PRESS RELEASE from Habonim Dror North America and Hashomer Hatzair

OCTOBER 10 2000

Israel’s leaders have a critical task at hand. They must safeguard the nation’s most incipient ideals in the face of her most extreme and controversial ambitions. It has finally become clear that the opponents of peace are defending zealous ideals that will only lead to further friction with a neighboring nation. The current crisis is a challenge to the notions of democracy that have ensured Israel’s stability for the last 52 years. The future of Israel and her region are at stake.

Seven years ago, the citizens of a democratic Israel made it known to the world—they wanted peace. In partnership with Yasser Arafat, Yitzhak Rabin (Israel’s elected representative) had set the agenda for real peace in our time. Through compromise, sacrifice, and cooperation, two societies would breach the chasm between them. Humanity applauded and looked eagerly upon a process that would prove, beyond a doubt, the human instinct for progress.

As progressive Jews and constructive Zionists, we took pride in a society that was leading the way. There were others, of course, who saw things differently. They argued that to take such a leap of faith, to trust in an “enemy” that had so far proven unworthy of trust, was naive and unwise. Humanity entertained their doubts and recognized their fears.

Indeed, recent events have shown us that fears can be easily realized. Through provocation and brinkmanship, two enemies can fulfill their own prophecies. But no one said peace was easy. The leaders of each nation must finally take stock of their courage and plunge into a peace they have already prepared themselves for.

Seven long and tragic years have passed. Immeasurable amounts of human blood and sweat have been invested into a decision that will forever define the character of Israelis and Palestinians alike. By 1999, the arguments had been heard and the votes were cast. The slogan, “Israel Wants Change” defined the urgency of that election. Once again, the people demanded peace through democratic means.

Israelis and Palestinians in opposition must re-evaluate their priorities. Both nations can pursue their wildest dreams, but at the risk of losing their grasp on the circumstances of reality. Amos Oz once wrote, “There are no sweet compromises. Every compromise entails renouncing certain dreams and longings, limiting some appetites, giving up the fulfillment of certain aspirations…compromise is the essence of life itself.”

In joint declaration, Habonim Dror and Hashomer Hatzair call upon the leaders of Israel and Palestine to choose life. Violence can only be a means toward death. Its use and/or provocation cannot be seen as a viable alternative to the negotiations that have taken us so close to peace. Within each nation, old enemies must recognize their collective fate. Between each nation, brave souls (of which there are many) must take that final leap into that great and peaceful unknown.

Aleh V'Hagshem

Habonim Dror North America

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