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Resist Newsletter, Mar. 1986

Resist

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Recommended Citation Resist, "Resist Newsletter, Mar. 1986" (1986). Resist Newsletters. 190. https://digitalrepository.trincoll.edu/resistnewsletter/190 Inside: Mothers in the Peace Movement: A Response

Newsletter #184 A call to resist illegitimate authority March 1986 Will the Palestinians Survive the Peace Process? ROBERT VITALIS

Note: Most of the information con­ tained in this article is culled from material published in the mainstream Israeli press and translated in such publications as !SRA/Counter-Source (formerly israeleft), the dispatches of Israel Shahak, and the English language edition of Aj-Fajr. For the historical background and more detail­ ed discussion of the issues raised here, see Noam Chomsky's invaluable study, The Fateful Triangle, Boston: South End Press, 1983. This is part one of a two-part article.

June1986 will mark the nineteenth year of Israeli occupation of the West Bank and the Gaza strip. In May 1986, Israelis will celebrate the thirty-eighth Sisters of a Palestinian prisoner, after their anniversary of independence. Thus house on the Gaza Strip was destroyed. one-half the history of the Jewish state is the history of Israeli domination of tatives of the Palestinian people and longer be able to avoid a political set­ the occupied territories, a period long their aspirations for statehood-have tlement with the PLO led the state to enough for a mythology of the occupa­ joined what Chomsky calls the interna­ launch a war in the Summer of 1982 tion to have developed; for control, tional consensus on an acceptable (with full US support) in an attempt to domination and exploitation to have resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli destroy the PLO as a political force. been institutionalized; for racism and conflict-namely a negotiated political For some months prior to June 1982, hatred to have taken hold; and for a settlement based on two states: Israel the Israelis had applied what they call­ new generation of Palestinian national­ within her pre-1967 borders and ed the "iron-fist" in the occupied ter­ ists to have emerged. Palestine in what is now the occupied ritories. Uri Avnery called it "a reign Since 1973, Palestinian nationalism territories. of terror" directed at Palestinian has come to focus on the demand for According to Yehoshua Porath, the mayors, union activists, journalists, an independent Palestinian state in the Israeli scholar and historian of the student leaders and other segments of West Bank and Gaza. The dominant Palestinian national movement, the factions within the PLO-the represen- fear that Israeli leaders would no Continued on page Two Palestinians Continued from pag~ On~ the nationalist movement in the oc­ Jordanian approach to negotiations. resistance groups as well as many in­ cupied territories. A major weapon in To simplify the issue: two opposing dependents refused to attend. It is this this campaign consisted in the views have emerged on strategy. The body which ratified Arafat's indepen­ systematic use of The Emergency majority on each side supports a nego­ dent initiative, resulting ultimately in Regulations, a set of laws passed dur­ tiated end to the conflict, but divides the signature of the Arafat-Hussein ing the time of the British mandate over the means to achieve it. One posi­ agreement in February 1985. which the government still considers to tion sees an alliance with Jordan, in a Some see in this Amman meeting be in force. These laws served the diplomatic front with Egypt and the and the February agreement a reflec­ Israelis from the beginning of the oc­ United Staes, as a means. of at least tion of wider changes, both in the cupation in 1967 as the legal basis for "saving the land" from Israel. The se­ regional balance of forces and in the "enlightened" and "relatively benign" cond challenges the assumption that PLO, where the power of the comman­ practices (as the occupation is com­ the PLO is strong enough to survive do organizations has given way in part monly characterized) such as collective such an initiative and argues that the to pro-Jordanian West Bank leaders punishment, administrative detention, proper course is to form a front with and other more conservative elements. and deportation (harassment and Syria against lJS interests, until such According to Rashid Khalidi, "like it violence are practiced without recourse time as the balance of forces changes. or not, we are now in a different situa­ to colonialist legislation). The success of the Southern Lebanese tion. The Palestinians have changed Israel's real objective in the Lebanon in driving out the Israelis is held as an socially and their position vis-a-vis the war was related to the real objective of example for the resistance. Arab countries and vis-a-vis what they the iron fist-namely to destroy the From the perspective of the Palesti­ can do to Israel has changed.'' support for the PLO among the nians and the attainment of their na­ Anotehr Palestinian scholar, Naseer Palestinians in the occupied territories. tional rights, this "Jordanian option" Aruri, describes the changes a bit more The regime hoped to promote an alter­ is hardly auspicious (the same is true of