ISSUE 76, fall 2017 CORNERSTONE A Publication by Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center Sabeel 10th International Conference: Balfour and Religious Extremism

In This Issue Opening Sermon Challenging Religious Extremism Challenging Religious Extremism by: The Rev. Naim Ateek p. 1 by: The Rev. Naim Ateek The Balfour Declaration: Historical Context by: Dr. Peter A. Shambrook p. 6 With gratitude and thanksgiving to God, we have Islamic Fundamentalism and arrived safely in Bethlehem and there is room in the the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict by: Dr. Ghada Karmi p. 8 Inn for all of us. You are our modern magi who have come anxiously to search for peace and well-being of Jewish Extremism by: Sahar Vardi p. 12 the children of God who live in this land. You have come to stand with us, your sisters and brothers, in Comprehending Christian Zionism Palestine. We are here to bear witness to the importance by: Dr. Robert O. Smith p. 16 of peace that needs to be based on truth and justice. Post-Conference Reflections On behalf of the Sabeel Board, General Assembly, and by: Adam Keller p. 19 2 ISSUE 76, Fall 2017 ISSUE 76, Fall 2017 3

phenomenon. other religions. Some Muslims they believe they are redeeming into political decisions and Who is a religious extremist? A are speaking out against Islamic and sanctifying the land. They actions. It continues to have religious extremist is a person who extremists, and their lives have believe they are transferring the dire consequences on the life holds extreme, fanatical religious been threatened. Many Muslims land from the satanic to the and future of our Palestinian views, especially one who resorts have fled the Middle East for divine sphere, and that the use of people -- the indigenous people to, or advocates extreme action. fear of ISIS. Some have given up force is permitted wherever and of this land. In fact, western Our three monotheistic religions, on religion and turned secular. whenever necessary. They believe Christian Zionists must share the in various ways and degrees, are in Religion has been debased and they are doing God’s work. They responsibility for the creation of a crisis regarding this phenomenon. degraded for many good people. believe that God is with them Zionism and the establishment Religion is supposed to lead us · Israeli Jewish settlers: What is whenever, in his name, they kill of the state of Israel. One of the closer to the one God and closer to less known and exposed are the . There are many closest friends of Theodor Herzl, each other. Yet religion has become Israeli Jewish settler extremists. Israeli and American Jews (as the founder of political Zionism, a problem. We are supposed to They have been cleverly hidden well as Jews of other countries) was an Anglican priest by the believe in the God of love and from many people in the west, who are disturbed about what is name of William Hechler. Rev. compassion, the God of justice and especially in the United States. happening. Some are speaking Hechler was instrumental in truth, the God of forgiveness and These religious extremists out against these extremists inspiring and educating Herzl Visit to Aida Camp, Bethlehem reconciliation. Yet we find ourselves are no longer a fringe group but the majority of Israeli Jews on those passages of the Bible very far from this God. Religion and in Israeli society. Some are are silent. Frankly speaking, I that, he believed, call for the staff, I would like to welcome you struggle for the liberation of all our our worship of God are supposed to ministers in Netanyahu’s right- see many similarities between return of Jews to Palestine in all. Many of you have been with peoples, Palestinians and Israelis. make us more human and accepting wing government. They dictate extremist Muslims like Da’ish/ fulfillment of prophecy. There us many times. Many of you have I would like to pause here and of one another. Yet religious government policies that are ISIS and Israeli Jewish religious are western Christians who are been committed to a just peace for express my heartfelt thanks to all the extremists, due to their beliefs and extremely vicious against the settlers. They both have the same sympathetic to the Palestinians many years. It is wonderful to see presenters, local and international, behaviors, are making a mockery of Palestinians. The Palestinians mindset and both share similar but still believe that the land you. I am thankful for your courage, who have accepted our invitation God. They have contaminated and have little recourse to the rule racist religious laws. of Palestine was given by God perseverance, and sacrifice to be and are with us to guide our thinking polluted their religion. By so doing, of law. By and large, the Israeli · Western Christian extremists: to the Jewish people. Do they with us this week. As many of you and to challenge us through their they are dehumanizing us and de- courts and the judges are in the Christian extremism expresses support us because they feel sorry know, Sabeel is a family. If you are