Middle East Peace

Ethical Reflection

The way of peace

1. recognizes our common humanity and the dignity of every person

$ restrains evil and promotes the common good

$ sustains processes that open paths for mutual understanding

Background

The Temple Mount and the Dome of the Rock occupy the same space in the Old City in East Jerusalem. This has led to much conflict.

$ When Jordan held the Old City (1948-1967), Jews were not allowed to worship at their sacred Western Wall

$ After the 1967 War, Israel annexed East Jerusalem, drew the city=s borders to also include nearby Arab villages, and
built large housing complexes for Jews on land still officially designated Aoccupied@

$ In 1980 Israel declared Jerusalem its capital

$ For Palestinians, East Jerusalem is the center of religious life and central to its economic, cultural and institutional viability.

$ Designation of Jerusalem as capital of a Palestinian state is absolutely necessary for Arab recognition of Israel=s legitimacy

Present Barriers to Peace

$ Presently the barriers to peace are concrete walls separating Jerusalem from the rest of the West Bank.

$ Large settlements to east and south of Jerusalem have been incorporated into the Israeli side of the barrier blocking access
to the West Bank.

$ The new wall means thousands of Palestinians in East Jerusalem need to pass checkpoints daily.

$ Bethlehem will have its historic and main entrance closed and its northern lands isolated

Hopeful Signs

$ Decisions by Israelis and Palestinians to turn away from violence, even though their leaders face militant opposition

$ Commitment to a negotiated settlement leading to a two-state solution

$ President Bush=s expressed vision of Atwo states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security@ and his
support for disengagement from Gaza.

What Needs Done

$ Establish and recognize Jerusalem as the capital of both states

$ Freedom of religion and unfettered access to all religious sites with neither having sovereignty over the holy places

$ Status quo of holy sites maintained with no excavations in or beneath

$ Congress join with/not obstruct President Bush=s diplomatic and economic initiatives.

(4/2005)