starkly, "It may be that now the last native leadership in the occupied ter­ the "Syrian option"). Though King organized presence of Arab revolu­ ritories. According to Likud's plan, Hussein asserts support for the right to tionaries has finally decided to join this non-PLO, "moderate" Palesti­ statehood, post-Beirut diplomatic forces with the ''moderate'' Arab nian constituency would eventually maneuverings have permitted him to regimes, which have decided to submit negotiate some form of ''autonomy'' weigh Palestinian demands beside Jor­ to Washington's terms." for the Palestinians within "greater dan's historical claims to the West Continued on page Six Israel.'' Bank. From the US perspective, Hus­ Though the Palestinians suffered a sein's involvement in the peace process grave setback, the Israelis succeeded will strengthen his resolve to act Correction: The photos of the Philip­ neither in destroying the PLO nor in honorably on the Palestinians' behalf, pines in Resist Newsletter #182 are weakening its influence in the occupied that is, to turn his back on the second credited to Rebecca Ratcliff of territories. By 1985 Israel was again at of two rights reaffirmed by all Arab Grassroots International. war with the PLO, with the full states in Rabat (October 1974): the cooperation of the US, under the guise recognition of the PLO as sole, legiti­ of what is labeled the "peace process." mate representative of the Palestinian Not surprisingly, by the summer of people. No Palestinian, other than 1985 the Israeli government of Shimon those directly beholden to the Jorda­ Peres had raised the iron fist once more nian regime, feels secure in entrusting against the Palestinians in the West his or her future to Hussein. In any Bank and Gaza. case, both Israel and the US reject the right of the Palestinians to an indepen­ A PLO Inching Toward Jordan dent state, thereby significantly pre­ Since the defeat in Beirut, Arafat's determining the outcome of any promotion of an alliance with Jordan Israeli-US sponsored peace process. has dominated the PLO's agenda. Op­ Arafat has pushed the Jordan option position to the plan within the military forward, relying on his considerable wing of Fatah, Arafat's own organiza­ personal power within the PLO, which ILLEGfflMATIAUTIIORIT~ ,...,..,, fect"I/UW.,~ "61 tion, turned into an armed rebellion by derives from his widespread support mid-1983. With Syrian backing, the among the Palestinians in the occupied The Resist Newsletter is published ten Fatah rebels fought Arafat loyalists in territories and the diaspora com­ times a year by Resist, Inc., 38 Union Eastern and Northern Lebanon. Some munities. Nonetheless, the decision to Square, Somerville, MA 02143. (617) elements of the PLO opposed to the forge ahead has exacted a significant 623-5110. Jordanian alliance and critical of toll on the m:iity of the PLO. Arafat Resist staff: Ken Tangvik Arafat have retained their official ties knowingly increased the chances of a Meredith Smith to the organization. Disagreements permanent fissure in November 1984, Nancy Moniz also exist within the majority tendency when he convened the Palestine Na­ Typesetting: Vicki Gabriner in the PLO leadership which supports tional Council (usually described as the Gay Community News the Arafat position, involving the tim­ Palestinians' legislature in exile) in Printing: Red Sun Press • "' ing and terms of a joint Palestinian- Amman, Jordan. Most of the major

Page Two Resist Newsletter March 1986 Mothers in the Peace Movement: A Response KATE CLOUD

Womenin the disarmament movement-where have we been and where are we going? How should we look at the contributions of women peace activists? Have certain women activists in the disarmament movement actually encouraged our own marginal­ ization by claiming ''a special relation­ ship to peace"? How should feminist analysis and criticism be presented and what are the implications for future political work? These are some of the questions rais­ ed for me by Karen Kahn's article, "Gender Ideology and the Disarma­ ment Movement" (RESIST, Dec. '85). In her introductory paragraphs, after referring to the Women's Pentagon Actions, Greenham Common, the Seneca Peace Encampment and Women's Action for Nuclear Disarma­ ment, Kahn states her premise: I argue that by justifying their resistance in terms of "women's special relationship to peace", women activists laid the groundwork from the perspective of my role as responded with many parents, mostly for their own marginalization. By ex­ mother and parent. mothers, who supported and encourag­ ploiting a very traditional gender In the late '70s, I was looking for ed our work. Our efforts resulted in the ideology they implicitly gave support political direction and trying to involve book, Watermelons Not War.