is a hard core Israeli peace movement. Often described as "resolute", "militant", "radical" or "consistent", it is known for its unwavering stand in times of crisis, such as during the Al-Aksa Intifada.
The primary aim of Gush Shalom is foremost to influence Israeli public opinion and lead it towards peace and conciliation with the Palestinian people, based on:
1. Putting an end to the occupation and accepting the right of the Palestinian people to establish an independent and sovereign State of Palestine in all the territories occupied by Israel in 1967.
2. Reinstating the pre-1967 "Green Line" as the border between the State of Israel and the State of Palestine and that the border will be open for the free movement of people and goods, subject to mutual agreement.
4. Recognizing in principle the Right of Return of the Palestinian refugees, allowing each refugee to choose freely between compensation and repatriation to Palestine and Israel, and fixing by mutual agreement the number of refugees who will be able to return to Israel in annual quotas, without undermining the foundations of Israel.
Gush Shalom believes in safeguarding the security of both Israel and Palestine by mutual agreement and guarantees and striving for overall peace between Israel and all Arab countries and the creation of a regional union.
Founded by Mr. Uri Avnery and others in 1993, the following ad was placed in Haaretz on 9/22/06 on the eve of the Jewish New Year:
The essence of peace is to connect two opposites.
If you see somebody whose opinion is the very opposite of yours, don't believe that it is impossible to be at peace with him.
Also, if you see two people (peoples) that are two opposites - don't say it is impossible to make peace between them.
On the contrary, that is the essence of the completeness of peace - to make peace prevail between two opposites.-Rabbi Nachman of Bratislav, 1772-1811, mystic, ascetic and Ukrainian Hassidic Rabbi.
On September 23, 2006, Uri Avnery wrote:
Muhammad's Sword
Since the days when Roman Emperors threw Christians to the lions, the relations between the emperors and the heads of the church have undergone many changes.
Constantine the Great, who became Emperor in the year 306 - exactly 1700 years ago - encouraged the practice of Christianity in the empire, which included Palestine. Centuries later, the church split into an Eastern (Orthodox) and a Western (Catholic) part. In the West, the Bishop of Rome, who acquired the title of Pope, demanded that the Emperor accept his superiority.
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
