Daniel Lubetzky

Etgar Lefkovits just broke a big story on the OneVoice Movement in the Jerusalem Post.

This is a very assertive story that pulls no punches.  It will elicit a lot of feelings from all sides, and further redefine the debate.  Like with Palestinian extremists trying to undermine the OneVoice Summit on the Palestinian side, Israeli extremists will try to undermine it in Tel Aviv.

But this will only help uncover them.

For the record, some of our Honorary Board members’ affiliations in the article are wrong: Avishay Braverman has since moved from being President of Ben-Gurion to be a member of the Knesset; and two of the Board members listed have been very inactive for at least 2 years so they are practically not involved or part of it.  But there are another 50+ that were not listed and are far more engaged…

Another clarification is that the 600,000 signatories do not necessarily agree with a lot of the specifics written in the article.  They all agree on the OneVoice Mandate, which calls for immediate negotiations to establish a two-state solution, but leaves all details to the Heads of State elected by their people.

Still, the article is powerful and strong, worth reading.

Monday was not a simple day.

It started with a trip to Ramallah for meetings with OneVoice Palestine, as they gear up for the OneVoice Summit. 

They are all working so hard and facing a lot of challenges, but the momentum is steady and the impact is already being felt.

Coming in was tricky because a lot of the roads had been closed off, and the Kalandya checkpoint was also closed, quite rare. But we came in and eventually got there.

Then on the way back things got a bit tougher.

All the main roads were closed so we had to transverse the tiny streets within the Kalandya refugee camp.  Eventually we got to the main checkpoint.

Hundreds of Palestinians formed along the closed roads from Kalandya to Jerusalem.  It is the month of Ramadan, the holiest month of the Muslim year, and Palestinians wanted to go pray to Al Aqsa Mosque.

The Israeli Army was under orders to only allow older people to pass through to pray.

I don’t know if it was out of religious conviction or as a planned civil disobedience march, but the crowds were growing and growing, reaching several hundred people in a tiny crowded section. 

Israeli soldiers behind jeeps were holding the line, with weapons pointed, while more and more Palestinians were coming into the area. 

We, in the meantime, were stuck in our car in the very middle, unable to move – for over 2 hours (which made me miss an interview with Time Magazine – sorry Tim).

Even though a couple of shots were thrown into the sky on a couple occasions when a couple rocks were thrown, for the most part this was not a violent event.

And yet it was so very sad and disheartening.

We had front line seats to all the toils of war and occupation.

There was pushing and shoving, there was animosity thick in the air, there was denigration, there was fear, there was hatred.

I saw all of the people in the area – on both sides of the fence – as victims to this conflict, all sad peons to an unfortunate and unnecessary situation that brings misery every day to too many people because of the extremism and radicalism of a few.

if you think I don’t wonder if this is an insurmountable conflict when I see so much animosity created…

It is not going to be easy.

But then again I never expected it to be.

*   *   *

And it is not because it is easy or because we should be driven by our love for each other that we need to be inspired to act.

We have to prevail because there is just no alternative.

The images of today are nothing compared to what was in 2001-2003, and the images of 2001-2003 are nothing compared to what can be if we allow militant absolutism to become the reigning ideology.

Now it is 5:24am – I am winding down after meetings that evening on the Israeli side with the communications team, and then again phone calls with OVP to refine some documents, and then a few hours of email to trrrrry to catch up…

I’ve been getting a lot of emails lately from Iranian students and bloggers, explaining they are not in agreement with Ahmadinejad and that the vast majority of Iranian people are ordinary citizens whose aspirations for peace and harmony are similar to those we aim to advance on behalf of the Israeli and Palestinian moderates.

I know.

And I agree.

And I respect and support their efforts – and if I had the time would be eager to also be involved in highlighting this fact.

So, for all Iranian readers, please know that when I use the word "Iran" for short-hand, I am referring to the fundamentalist regime whose apocalyptic ideology is not just a burden to the world outside Iran, but even more so to the very citizens they oppress and suppress through primitive monstrosities like jailing and killing political opponents or by preventing women from having full freedoms, or uprooting people from choosing a lifestyle different to that which the Ayatollahs determine all must follow.