presentations. In a very special way, humanizing themselves. A case in service of the settlers and most of itself, to a large extent, in for us? The biblical texts they here for the first time, we want you I would like to thank Father Rami point is what has been happening the verdicts are in their favor. The Christian Zionist ideology that use reflect a tribal and exclusive to know that you are automatically a Asakerieh for allowing us the use of in al-Arish in Sinai, Egypt lately extremist settlers have a free hand usually has been translated understanding of God that has member of our Sabeel family. When St. Catherine’s Nativity Church. where Coptic Christians were and they seem to be unstoppable. we welcome you, we say in Arabic, This is Sabeel’s 10th international harassed and killed by Muslim They are motivated and inspired Ahlan wa Sahlan. Ahlan means you conference. For this opening religious extremists. The Egyptian by their religious sacred books, are family; Sahlan means, may your worship service, I have entitled government needs to do more to put not only the Torah but also the stay with us be pleasant and smooth. my sermon: Challenging Religious an end to such criminal actions. The Talmud and the Halakha. These (But living under occupation, it is Extremism. The Middle East – word religion has become repulsive. extremist settlers begin with a difficult to guarantee pleasantness where Judaism, Christianity, and Let us briefly take a look at religious major premise that God gave all and smoothness.) Be that as it may, Islam originated – still stands out extremism: of the land of Palestine to Jews we extend to all of you a hearty as the area of the world with the · Muslim extremists: I believe that and that the Arabs/Palestinians welcome; and we hope and pray that highest levels of social, religious, the case of militant and extremist living on the land are thieves. This your stay with us will be blessed, and political hostilities that involve Muslims has become widely is what they believe. Therefore, safe, and fruitful. religion. There is a proliferation of exposed and well known. I know they must liberate the land. In a special way, I would like to religious extremism, and it has been Muslims that are bewildered and When they build settlements, welcome those of you who are spreading beyond our area. As you even ashamed about the crimes they do not believe that they are friends of Sabeel and I pray that all know from our program, we will of ISIS/Da’ish. These extremists confiscating Palestinian land. For we will not only reflect and learn be addressing this problem through use exclusive Quranic texts to them, it is not an act of stealing, together, but that this conference our different speakers. At this time, kill their own brothers and sisters as the Palestinians and the will energize us to continue the I am only introducing this menacing in the faith, as well as people of international community say it is; Wall at Aida Camp 4 ISSUE 76, Fall 2017 ISSUE 76, Fall 2017 5

religion. Oftentimes, some of the worst religious persecutions happened from within the same religion. The hostilities within the same religion can oftentimes exceed the enmities from outside. As examples, one can point to wars between Catholics and Protestants within Christianity; Sunnis and Shias within Islam; Haredim and mainline Jews within Judaism. From one perspective, religious extremists have different religious labels but they share the same basic Israeli road built on Palestinian land; Wall separating Beit Jala from its land mentality and mindset. We need to Opening Worship at Church of St. Catherine, Bethlehem recognize that our religious histories been annulled and transcended communities at the end of are full of crimes committed against values. This exercise must be done have love, I am nothing. If I give He has given us the antidote of love by later prophetic writing the first century. The recorded each other, and tragically, western not only by religious people but away all my possessions, and if I for healing our religious extremism: within the Old Testament itself, words of Jesus were a great Christians bear some responsibility by individuals, men and women, hand over my body (to be burned) You have heard that it was said, and most certainly by the New encouragement to the believers for atrocities against other religions. whether practicing their religion so that I may boast, but do not you shall love your neighbor and Testament. Such biblical texts during their persecution. In The most striking examples are the or not. How do ordinary people have love, I gain nothing” (1 Cor. hate your enemy. But I say to have no historical value. They effect Jesus is saying: you will be Crusades and western Christian understand and articulate the core 13:1-3). you. Love your enemies and pray have become, exegetically and persecuted and even killed by anti-Semitism. The basic truth is of their religious faith? How do Love is the antidote. Love trumps for those who persecute you, so theologically, redundant. God is religious people who think that that