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23rd February 2002 Public statement on Israel/Palestine conflictDear friends As Quakers, we deplore the destructive cycle of violence in Israel and Palestine. Because we know that life is sacred, however, we cannot take sides in such conflicts. All of the deaths that have taken place - civilians, soldiers and suicide bombers alike - are senseless and self-defeating. Families and whole communities on either side have suffered pointless grief and loss. There is a need to find a non-violent way of bringing attention to the injustices that lie at the heart of the conflict. What can we in Bristol do to help break this cycle of violence? Perhaps in the end the answer is ‘not enough’. There are, however, actions that we can take as individuals to let our views be known. At one level this may be as simple as boycotting Israeli goods produced in the region, from oranges to cosmetics. At another level we can write to our MPs. In particular we can urge encourage them to support a forthcoming early day motion calling on the UK Government to cancel the purchase of weapons, such as anti-tank missiles, from the Israeli armaments industry. As Quakers we want not only to refrain from selling weapons to either side but also to cancel the purchase of weapons, such as anti-tank missiles, from the Israeli armaments industry. We urge our Government not to trade arms with any military or paramilitary organisations involved in the conflict. Yours in friendship Eddy Knasel |