* to an understanding of gender and myself in various feminist and progres­ I had also participated in W AND's politics which refuses to see women Mothers Day Demonstration in as serious political thinkers and sive efforts. As a working mother and single parent, I found that home and Washington, DC (1979) and both organizers. Moreover, because the Women's Pentagon Actions ('80, '81). ideology failed to address the real job responsibilities kept limiting my issues underlying women's resistance participation. Many of my activist I asked myself: am I one of Kahn's to nuclear weapons and militarism, friends were vaguely sympathetic but "moral mothers"? Have some of us women activists were unable to sus­ few were interested in my difficulties or been claiming a ''special relationship tain powerful grassroots support. insights as a parent. My solution was to to peace,'' thereby encouraging our Kahn says that certain disarmament seek out other mothers who wanted to own marginalization within the activists exploited a damaging cultural work for political change. disarmament movement? Are some stereotype:the idea that women are en­ In 1979, I joined with four other women "exploiting" the mother role dowed with a superior morality by vir­ mothers to form a collective writing to the detriment of real feminist work? tue of their mothering and/ or connec­ project. We decided to write a support "Gender Ideology and the Disarma­ tion with nature. She refers to these book for parents concerned about ment Movement" stresses the impor­ women as the ''moral mothers.'' These nuclear issues. Over the next five years, tance of gender analysis in disarma­ ''moral mothers'' allegedly obscured we explored ideas about war and mili­ ment work, and raises some serious feminist analysis and damaged the tarism, science and technology, con­ criticisms of certain women peace acti- credibility of feminist work within the flict resolution and political action and Continued on page Four movement. change. We focused on these issues Kahn's criticism touched me per­ from the perspective of our respon­ *written by Kate Cloud, Ellie Deegan, sonally, since I have chosen to speak sibilities to our children and future Alice Evans, Haryat Iman and Barbara out on the issues of war and peace generations. We spoke and cor- Signer. New Society Publishers, 1984.

#184 Resist Newsletter Page Three Mothers in the Peace Movement Continued from page Three vists. In response, I want to speak from political competence is frequently call­ Furthermore, affirming the peace­ my own experience about several issues ed into question. Having felt the sting making potential of mothers does not concerning women's political work in of trivialization and patronization at suggest that a mother's only role is disarmament and in general. Do times in my work with disarmament ac­ peace-making, or that women should women speaking as mothers have an tivists, I can really appreciate Kahn's confine ourselves to observations authentic voice in the disarmament description of the oppressive stereo­ about peace and love and leave the movement? How should we look at the types that surround the role of mother. economics and technology to the men. contributions of women peace acti­ Mothers are often treated as if we had Just as women must challenge the vists? What is feminist criticism and nothing to off er in the political arena assumption that motherhood is the on­ how can criticism and analysis serve to beyond platitudes &bout peace. How­ ly valid role for women, we must also build unity among women? ever, these attitudes can best be chal­ challenge the idea that we have to deny lenged by women who do speak out our insights as mothers in order to be Mothers for Peace-Moralizing or and act as mothers when they have taken seriously by other activists. We Moral Effort? something to offer, politically or need the support of feminists in each of Have women speaking as mothers morally. these challenges. had a destructive impact on feminist Motherhood does not confer moral "Real Issues" and Real Herstory disarmament work? The argument superiority on anyone. As Kahn and Someone unfamiliar with the work goes something like this: Patriarchal others have pointed out, the belief that of women peace activists might assume culture defines women's role and place mothers (or women) have the key to from Kahn's article that we have never in relation to reproduction and nurtur­ peace allows women to avoid the really addressed militarism's relation­ ing. Within this role, we are expected responsibility of looking at our own ship to the violence and impoverish­ to produce babies, care for children complicity in war and violent activity; ment of women's lives. In her conclu­ and men, and confine ourselves to the it also implies that men are incapable sion, Kahn states: domestic arena. A cluster of traits goes of understanding and changing their along with this role-among them own violent behavior. There is a dif­ All of these issues-women's relation passivity, fearfulness, and inability to ference however, between claiming to the state, technology, the economy understand the serious and important moral superiority and claiming that and violence-have been touched issues of the political arena. When women who are mothers have a unique upon by women in the disarmament movement, but they have remained mothers speak out about peace, we and valuable perspective to off er. hidden behind ideological statements evoke all the trivializing stereotypes Intimate relationships and involve­ equating women's nature and associated with the motherhood role. ment with children, whether one is a motherhood with a desire for peace. By speaking out as mothers then, we biological parent or not, frequently Rather than a feminist analysis we are accepting a limited definition of leads adults to questions and concerns