none of us is innocent. All of ordinary people understand God? faith. Love trumps knowledge. Love that you may be children of your the God of truth and justice and by killing you, they are doing us have sinned against God and How do they regard their neighbor? trumps martyrdom. Paul got it from Father in heaven; for he makes wills justice for the oppressed. In God’s will. Sadly, this still reflects neighbor. We need to stand before Can people produce a criterion that Christ. This was the revolution his sun rise on the evil and on my upcoming book, I try to help the situation of some Christian God in humility and repentance. can help them test and measure their which Jesus Christ accomplished. the good, and sends rain on the the reader understand some of communities in the Middle East. When I reflect on religious extremism, behavior in light of the core values of Indeed, Jesus was brought up in a righteous and on the unrighteous. these texts. · Saul of Tarsus - a religious I wonder: Is the crisis brought about their religion? I would like to suggest religious home and was taught to For if you love those who love you, · Jesus defines religious extremism: extremist: A case in point, in the by religious extremism the result of the value of love as the criterion that love God and to obey the religious what reward do you have. Do not before In my study of the book of Acts, is the story of Saul faulty interpretations of religious can help us measure our religion, laws. But later Jesus realized that the tax collectors do the same? … gospels, I have always felt that of Tarsus who later became Paul. sacred texts, or in the content and beliefs, faith, and behavior. under the façade of religiosity was (Matt 5: 43-46). the best definition of religious In today’s language, Saul was a substance of those texts? In other a deep seated hypocrisy and racism extremism and fundamentalism religious extremist. Out of his words, does the problem lie in Let me end with two quotations that that cannot belong to authentic The antidote to the malaise of was given by Jesus Christ himself. religious zeal, he was rounding people’s belief in a violent god they are antidotes to religious extremism. religious faith. Authentic religious religious extremism is love. It is left According to the Gospel of up and persecuting the followers find in their scriptures or is it in their First: After his conversion, Saul of faith rejects any tribal, exclusive, to us to translate love into a strategy John 16:1-3, Jesus said, “I have of Jesus (Acts 9). Saul approved of blindness and unwillingness to see Tarsus became known as Paul. In his and nationalist understanding of of action that can work in each of said these things to you to keep the stoning to death of Stephen, God as merciful and compassionate letter to the Church at Corinth he God. It rejects bigotry and racism. our various cultures. Brothers and you from stumbling. They will one of the young Christian who requires us to do justice and to wrote: Authentic religious faith sees God as sisters, this conference is a wakeup put you out of the synagogues. converts (Acts 7:54, 58; 8:1). live in peace with one another? “If I speak in the tongues of the God of all people. It sees God’s call. It presents us with a challenge. Indeed, an hour is coming when The story of Saul, the religious Finally, what are the antidotes to mortals and of angels, but do not love and mercy embracing all people Take a good look at your religion those who kill you will think extremist, and his conversion is the malaise of religious extremism? have love, I am a noisy gong or with no exceptions. and measure it against the demand that by doing so they are offering part of Christian history. I would like to suggest a simple a clanging cymbal. And if I have Secondly, Jesus Christ is the source. of love of God and love of your worship to God.” The words in Certainly, our three religions exercise. Every religion needs to prophetic powers, and understand neighbor. Amen. John’s Gospel reflect the negative can share stories about how their identify what constitutes the heart all mysteries and all knowledge, friction and struggle between adherents were persecuted at the of its religious faith as well as the and if I have all faith, so as to The Rev. Naim Ateek is the co-founder of Sabeel, and currently serves as the Jewish and the Christian hands of extremists of another core of its religious and spiritual remove mountains, but do not Chairperson of the Sabeel Board. 6 ISSUE 76, Fall 2017 ISSUE 76, Fall 2017 7