The sad fact is that the Iranian regime fosters terrorism to destabilize and divide the people in Iraq, Palestine, Israel, Argentina, Lebanon and elsewhere wherever they can get their hands on.  And they are the enemy that must be isolated, undermined, and brought down – by the Iranian people with the support of the community of nations.

I went on CNN just an hour or so ago, just a few seconds after they aired Nasrallah’s threats against the Arab world not to participate in the November conference sponsored by the US. 

Why am I not surprised that Hezbollah, created and funded by Iran, is opposed to negotiations to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? This doesn’t serve the needs of their Iranian patrons, who seeks to use Israelis and Palestinians as peons in the ideological quest for hegemonic control over the region.

It was a good opportunity to juxtapose the will of the overwhelming majority of citizens that are FED UP with EXTREMISM, vis a vis. absolutist apocalyptic visions that are keeping all of us chained to violence and hatred for far too long.

The contrast is clear and people need to once and for all understand there are only TWO options.  You cannot say you are for peace but want the whole thing to yourself.  You cannot say you want peace but on your own terms only.  You cannot say you are representing the hopes of the Palestinian people but the Palestinian people have no right to negotiate or talk with their enemy.  You cannot say you are upholding the rights of the Israeli people but the Israelis have no right to negotiate with their counterparts.

There are only two options: a two state solution recognizing the rights of both sides to freedom, dignity, respect and security – along the lines of the Clinton parameters which 76% of Israelis and Palestinians polled support – OR ETERNAL CONFLICT.

There is no third option.  Let’s be clear about it.

OneVoice Palestine is facing some complaints from extremist radical groups that question OneVoice’s commitment to Palestinian rights.  We of course are totally in sync with the will of the overwhelming majority of Israelis and Palestinians that are fed up with these very extremists, but for the record, I shared the following with them:

“Statement from Daniel Lubetzky, Founder of the PeaceWorks Foundation which supports the OneVoice Movement internationally, to OneVoice Palestine and the People of Palestine, on the occasion of the October 18^th Peoples’ Summit”

OneVoice is a grassroots non-partisan popular movement; it is not a political party and does not have a political platform; it is a platform to amplify the voice of ordinary Palestinian and Israeli people who do not want their lives to be hijacked any longer by forces of militant absolutism on either side. 

The OneVoice Movement recognizes that the overwhelming majority of Palestinians and Israelis support a two-state-solution as the only way to end the conflict.

Ending the conflict through a two-state-solution is the ONLY real way to end the occupation that besieges the daily lives of the Palestinian people, just like it is the only way to achieve the security that Israelis crave.   A two-state-solution is the only way to bring freedom, dignity, respect, peace and security and a better future to the people of the region.

OneVoice empowers citizens to take action to propel and support their elected leaders to be accountable to the will of the people, to immediately return to the negotiating table and to not get up until the conclusion of a two state agreement.

Both the Israeli and Palestinian Heads of State (Prime Minister Olmert and President Abbas) were elected by their people on platforms to bring an end to the occupation and terror and to achieve a two-state-solution that will, once and for all, establish a vibrant Palestinian State in peace with all of its neighbors including Israel.  The OneVoice Movement, and I personally, are unwaveringly committed to attain this goal above all.

People that oppose a two-state-solution and are threatened by the fact that OneVoice is now giving a voice to the overwhelming majority of moderates on both sides may try unsuccessfully to undermine this movement.  But they cannot stop millions on both sides that are fed up with a tiny minority keeping all hostage because of their false bravado and empty rhetoric that ignores the only solution is a negotiated solution among both peoples.

What are the contours of a two state solution?  The answers are clearly outlined in the Clinton parameters, , same which Chairman Arafat endorsed in the Taba negotiations as he affirmed the path of the “peace of the braves.” 

The answers  are further enshrined in the OneVoice Pillars for Conflict Resolution, www.OneVoiceMovement.org/negotiate, CRAFTED WITH THE PARTICIPATION OF HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF PALESTINIAN AND ISRAELI PEOPLE, which confirm, among other things, that a two state solution can only be achieved by “two viable states, Israel the state of the Jewish people and Palestine the state of the Palestinian people, each recognizing the other as such, both democratic and respecting human rights, including minority rights,” that “1967 borders are the basis for an agreement, while border modifications will be used to accommodate the territorial and security needs of both sides,” that “Israel shall completely end the occupation, within the context of a comprehensive peace agreement and a cessation of all terror and violence on both sides, at which time all political prisoners will also be released,” that “Arab East Jerusalem will be under Palestinian sovereignty while Jewish areas will be under Israeli sovereignty, and each State shall have the right to establish its capital within its sovereign territory, recognized by the other and internationally” and that “the refugee problem must be resolved in a humane, fair, just and practical manner in the final Status Agreement.” 