have seen the rejection of that which ourselves as women, and inviting our about the future of younger genera­ is thought to be male-technology, own marginalizations by serious tions .' The experience of "mothering" violence, the state-and the valoriza­ political leaders. tests and teaches us, and sometimes tion of that which is thought to be According to Kahn: brings insights previously unavailable female-motherhood, nature, to us. Caring for a helpless infant, nur­ children ... As such, there is little difference bet­ . . . In failing to address these ween those activists who proclaim turing growing bodies and minds, issues the disarmament movement that women's special relationship to mediating squabbles and stopping has never been able to gain the whole­ peace is based upon motherhood, fights ... learning to control our own hearted support of working class and those who argue that it is based anger and selfishness, learning to ac­ women or women of color, who have upon women's relationship to nature. cept and encourage growth and never responded to the ''mother ­ In either case, motherhood becomes change, learning to be alert for danger, hood" ideology exploited by white, the primary metaphor through which learning to make peace. Many of the middle class women activists ... the general public, whether inside or values associated with motherhood­ This is a misrepresentation of the outside the disarmament movement, loving, nurturing, protecting, resolving understand's women's resistance ... work of women peace activists and the . . . When women are viewed as conflicts-are precisely the values that disarmament movement in general. In ''moral mothers'' within the move­ must be developed if we are to end the fact, feminist issues have been raised ment, they are not respected as com­ arms race. We live in a world of fanatic within the disarmament movement in a petent political actors. Their role is hatreds and uncontrolled greed, a variety of contexts and forums. Cer­ primarily seen as symbolic; women world threatened by terminal con­ tainly the Women's Pentagon Actions carry the moral banner of the move­ tamination, a world dominated by addressed all the connections. Kahn ment, while men do the real work, leaders who could blow us all away refers to as women's "real interests in arguing over scientific facts, missile someday in a fit of moral and political maintaining peace," sometimes in ex­ technology, and arms control. righteousness. Under the cir­ cruciating detail. One of the clearest Moreover, having entered the cumstances, shouldn't we, welcome any political arena as mothers, women messages of the Women's Pentagon are seen as having only one interest­ special insights mothers have to off er Actions was that disarmament work is their children's survival; having about peace? only one of the many political struggles achieved this, they are expected to To say that women who are mothers (including racial justice, economic retreat back into the domestic have a great deal to contribute to dis­ equity, reproductive rights, etc.) which arena ... armament work is not to say that must complement each other in the When we speak out as mothers, our mothers are wiser or better than others. development of the grassroots support

Page Four Resist Newsletter March 1986 needed for meaningful change. fears about the future of their children. In our collective's work on WNW! These women have heightened public we made connections between state awareness of important issues and violence and the everyday violence in challenged many restrictive stereotypes our lives. Our book discusses the about the role of mothers and women. economics of the arms race and the They have offered ideas about the nuclear industry and the science and world which combined political protest technology of nuclear processes and and action with an unashamed affir­ alternative energy sources. Although mation of the caring and nurturing WNW! was written primarily as a sup­ aspects of motherhood. port book for parents, it does not shy away from making some essential Who's Marginalizing Who? feminist connections and calling for A friend told me recently that she radical change. Were those elements of has always been uncomfortable with WNW! taken less seriously or devalued feminism. This woman, a mother and a because we also spoke, as mothers will, community activist, feels that some of about our fears and hopes for children her strongest values-home and family and future generations? -are frowned upon by upholders of For years, many community activists the "correct" feminist line. Many '' As a cultural category, motherhood have been incorporating feminist women who support the goals of is heavily laden with symbolic bag­ understandings about militarism and women's liberation do not identify gage which does not allow for a thor­ women's lives into their organizing themselves as feminists because they ough analysis of the historical condi­ work. Mainstream disarmament are convinced that their life choices tions presently shaping women's groups are also making more of these and priorities will be judged harshly by lives." ! ! ! ! connections, often at the insistence of feminist critics. I think feminism will (all emphasis mine. KC) women peace activists. I agree with gain more grassroots acceptance when The practice