to agree over Palestine, Sykes and rights in Palestine, although the Palestine was (unlike Egypt and Picot painted it brown on their map, Arabs constituted some 92% of Iraq) the unpublicised, deliberate The Balfour Declaration: and proposed it be governed by an the indigenous population. Thus, withholding of democratic political ‘international administration’ (May Zionism was transformed overnight institutions. Ironically, both Walid 1916). from a small, militarily powerless Khalidi and Sir Martin Gilbert Historical Context What then caused the British movement into an internationally agree on the centrality of this government in 1917 to turn to the recognised project: the dream by: Dr. Peter A. Shambrook decisive denial policy, but disagree Zionist movement? The tide of war became a possibility. over its morality. Three significant had not yet turned in the Allies’ Chaim Weizmann played a key role key policies which emanated stalemate on the Western Front, the favour. Apart from the ever present in this saga. He met Churchill first directly from the Declaration were British, French and Russians decided ‘Suez Canal’, Empire security factor, in 1905, Balfour in 1906, and Lloyd the establishment of the Zionist to force the Straits, take Istanbul, and the British government hoped that George in 1914. In fact, he met with Commission, the encouragement of knock Turkey out of the war. In secret Russian Jews and the Jews of the USA Prime Minister Lloyd George seven Jewish immigration, and Jewish land discussions the three Allies agreed would become the agents of pro- times during the war, and by his own purchase. that post-war Russia would take British propaganda, to aid the war account had 2,000 meetings with If there is one particular word which Istanbul and the Straits, the French effort. Secondly, diplomatic reports British officials at the highest level characterises a century of British would have Syria, and the British underlined that both the French during this decisive period. Between policy towards the Arabs of Palestine, ambiguously “reserved the right and the Germans were interested in 1905 and 1948, there was no it is deception. Three brief examples: to claim [any] Ottoman territories supporting the Zionist movement Palestinian equivalent of Weizmann the Government publicised the in due course” (Constantinople for their own colonial ambitions – in the corridors of power of , Declaration as emanating exclusively Agreement, March / April 1915). this encouraged the British not to Washington or Paris. Moreover, it is from the War Cabinet. In fact, it was Dr. Peter Shambrook speaking on the Balfour Declaration However, as the Allied campaign be outmanoeuvred. Finally, Balfour, vital to understand the mentality of a two-party agreement. Secondly, to capture Istanbul failed (Autumn Lord Milner, and Lloyd George – these decision-makers, both of the during the 1920s British governments In 1914, Great Britain was still the Britain was a key player in the Triple 1915), the British turned to the brought up on the Old Testament as Zionists (seeking safety, security, and repeatedly denied any intention to world’s most powerful empire. Over Entente, so as soon as the Ottoman Arabs for help. Sir Henry McMahon, well the New, although agnostic in a Jewish national home, following establish a Jewish state in Palestine. a period of 500 years or so, through Empire entered the war in November the British High Commissioner in reality – felt sympathetic towards the many centuries of Western Christian In fact, the state archives reveal the exploration, trade and settlement, 1914, the Russian, French and Cairo offered British support for idea of the ‘return’ of the Jews to their persecution, especially the late exact opposite. Thirdly, for the past treaties and the sword, missionaries, British governments immediately an independent Arab state to the homeland. Such sympathy grew out 19th century pogroms) and of the century no British government has slavery, massacres, and ethnic began intense, secret discussions Sherif of Mecca (October 1915), of the influence of Christian Zionist British, Empire-fixated elite. Most ever acknowledged that in October cleansing, Britain colonised Ireland, concerning the post-war division of if the latter would launch a revolt teaching which had strongly affected Government ministers regarded 1915 Sir Henry McMahon promised part of the Americas, parts of Africa, the whole of the Ottoman Empire, against the Turks. In June 1916, the some of the British church and Arabs as politically and militarily Palestine to Sherif Hussein. , New Zealand, and much including the Arab provinces. Sherif and his men duly started to political establishment during the insignificant, and economically, Thus it was that a 18th century- more. During the 18th and 19th Standard empire policy. attack Ottoman forces. The British latter half of the nineteenth century. culturally, and theologically style colonial document, written centuries, negotiating with allies In August 1914, the British regarded the letters between the two Throughout April, May, and June backward. Such orientalist attitudes by 19th century-minded Europeans concerning the control and division government had little, if any, desire men as if written on a sheet of water. 