Article: Open Letter to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu

Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu
Dear Prime Minister Netanyahu,

I love the land of Israel, and had the great joy and privilege of living in Jerusalem when I was a young woman in 1979-1980. I felt a deep soul and embodied connection to the land on which my ancient ancestors lived, and to the people who were currently living in Israel.

I, like most Jews, grieve the senseless and horrific killing of the three Israeli youth. I share your sorrow and outrage, and wish you and their families and all of Israel comfort, healing and peace. I know you must find the perpetrators and bring them to justice in a court of law.

At the same time, however, I am deeply concerned about your response
to this terrible tragedy.

I do not want to see innocent people killed, because of the horrific crime that was committed. Countless innocent people are being and will be killed, and lives will be destroyed by the bombings you are authorizing.

These bombings will not bring back the dead.

They will not bring Israel peace or security. They will only lead to more terror and killing of Jews and more extremism.

By targeting Palestinians in general, they will come to feel they are all hated and targeted regardless of whether they have anything to do with this crime. They will all come to hate us even more. Those who were repulsed by this terrible crime will likely stop feeling any sympathy for the families of the dead, because of the violence they will be facing.

You can be sure that the perpetrators will only use your response as a way to recruit even more terrorists.

I can understand your justifiable fury, but please: STOP:

Take a Pause. Think. Consider.

I beseech you: Ask yourself...

Will the actions I am taking bring security to my people? Will my actions stop the killings? Will my actions bring peace to Israel? Will my actions help Israel to have better relations with our neighbors? Will my actions bring true justice to the dead?

Will it truly help the mourners of Israel, if I kill and maim and destroy the lives of countless Palestinians, most of whom have no part in this crime? Will it help the mourners of Israel to be joined in mourning by those whom Israel is now killing?

Would these precious youngsters, who were murdered, want their country, Israel, to kill innocents in their name? Will it do honor to the dead youth to start a war in their names? Will it be right to send other young Israelis into harms' way where they will likely face death or maiming? Will it be right to have Israeli youth, like the ones murdered, kill innocent people?

Will my actions bring Israel international support and friendship? Will it help the moral and ethical character of the state, if I kill scores of innocent people? Will I be able to live with myself, if I go on killing and killing? Will it help to put gasoline on fire of fury engulfing the Middle East right now?

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