of motherhood is heav­ Kahn that we all have a long way to go we get beyond the widespread percep­ ily laden with some very real in deepening our feminist analysis, tion of feminist criticism as judgemen­ "baggage" which cannot be separated especially in terms of the relationship tal attack. from an analysis of the conditions that between state violence and the escalat­ One long standing problem with shape women's lives. Kahn's negative ing violence against women. My objec­ feminist political criticism and left phrasing in reference to mothers only tion is to her assertion that the ''real criticism in general is the tendency of serves to perpetuate the marginaliza­ political interests of women" have only criticism to split and divide us, instead tion of mothers in disarmament work, been "touched upon" by the disarma­ of leading toward greater understand­ and trivializes mothers' contributions. ment movement. This ignores the work ing of our common interests. Unfor­ Why "valorization" and not celebra­ of many women (and men) who have tunately, ''Gender Ideology and the tion? Why did she choose the term raised and supported discussion of Disarmament Movement" is an exam­ "exploit" which implies selfish use for women's political interests in achieving ple of a criticism that creates further personal gain? This kind of criticism and maintaining peace. distance between feminists and those does nothing to encourage solidarity It is also misleading to suggest that who have the potential of being our among women in the disarmament the disarmament movement failed to closest allies. Kahn's discussion of movement, or elsewhere. gain the support of low income women gender analysis isolates some women I wish Kahn had begun her analysis or women of color because these and blames them for promoting an by acknowledging the contributions of women were turned off by an ''ideo­ ideology that "failed to address the women who have spoken out as logy of motherhood." Many working real issues underlying women's mothers or "carers" on the issues of class women and women of color do resistance to nuclear weapons and war and peace and the environment. support disarmament work. In fact, militarism." The tone and choice of By acting in solidarity with other women of all backgrounds often words is often disrespectful and aliena­ women (not all of whom were develop political ideas about war and ting, slighting the efforts of many mothers), these activists demonstrated peace based on their own experiences dedicated peace activists, especially that women do indeed have something as mothers. women who have spoken out as special to offer the disarmament move­ There are many examples of women mothers and women who are white and ment. The women who left homes and who have entered the political arena as ''middle class.'' Some examples: families for an extended stay at Green­ a result and extension of their parent­ ''the valorization of that which is ham Common certainly challenged tra­ ing-the Argentinian Mothers of the thought to be female-motherhood, ditional assumptions about women's Disappeared, the mothers of Love nature, children ... " role and place. The "moral mothers" Canal, the mothers who oppose the ''Women are not attracted to the dis­ of Women Strike for Peace, who drafting of their sons, etc. Contrary to armament movement as frightened brought worldwide attention to the Kahn's assertion that "women are not mothers.'' Strontium 90 in children's bones, can attracted to the disarmament move­ "the 'motherhood' ideology ex­ surely be credited with addressing a ment as frightened mothers," many ploited by white, middle class women "real issue." Some protested in pearls, women have in fact been drawn to activists.'' others with memorable flair, like the disarmament work in response to their "they (white, middle class women) WPA's dramatic protests and civil dis- played on the 'moral mother' image" Continued on page Seven

#184 Resist Newsletter Page Five Palestinians Continued from page Two Escalating the Peace Process Through the second half of 1985, the American Press reported each lurch, fit, gasp and start of the peace process, poring over the public pronouncements of Hussein and Peres in order to deter­ mine if the thing had lurched once more. Rather less attention was given to the strong, unambiguous signs of US and Israeli pressure on Hussein to drop the PLO and enter into direct negotiations. These included secret contacts-reported in the British press-by US officials with the King and, according to some Israeli reports, a meeting between Hussein and Peres. To "encourage" the peace process, US officials gave advance approval for the Israeli bombing of the PLO head­ quarters in Tunis (see Claudia Wright, Israeli soldiers carrying out ID check in "All Out Defence," New Statesman, Jerusalem. 