1917, successive Zionist drafts were were mirrored by Weizmann and during the 20th century’s ‘Great War of unexplored territories, or the whatsoever, to promote either Arab In November 1915, French civil sent to the cabinet office. The only his fellow European and American for Civilisation’, and subsequently provinces of potential enemies was nationalism or Jewish nationalism. servant Georges Picot had arrived Jew in the cabinet, Edwin Montagu, Zionist colleagues, and were implemented by military force for normal empire policy. So why did the British Government in London, and negotiated, with Sir was the most outspoken opponent of undoubtedly a factor in the policies three decades, sowed the seeds of Empires impose, empires dispose, offer an independent Arab state Mark Sykes, a mutually acceptable the Declaration, together with Lord they pursued. the apparently endless, and certainly according to their interests. In including Palestine to Sherif post-war partition of Arab lands: Curzon – both of them, eventually, Although Balfour signed the letter, devastating, one hundred-year war 1914, the (mostly) Oxford and Hussein in October 1915, then an outrageous example of double- outmanoeuvred. Never was a it was Churchill, as Colonial for Palestine. Cambridge male oligarchy who ran the same Palestine to the Jews in dealing, imperial perfidy, according declaration more carefully crafted. Secretary (1921-22), who Britain and the Empire harboured November 1917? One partial answer to George Antonius, but an essential Its chief characteristic: deliberate successfully implemented and Dr. Peter Shambrook is the author of no doubts about the superiority of is World War I: only in the context exercise according to the British and ambiguity. The final draft explicitly transformed the Declaration into French Imperialism in Syria, 1927-1936 British civilisation: maintenance of of its progress can the promises be French governments, now allies, but recognised the legitimacy of Jewish the Mandate document of 24 July (Ithaca Press, 1998) and is the Historical the British Empire and maintenance understood. whose past rivalries over the region national rights in Palestine, and 1922. Henceforth, the cornerstone Consultant to the Balfour Project (www. of civilisation were synonymous. Around Christmas 1914, with a had nearly led them to war. Unable implicitly denied Arab national of British Mandatory policy in balfourproject.org). 8 ISSUE 76, Fall 2017 ISSUEISSUE 76,76, FFallall 2017 9

and such people ended up in the of ongoing Israeli colonisation in Zionist invasion throughout the places sacred to Jews: Safad, Hebron the territories occupied since 1967, period from 1920 until 1948. Yet it and Jerusalem. Zionism, however, but also in the parts of the country was quite unable to halt the Zionist was recognised from the start as previously taken in 1948. One of advance, or to prevent the mass something quite different. When the the most important ways to do this eviction of Palestinians that took early immigrants came to Palestine was to keep the cleared Palestinians place before and after 1948. When, at the turn of the 20th century, they out of their land. In the wake of the in 1964, the Palestinian Liberation were few in number and generally 1948 war, Palestinian farmers who Organisation was set up, it was a ignored. But, following the Balfour tried to get back to their farmlands movement devoted to regaining the Declaration of 1917, and with were shot dead, and brutal reprisals lost homeland. The leadership of increased European Jewish migration against the Arab countries which the PLO and many of its fighters into the country after 1920, hosted them were mounted to deter were secular and saw their struggle Palestinians began to understand any more ‘infiltration’. The people as such. This does not mean that that these new arrivals were after their evicted from their land in 1948 and they had no religious feeling. On land. This apprehension gathered who went on to become refugees and the contrary, most PLO members Conference participants in front of the Dome of the Rock pace with the attempts on the part of exiles have been steadfastly denied and Palestinians, as a whole, were the immigrants to buy land. the right to return ever since then. In Muslims, some devout and many Over the decades up to 1948 and these ways, Israel succeeded in taking practised the rituals of Islam. But the the establishment of the state of over the whole of Palestine, although PLO’s ideology was not religious, Islamic Fundamentalism Israel, the conflict increased between it was not able to expel its entire and it can only be described as the Zionists and the indigenous people. This whole history attests to an essentially secular response to and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Palestinians. Although other the immutable fact that the struggle Zionism. factors were now complicating the was over the ownership of land from by: Dr. Ghada Karmi conflict, for example a tussle over the beginning and until today. Religious Zionism unfair treatment by the British After the 1967 war, religiously Introduction secular one over land. Right from secular people who nevertheless felt authorities who ruled the country, The Palestinian response was likewise motivated Jewish settlers began Over the last decade, the role of the beginning of Zionism in Europe, they had a Jewish identity of some and the growing evidence of state