The above pillars represent the WILL OF CITIZENS OF THE GROUND and as such have unassailable moral authority.  They are not perfect and require further work, which elected leaders now need to immediately take on to fulfill the wish of the Palestinian AND Israeli people.

The OneVoice platform is consistent with (and advances) the Arab Peace Initiative, same which extremists on both sides oppose.

The OneVoice Movement recognizes that prosperity and security for both peoples will not be achieved without ending the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and reaching a just and agreed upon solution to all issues, including the plight of the refugees, an end to the occupation, an end to terror attacks, and an achievement of freedom and security for all peoples.

The time has come for citizens that support these principles to stand up and be counted, to not be intimidated or suppressed by False Messiahs with absolutist visions who have brought nothing but misery and violence to people on both sides.

Daniel Lubetzky

The OneVoice Movement regrets that the Jericho Summit that was to be hosted by OneVoice Palestine on October 18^th as part of its www.OneMillionVoices.org campaign is postponed due to security considerations.

This is a serious setback to the 600,000 Palestinian and Israeli signatories to the OneVoice Mandate, and to the millions of moderates in the region and worldwide who recognize the imperative of ending the conflict through a two-state solution.

The global responsibility of amplifying voices of moderates to help them seize back the agenda for conflict resolution is only further highlighted by this development.

The OneVoice Summit in Tel Aviv and echo events worldwide will continue as planned, as will the overall campaign, One Million Voices To End The Conflict, across Israel and Palestine.

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/10/11/africa/ME-GEN-Palestinians-Canceled-Concert.php

With all the pressures we are facing logistically to pull off this unprecedented massive dual parallel mobilization of mainstream nationalists on either side, Gil Shamy from OneVoice Israel just sent me this video link, which I shared with our staff across Palestine, Israel, Europe and the US, and somehow everyone was a few levels higher in spirits… …maybe we can achieve that for the region? 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0h9irzb32ms

The tensions each of us is feeling at OneVoice as we have so much on our plates to accomplish are palpable.  This weekend I go back to the Middle East, to support OneVoice Palestine and OneVoice Israel on their efforts.  Earlier today we held our last team meeting with the NY staff.  Prior to starting, I asked each team member to share their greatest source of frustration and their greatest source of excitement.  The answers were interesting:

Jake:
Greatest Frustration: when people don’t get it, don’t realize what is at stake, don’t realize the potential to forge change.
Greatest Hope: when really smart people who have been around for quite a while look at this and say, wow, this thing can really transform the region.

Darya:
Greatest Frustration: Getting Sick right in the middle of this whole thing and not being able to distinguish anymore between frustrations from being ill vs. frustrations from all the burdens of this big campaign; [about half the office is under the weather, staying up late at night and working long hours]
Greatest Excitement: Her Majesty Queen Noor Joining as Honorary Co-Chair today.

Erin:
Greatest Frustration: Being Sick Also!
Greatest Excitement: Yahoo Signing Up to Web-stream the OneVoice Summit Live

Natalie:
Greatest Frustration: when so many people are out because of the Jewish or Muslim Holidays and we need them now, to complete the SMS platform and other tasks;
Greatest Excitement: That amidst all the stress, the office environment is constructive and supportive, with everyone united, respectful, and positive

Adee:
Greatest Frustration: Not enough time in the day, the email box is out of control; and on top of executing Oct 18, we need to raise funds and organize fundraising efforts in the midst of the campaign.
Greatest Excitement: A number of hawkish right-wing hold-outs are coming on board and embracing the OneVoice message and methodology; even her Dad is getting involved and is proud (though from what I have seen, he is ALWAYS proud of Adee)

Laurel:
Greatest Disappointment; A friend canceled an after-party in Jericho [because of misinformation, being co-opted by negative voices that threaten the action of moderates, and are threatened thereby]
Greatest Excitement: A training session for student activists in DC included an impressive array of activists totally passionate and committed to the cause.