11 October 1985). As in June 1982, reported, the target of the mission was (recall that the major non-Fatah when the Israelis used the pretense of a the Israeli port of Ashdod. The hijack­ groups boycotted the session). None­ terrorist attack committed by enemies ing was the unplanned response of the theless, Abbas is reported to be openly of the PLO in order to begin the four Palestinians whose weapons were opposed to Arafat's contacts with Hus­ Lebanon war, they dusted the script discovered shortly after the ship left sein, while Arafat's own weakened off and re-played the scene: at least 60 Alexandria. Arafat and other PLO position prevents his exerting more ef­ Palestinians and Tunisians dead. leaders continue to argue that the arm­ fective control. Israel's Defense Minister Vitzhak ed struggle inside Israel remains a None of the partners in the peace Rabin, who planned the operation, was legitimate course for the liberation process wanted the Achille Lauro absolutely correct when, according to movement. Israeli papers reported tragedy, but all were quick to capitalize the Jersualem Post (2 October 1985), Arafat's offer to make the question of on it. Reagan made us proud to be he ''dismissed as total nonsense sugges­ suspending terrorist attacks inside Americans again by ordering the tions that the attack was aimed at Israel part of the peace negotiations. hijacking of an Egyptian airliner. (As torpedoeing the peace process.'' The ("Arafat: We'll Halt Terrorism When an added payoff, he demonstrated the peace process is a strategy which seeks Peace Talks Begin," Al Hamishmar, 1 utility of the US aid program, which to eliminate the PLO and to legalize October 1985). An important compo­ has turned Egypt into a client state.) joint Israeli-Jordanian control over the nent of the peace process is the insis­ Prime Minister Peres travelled to the occupied territories. Hussein, in tent voices of US and Israeli officials US to address the United Nations. Washington at the time and busy gaz­ calling for peace talks "without Newspapers reported that he was on a ing at the carrot (27 million dollars in preconditions" and attaching the de­ mission to convince the US that the US arms) which the administration mand that Palestinians first renounce PLO must be kept out of the Middle dangled before him as an incentive to terrorist violence to the familiar list of East peace process-as if the Reagan quicken his pace, said nothing in preconditions (no PLO, no self­ administration had ever argued other­ defense of the PLO, nothing in criti­ determination, no Palestinian state). wise. In an address to the American cism of the Israelis. His reserve was no The second explanation sees the Enterprise Institute Peres struck an doubt steeled by the voice of Rabin operation as an attempt to wreck "objective" pose and explained that reminding him that PLO targets in Jor­ Arafat's Jordan iniative by opposition the PLO had ruled itself out of the dan might be next. elements within the PLO. A week after peace process. This of course is com­ A week after the bombing in the tragedy, the conservative London pletely untrue. The promoters of the Tunisia, four Palestinians compound­ Times (14 October 1985) reported on peace process ruled out PLO participa­ ed the crime of pirating a cruise ship by the position of Muhammed Abbas, the tion long ago. killing one of its American passengers. PLO figure responsible for the opera­ The Jordanians joined in the There are two possible explanations for tion. Abbas heads a faction of the criticism of the PLO, and announced this bungled action and senseless mur­ Palestine Liberation Front (the group that they had agreed to resume der, neither of which exonerates the split during the fighting against diplomatic relations with Syria. PLO and its leader, which place the Arafat's cadres in Lebanon; Abbas's Contradicting press reports that this tragedy in a context more in keeping faction remained pro-Arafat). Abbas was some kind of rebuke to the with political reality and less in the fan­ gained his seat on the executive council Israelis, Shimon Peres announced his tasy being woven about the peace pro­ of the PLO in November in Amman, a unhesitant approval (' 'International cess. The first explanation assumes result of Arafat's need to show that the Forum is sole obstacle to talks with that Arafat knew about the operation PLO executive represented more than Jordan," Jerusalem Post, 25 October and approved of it. As Israeli sources just Arafat's own Fatah grouping 1985). Syria's president Assad is at war

Page Six Resist Newsletter March 1986 Mothers in the Peace Movement Continued from page Five with Arafat and the allied sections of Israeli press uncovered the findings obedience. Some lobbied legislators the PLO, and thus eligible to join the and published them in early June. and others went to jail for their chal­ peace process. Israeli journalists like Yehuda Litani lenges of patriarchal authority. American support for drawing Syria ("Israeli Plan for the West Bank Disarmament work offers many into talks has had some interesting side Hasn't A Chance," Ha'aretz, 7 women their first direct experience in effects. Syria appears to have been November 1985) cite precisely these political action. Often the fact that she much more directly involved than factors when discussing the likelihood is protesting at all is a critical first step Libya in the December 1985 attacks on of support for the peace process within in a woman's assertion of her right to the Rome and Vienna airports. Some Israel. Yet more important, Litani leave the domestic arena and express Israeli reports go as far as to claim that challenges "the basic principles under­ her ideas about the way things are. For the operation was actually carried out lying the plan'' which continue the some, disarmament work