related to this question. Resistance to colonise the newly acquired religion in conflicts of varying types the argument was about establishing sort. Theodor Herzl, the founder of building which they were helping had been mounted against the Palestinian territories. Although has become a subject of increasingly a state for Jews. This led to a quest political Zionism, in fact knew little the Zionists to achieve, the basic prominent discourse, whether seen for territory on which to build such of Palestine and had little interest in causes for the fight never changed. as a primary or a contributory cause a state. It is well known that the its religious significance. In 1947, the UN passed Resolution of such conflicts. However true that Zionists considered various options, 181 to partition Palestine, giving the may be in some situations, it needs including Argentina, Uganda and Palestinians, threatened by the Zionist incomers 55% of the total. careful examination as a factor in Australia. They finally decided on onslaught of these ideas against their A year later, the Zionists, who had the case of the Israeli-Palestinian Palestine because of its historical, country, never seriously believed managed to buy only about 6% of conflict. It is understandable that religious and emotional associations the perpetrators to be motivated the land, were able to acquire 78% such a view has become prevalent for many Jews. As such, Palestine by religious zeal. A small Jewish of it through war. since the rise of Hamas and other had an appeal for European Jews minority, estimated to be 3000 people In the war of 1967, Israel enlarged Islamist movements amongst the which the Zionists calculated could in 1880, had co-existed with the its acquisition of Palestine by seizing Palestinians and the prominence lure many of them to leave their Arabs in Palestine for centuries. They the rest of it, a situation which has of religious groups and religious countries of residence and undertake were used to calling this minority held to this day. The pattern of symbolism amongst Israelis. the major journey to a new and ‘Arab Jews’, and were familiar with Israeli control was always the same: However, the conflict between the distant land. These decisions were Jewish religious practices, since a to acquire Palestinian land, to settle Zionist movement, culminating not taken by religious Jews and majority of these Jews were devout. it with Jews and to consolidate in the creation of the Israeli state, not from a religious impetus. They A tradition of Jewish pilgrimage to the Jewish presence in a variety of and the Palestinians is basically a were the product of deliberations by the Holy Land was well established, ways. This current situation is one Tomb of the Patriarchs, Hebron 10 ISSUE 76, Fall 2017 ISSUEISSUE 76,76, FFallall 2017 11

the fight against Zionism, except in Sinai. Leadership crushed. weapons. Regular meetings with Gaza in 1948. Struggle thereafter was Political Islam 1977 - 86 Ahmad Yassin etc. 1984 – Ahmad nationalist and Islamist. Aim of all movements: to establish Yassin arrested. Islamic state under Shari’a law. But Izz al-Din al-Qassam – d.1935. different ways of getting there. Ideology Islamic Jihad Struggle against colonial occupation relies on external sources, e.g. Egypt, Founded 1986. Gaza. Small. To end through reassertion of Muslim identity Iran. Anti-colonialist, anti-secularist, Israeli rule. Split off from Muslim and jihad. Appeal to poor peasants anti-Zionist, anti-Jewish. Brotherhood and Mujamma’ because and dispossessed. Hero and model for not anti-occupation enough. Inspired Hamas. Qassamite movement set up 1. Gaza by and supports Iranian revolution— after him. But his death affected the Reaction to Israeli assault. Supported this showed that mighty rulers could British who treated Palestinians better by Israel to destroy nationalist activity. be toppled. And so, Israel could be too. and set up institutional Islam. Ahmad Yassin – Muslim Brother, Mujamma’ stopped supporting Iran Shatti camp. Created Islamist because of Saudi Arabia. Debate over Hajj Amin al-Husseini. British movement in Gaza. 1973. Formed al- Iran. appointed him as Mufti in 1921. Mujamma’ – social services, welfare, Panel on Islamic Extremism, Patriarch Emeritus Michel Sabbah, Dr. Ghada Karmi, Hans Morten Haugen (Moderator) and Dr. Mustafa AbuSway First General Islamic Congress in Islamic education, clinics, etc. Aim to 2. West Bank the Israeli government remained massively under this government, practised and why religious law still Jerusalem 1935. Internecine conflict defeat PLO. Muslim Brotherhood strong here. But as secular as before, it used the and the religious fundamentalists applies to personal status in matters with Nashashibis. People thought him nationalist strong here too. Secularism fervour of these settlers to expand flourished. Although the Jewish of marriage and divorce. Without a British stooge. Said idea of a Jewish Israeli-funded. Israel gave Mujamma’ strong. Islamists viewed as reactionary. its colonialist enterprise. Soon, Gush presence in the West Bank looked the reference to religion, the edifice national home is a religious idea, and charitable status 1978. Internal Except rural areas and Hebron. PLO Emunim, (Block of the Faithful) was religious, and no doubt many of on which the Jewish state was built Palestinians could not accept that in fighting with PRC. Took over Islamic decline after 1982 meant Islamists one of the best organised of these the settlers were fundamentalists, would have crumbled. Furthermore, a Muslim country. 