Eating My Words, Somewhat

Ralph Seliger is irritated at me for not looking at the Meretz USA site to see what progressive Zionists stand for. He's right. Here's a statement from the Meretz site, supporting the amazing Israeli soldiers group, Breaking the Silence, on its tour of the U.S. earlier this year. It's an excellent statement. Though, yes, its emphasis is on the impact of the occupation on both the occupied and the occupier–both sides are victims–I want a clearer condemnation of the pogroms against Palestinians. I think they're the real victims. Still, this is a real good statement, and I applaud Meretz for it.

Here's another good statement asking Israel to clear the radical religious settlers from the Hebron market. I'm reminded that progressive Zionists have done real good work. Like the great Tammy Shapiro, of the Union of Progressive Zionists, who brought out the Breaking the Silence boys.

So generally I think, Ralph's right, he and I share a lot. Plus we need each other right now in the U.S., to try and end the occupation in the American discourse. 

P.S. Uh oh.  Here's the Meretz statement on the Iraq war. It's pathetic. They can't even come out against the Iraq war! Oh my god. This obviously shows the extent to which U.S. militancy against the Arab world has gained support within the Jewish community.