Alana:
Greatest Frustration: Microsoft Outlook2003, and all that it involves: out of control email, hard to keep up,
Greatest Hope: realizing this IS going to HAPPEN.  Friends from both sides coming to listen.

Miriam:
Greatest Frustration: realizing that pulling off the event in Capitol Hill/Washington DC will be harder than imagined and that key elements are daunting.
Greatest Excitement: a great army of students, a great program, and scores of people coming from across country to the DC event.

As we deal with so many logistical challenges and so many fast-coming opportunities and hurdles, it is so energizing when we get more great news and support from inspiring leaders!

Darya Shaikh, our US Executive Director, just gave us the great news that Her Majesty Queen Noor, a long time friend of the OneVoice Movement and an inspiring leader who is fulfilling the late King Hussein’s legacy of leadership and kindness, has joined as an Honorary Co-Chair of the OneVoice Summit on October 18th.

Her Majesty Queen Noor is in good company with other foremost dignitaries and Heads of State driven by a very different set of primary goals – some committed to end the occupation, some committed to bring security – but all joining as OneVoice to End the Conflict.

Our Honorary Co-Chairs for the OneVoice Summit include:

               Queen Noor

               Stu Eizenstat

               President Mary Robinson

               Klaus Schwab

               Saeb Erakat

               Dennis Ross

We also have a long-standing impressive Honorary Board of Advisors similarly across an unprecedented spectrum of religious beliefs and politics joining the call to empower moderate voices, including Muhammad Ali, Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, Chief Palestinian Islamic Justice Sheikh Tamimi, Ambassador Martin Indyk, and other great leaders we are grateful to.

And a great Trustee Advisory Council of global business leaders guiding and helping us.

And an awesome Entertainment Council helping us put a spotlight on the voices of moderation.

Let’s do this!

Per my prior blog post, I could have placed my bet on who is behind the "boycott" of the OneVoice Summit…

…No one other than the "International Solidarity Movement."

This is a fringe movement of extremists that do not support the two-state-solution, of any kind.  It is not an issue of 67 borders, or Jerusalem, or refugee rights.  Don’t let them hide behind any of that – because all of those issues have answers the vast majority of Israelis and Palestinians support, embodied in the Clinton Parameters – and also in the Taba talks that Arafat himself fully endorsed.

If any one doubts that the ISM and all those opposing the OneVoice Summit are just ultimately the very extremists we seek to expose, just confront them and ask them.  You will get evasive politicized answers that only will confirm these people are the "false messiahs" that promise absolute solutions to the Palestinians, only to manipulate them and deliver nothing to them.

The "International Solidarity Movement" has been exposed and defeated at numerous college campus events.  Before, they could hide under the mantle of Palestinian nationalism, out of the comfort of their homes in Virginia.

But when OneVoice Youth Leaders from Palestine, from Gaza to Jenin, who are living with the consequences tell the public that they want a two-state-solution, they help unmask intransigent groups that rather eternal warfare than a historic compromise.

The problem does not exist among Palestinian extremist circles alone, who covet "all of Palestine" and will not accept the existence of a Jewish State by their side.  There are parallel Jewish groups that want a "Greater Israel" and will not recognize a Palestinian State by their side.

They too get unmasked by mainstream Israelis that are just fed up with absolutists messing their lives for far too long.

They will try to hide behind diatribe and formulations, but the bottomline question you must ask them to expose them is, do you recognize the right of both the Israeli and Palestinian people to live in freedom, dignity, and with security – for two states to co-exist side by side?

Anyone that does not accept this formulation is either uninformed or hiding their absolutism.

One-State-Solution may be beautifully-intentioned but both the Israelis and the Palestinians want a separate State of their own.  Eventually after peace comes you could hope for a confederacy agreement between proud independent states, but the fact is that the ONLY solution out there is the Two-State-Solution embodied in the Clinton Parameters – which the OneVoice Citizen Negotiations highlighted enjoy consensus among both sides.

There are just no other answers out there and it is time that we come to terms with that and not allow violent extremists to derail the hopes and dreams of millions for an end to the conflict.