1936 – British university in 1978. Education gained more of a foothold. Even joined religious groups. Founded in 1974, it the project was still concerned the case for establishing the Jewish ditched Hajj Amin after 1936. important to spread Islam. Israel PFLP against Fateh. Najah University, believes that Erez Israel (the whole of primarily with the acquisition of state in Palestine relied heavily 1948 - 67. Period of nationalism. helped Mujamma’ to expel nationalists an Islamist stronghold. 1986 Islamist Palestine) belongs exclusively to the land. Nevertheless, Jewish religious on invoking and strengthening Muslim Brotherhood had set up from university board, and stood aside bloc formed here. Used violence to get Jews, and no part of it can be given fundamentalism has increased in Judaism’s links to it. It is hardly branches in Gaza refugee camps, during episodes of strife. Israel supplied their ends, Israel interfered on their up. Over time, Gush Emunim and the last two decades, and shows no surprising that, in such a context, attracting lots of members. Only several other orthodox groups have sign of abating. With time, these religious fundamentalism should political organisation that was allowed. Continued on page 22 come to dominate Israeli policy over religious settlers have increased in have appeared. Provided study and military training. the occupied territories. These groups numbers and strength, and their Produced Abu Iyyad and Abu Jihad. represent a Jewish fundamentalism role in affecting Israeli state policy is Palestinian Islamism – Brotherhood allowed to operate in West akin to that of some American growing. Development and Timeline Bank, centre in Amman. Activities Protestants. They all believe in the devotional, not political resistance. coming of the Messiah, although Was this something new for Israel, Political Islam 1917 – 48. 1952: Liberation Party, Palestinian the role assigned to the Jews in this whose leadership and state ethos Islamic ideas around because of Islamist movement. Aim to establish process is different. Amongst their had traditionally been secular? In Muslim Brotherhood. Attempt to an Islamic state. number, the extremist rabbi, Meir fact, such a phenomenon was always reconcile Islam with modernity. But Brotherhood fell victim to fight Kahane, became a prominent figure inherent in the Zionist project. A in Palestine, nationalist response over with the Egyptian Government – who espoused the expulsion of all Jewish state in concept could only physical control of land. Part of secular Brotherhood dissolved in 1954, arrests Arabs from the Land of Israel. have assigned a religious definition Arab nationalism. and crackdown including Gaza. These movements were strengthened to its Jewish citizens. What else was 1945 – 25 branches, in Jerusalem, 1964 – PLO established. Secular, by the election of a Likud government there to define a Jew? It was for this Nablus, Haifa, Gaza. Up to 20,000 nationalist. Gazans turned against in 1977 and the appointment of Ariel reason that the rabbinate in Israel members. Message: teach Quran, Brotherhood. Fedayeen movement not Sharon as infrastructure minister. holds such power, and why Jewish fight against poverty and illiteracy. religious, also in Gaza. 1971 Israel The settlement project developed religious festivals are so rigorously No real power and did not share in attacked Gaza, 15,000 deported to Interior of Al Aqsa Mosque, Jerusalem 12 ISSUE 76, Fall 2017 ISSUE 76, Fall 2017 13

violent towards Palestinians on a very between that sentence and that bill, something to say about this last physical level. We have that image of but it’s important to understand that generation, this post Camp David extremism. But what I would like that extremism is mainstream. generation. There are two main things Jewish Extremism to talk about is what happens when Let me try to explain how that to say about us. The first is that we the mainstream opinion is extreme. is constructed, especially for my actually have no hope. Nobody has Extremism doesn’t necessarily have generation. I was ten years old when ever presented an alternative to us in by: Sahar Vardi to be the fringe, although that’s what Camp David ended, so very little that our lifetime that you can seriously the word implies, but today, if you happened before that really affected look at as a possibility for something look at Israeli politics, the entire my life or my politics, and obviously different. Nobody has had a serious spectrum of it should be considered people younger than me, even more negotiation since Camp David; as