represents by Syrian agents. The Syrians support status quo under a different name. the beginnings of radical political Abu Nidal since he is one of Arafat's Dani Rubinstein calls them "non­ awareness about power and privilege greatest enemies. Nonetheless, the options" (Davar, 6 November 1985). that can be deepened with the support Reagan-Schultz war against world ter­ Likud calls for "autonomy." Shimon of feminists and the benefit of feminist rorism can't interfere with the peace Peres proposes-in the words of the analysis and criticism. process; the US demonstrated the abili­ Israeli newspaper Ha'aretz-a "joint Some women peace activists may ty to pick their targets for retaliation Israeli-Jordanian condominium," a have a more developed feminist analy­ with at least as much political skill as solution that most appropriately recalls sis than others. These differences can Israel; and so US ships and television the era of British and French colonial and should be explored and analyzed cameras went out stalking Col. Quad­ rule. and worked on so that we can all come dafi. Asher Maniv identifies the crucial to closer agreement on the most effect­ In Israel, Peres faces angry opposi­ flaw in Israeli designs, namely the re­ ive strategies for change. If criticism is tion to negotiations with Jordan from fusal to negotiate a settlement with the in order, it should be presented in the within his own Cabinet. The two PLO. "There is still no suitable substi­ most helpful manner possible. When largest political coalitions in Israel­ tute for the PLO-and none in sight.'' we find ourselves blaming each other, Labor and Likud-share power in the Nonetheless, "like so many politicans it's time to back up, listen more care­ current government of national unity. [Peres] will fall victim to his own pro­ fully, search for places of agreement Vitzak Shamir, a member of the Likud paganda." (Jerusalem Post, 29 Oc­ and reaffirm fundamental alliances. party and an outspoken critic of the tober 1985). That propaganda includes Constructive feminist criticism can be peace process, is scheduled to become the "leadership vacuum" in the terri­ more clearly formulated and more easi­ Prime Minister in September. His par­ tories and the desperate search for ly heard from the reference of women's ty remains steadfastly opposed to any ''moderate Palestinians'' who will sup­ common ground. negotiations with Jordan. Likud port the peace process. In the time All of us who are working for politi­ ideology claims all of the occupied ter­ honored Israeli tradition, Peres is now cal change need criticism and analysis, ritories as part of Greater Israel. Their trying to create these facts in the terri­ in order to understand and learn from own version of peace is ''autonomy'' tories with the use of the iron fist and our mistakes. However, it is difficult to for the Palestinians within Israel's ex­ the cooperation of King Hussein. talk about what should happen without panded borders. The Likud's position appearing to some to be moralizing. gains practical strength from the Part II of this article will be published One thing has become clearer to me in presence on the West Bank of well in the next issue of the Resist News­ the process of writing this: sometimes organized, politically influential, mili­ letter. Robert Vita/is is a graduate stu­ there's a very thin line between sarcasm tant Jewish settler groups like Gush dent at M.I. T. and an activist who and irony, between righteousness and Emunim and the fascist Kach party of recently spent several months in the righteous anger. This is why it seems Meir Kahane. In November, settlers Middle East. especially important for feminists to threatened the state with civil war if it criticize each other with care. In an at­ attempted to return any part of the ter­ ne Resist Pledae System I mosphere of mutual respect and sup­ ritories to Jordan. The most important source of Resist's port, more women will feel free to ex­ Many fear the presence in Israel of income is monthly pledges. Pledges plore our differences, work through Kahane because he embodies-in ex­ help us plan ahead by guaranteeingus our misunderstandings and debate our treme form-more widely held racist a minimum monthly income. In turn, most significant disagreements. attitudes which are a product of the oc­ pledges receive a monthly reminder let­ In recognizing the personal as politi­ cupation and now serve to maintain it. ter (in addition to the newsletter)which cal and affirming the value of women's Thus the Van Leer Research Institute contains news of recent grants and experience, feminism has encouraged in Israel tried to supress the results of a other Resist activities. So take the women to respect themselves and each poll it conducted in the Spring of 1985 plunge and become a Resist pledge! other. I hope that closer agreement on when it revealed that 400Joof Israelis these principles can move us forward between the ages of 15 and 18 agreed Yes, I would like to pledaeS as we continue this discussion of with Kahane's view of Arabs monthly to the work of Resist. women's work within the disarmament (Kahane's rt;gular synonyms for Pale­ Name ______movement. stinians include "animals," "roaches," -the last also popular with Address ______Kate Cloud is a Resist board member. the Likud-"dogs" and the like.). The Clty___ State__ 7Jp___ _

