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
‘Anti-Israelism’ is the Problem, Not Antisemitism
Most of the demonstrators are against the existence of Israel as a country. This can be seen as anti-Zionism, but questioning the survival of a nation is worse than opposing an ideology (an “ism”).
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.
Dueling Narratives, Shared Histories
Paul Scham examines how Palestinian Arabs and Israeli Jews interpret specific historical events differently.
Recent Posts
Why don’t more Israelis want humanitarian aid for Gazans?
While polls show widespread resistance to aid that will help hungry and homeless Gazans, there is an Israeli constituency that wants to help.
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.
Sen. Schumer’s Israel-Gaza Speech
This is an abridged version of Sen. Chuck Schumer’s bold speech on the floor of the US Senate, urging steps toward a lasting peace through a two-state solution; this also links to the speech in its entirety.
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]
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.