Israel’s critics say is true. And some of what its defenders say is also true.
Our goal is to present a third narrative, to weigh the claims and counter-claims in this ongoing debate in order to help those who want to pursue peace and justice for both Israelis and Palestinians.
Tough Questions
Featured Posts
Palestinian Voices for a ‘Third Narrative’ & Peace
We’re delighted to find new Palestinian voices who, like us, insist on respecting the needs and feeling the pain of people on both sides, denouncing extremists and appreciating the complexities of the conflict.
Ways to Help Israelis and Gazans
This is a list of NGOs, some providing humanitarian relief in Israel and others in the Gaza Strip, which would benefit from financial support.
Dueling Narratives, Shared Histories
Paul Scham examines how Palestinian Arabs and Israeli Jews interpret specific historical events differently.
Recent Posts
Opposing Antisemitism is a Progressive Cause
Project Shema “trains and supports the Jewish community and allies to understand and address contemporary antisemitism, with an emphasis on how anti-Jewish ideas can emerge in discourse around Israel and Palestine.”
Palestinian-American Tells Left: Stop Excusing Hamas
There’s a refusal by some on the left to denounce Hamas as a violent terror group that not only committed a vile atrocity against Israelis, but has exercised authoritarian violence against Gazans for over 17 years. [Posted by permission of the Forward]
The Mother of All Opportunities
Despite its horrors, the Israel-Hamas war provides a new opportunity for diplomatic solutions; but that won’t happen if Netanyahu remains in power.
Antisemitism’s a Recurring Virus; Israel Triggers Fresh Outbreaks
Global eruptions of antisemitism precipitated two conferences at the same venue, over 20 years apart. Although Israel is not to blame for the hatred of Jews, its policies and military actions often trigger it.
Israel, Hamas and ‘Genocide’
I analyze the nature of Hamas and explain why Israel is not guilty of genocide yet has apparently violated the rule of proportionality in its war against Hamas. I also advocate an endgame strategy that reintroduces the prospect of a 2 state solution.
‘Gaza War Blues’: For a Ceasefire in Place
If Qatar is able to arrange a ceasefire in place, releasing all surviving hostages in exchange for some number of Palestinian prisoners, Israel should take it.