#184 Resist Newsletter Page Seven Rural Organizing and Cultural companies doing business with the they were sometimes faced with Center, Route 4, Box 18, Lexington, South African government, asking covert or overt racism, or ignorance MS 39095. them to pull out of South Africa; a from people around them. In the The Rural Organizing and Cultural public rally /vigil to collect signatures Summer of 1982 a videotape of black Center grew out of an awareness on a giant postcard to be sent to the poetry and dance was performed as a which increased and developed during South African president asking for class project at the University of Ver­ the two year intense struggle initiated the release of political prisoners. The mont. Excited about its outcome, the by the United League of Homes Anti-apartheid Committee is the only women decided to form KWANZAA County and carried on by state and on-going group in the Lehigh Valley to educate and perform throughout national organizations to free Mayor involved solely in Anti-apartheid the state of Vermont. Since then they Carthan and Tchula 7 and to preserve work, and LEPOCO has a long have expanded to include individuals black political rights. Mayor Carthan history of peace and justice work in of various backgrounds and was the first black mayor of a the area. The c·ommittee now feels ethnicities to help educate all people bi-racial town in the Delta of Missis­ that it is important to initiate an about the effects of racism and sipi since reconstruction and served as education program explaining the cur­ related pathologies. KW ANZAA's a vivid example of what the odds are rent situation in South Africa because goals are to raise the social and when a black mayor refuses to act as of widespread misconceptions about political consciousness and ease ten­ a figurehead, but insists on using the South African realities. They recently sions of racism, prejudice and other _powerof the office. This struggle and sent out hundreds of letters to area isms (sexism, classism, a pattern of racial harassment and at­ high school teachers about their homophobia ... ) by inducing an ad­ tacks, pointed out the clear need for South Africa Education Campaign. miration and respect for the arts, an ongoing effort to not only resist Teachers will be encouraged to hold crafts, music and her/history of other oppression but which could offer the classroom activities on the subject. cultures and people. KWANZAA is possibility of creating state and Curriculum resources will be made made up of two factions. The core regional unity in Mississippi. The available through the LEPOCO Peace group is a collective of women who Center has set two major goals for Library to assist the teachers. They are the decision making part of the 1986: to create concrete opportunities will also be presented with a packet organization. "Friends of KWAN­ for grassroot leadership from of information assembled by the com­ ZAA" is the auxillary /support groups throughout the state to come together mittee including: fact sheets, lists of of men and women who help at regular intervals to develop a locally available resources and con­ facilitate and participate in the greater awareness of isolated struggles tacts, status of divestment legislation workshops and performances. and to begin to build the network; to in state, county, and local govern­ KWANZAA is planning an Interna­ focus efforts in specific areas of the ment, and an introduction to tional Women's Day conference with state to assist in the strengthening of resources in the LEPOCO Peace the theme "Sisterhood is Global." local organizations toward empower­ Library. The classroom programs will Resist's grant was used in the ment and toward collective struggle. include slide presentations, music, preliminary stages of organizing for Resist's grant of $450 went towards a poetry, excerpts of speeches and fact this event. P.A. system which the Center needed sheets/charts. Resist's grant of $390 badly and will use at the many events went towards the costs of the educa­ that they sponsor throughout the tional program. state of Mississippi. These events will include workshops, conferences, testimonials, and cultural events KWANZAA, P .0. Box 583, Burl­ which address social justice issues. ington, VT 05402. KWANZAA is a collective of working class identified black, Native America, third world, Jewish and LEPOCO, 313 West Fourth St., white residents of Vermont dedicated Bethelehem, PA 18015. to the perpetuation of multicultural The Anti-apartheid Committee of education through workshops and LEPOCO was formed in recent performing arts. They have been months in response to continued viol­ sharing their programs with schools ence and repression by the white and the general public since the minority government of South Africa. Winter of 1981. KWANZAA evolved Since its inception the Committee has out of the Black Lesbian Coalition sponsored several public events whose purpose involved educating including: an evening program with women about racism. The BLC came speakers on "Growing up in Soweto" together because of the isolation felt and "The U.S. Corporate Role in being non-white in Vermont. When South Africa"; visits to several local they expressed their non-white selves

Page Eight Resist Newsletter March 1986