extreme. I think we make a mistake so. That’s not part of our experience. there’s nothing on the table; nobody’s if we differentiate the extremists I’m training to be a teacher and offering anything. So, the idea for us, from the mainstream establishment. teach in a school in south Jerusalem. the only reality that we are presented If we just take examples from the last Part of the time we teach and part with is maintaining the status quo. week (and there’s always examples of the time we observe, so we see And this is true for Palestinians and from “last week,” no matter when other teachers. I was observing a Israelis. We have not had a serious you are speaking), we had this Bill, class of ninth graders, fourteen or alternative presented. the amendment to the Entry to fifteen year old kids, and the teacher The other thing that is worth noticing Israel Law, the 27th amendment, was trying to explain the difference is that the segregation between the two some of you might have heard of it, between right and left in Israel. So, societies has increased in those years; it forces the Ministry of the Interior what she did was go around the class the checkpoint system started in the to not give permits or visas to people of 19 students and ask them if they mid-90s, the wall in the beginning who support a boycott or are part were right wing or left wing and why. of the 2000s. So, the segregation has of a boycott. So, even if you just And out of 19 students, 19 said they very much increased and it’s had its committed to participate in one, and were right wing (that was not really affect. We like being nostalgic about the definition of boycott is a boycott a question). Seventeen out of 19 said the period before that, and I think of Israel or any of its institutions or that the reason they were right wing not being there makes it easy to be any territory that it holds (I wonder was because they hated Arabs. This nostalgic, but there’s also a danger in what they mean by that definition?). is just a random class in a school in that because if I really try to think It’s a very general law that will affect Jerusalem. This is not the extreme of about the core values that create the a lot of the people here, but for me, anything. That is, right now, the way class that I walked into the other day, what is interesting is seeing who that these people are brought up, and create the hatred around this, Jewish settlers on the Haram al Sharif pushed that forward. Does anyone and it’s important to remember that they started long before the Camp know who the main person or party we’re talking about fourteen, fifteen David accords failed. My father was who put that forward? Any year old kids. I don’t know about grew up in that same mindset and I’ve been asked to talk about Jewish the Nationality clause, it would say So, that’s how I’m going to treat guesses? It came out from Kulanu you, but I can’t blame them for that. that is a mindset that is based on the extremism, but I think first we must “Jewish.” And even though they’ve the question of “Jewish.” And the which is seen in Israel as a “center” That’s not their responsibility, but idea that the whole state, the whole think about what we mean by “Jewish” changed that now, and the ID doesn’t issue of “extremism” is obviously a party. It came out of Likud but also those are the responses coming out society around us is created on the and what we mean by “extremism.” say that anymore, the registry of the very relative term. When we think has some Labor people in it. It’s of them. That said, in three years, basic idea that Jews need a place to If we start with “Jewish,” obviously Ministry of the Interior classifies about extremists, we think about the seen as a center party and these are they will be with an M16 assault be in order to protect ourselves. It’s there are a lot of definitions that go your nationality as Jewish, not just fringe of society. If you think about the people who brought up this bill. rifle standing at checkpoints. We can based on a very fundamental place of along with that term. It’s important your religion. And when I talk about Jewish extremism, you might picture And the language around it says that talk about the education system and fear. That’s where our society comes to understand, at least in the context or think about Jewish extremism in what we call the “hilltop youth,” the you can have national pride and still whose responsibility but these things from. And the solution offered to that I come from in Israeli Jewish this context, I think it’s important settler movement youth who go up believe in human rights. That’s part have very clear consequences. that fear is a “state.” We say that to society, “Jewish” is not just a religion. to put it in the scope of nationalism to the hilltops in the West Bank, of the explanation of that bill. And I So, if I’m trying to explain how I protect the Jews we have to create If you look at Israeli ID cards, under and not just looking at a religion. who start outposts and who are very have no idea what the connection is see some of this extremism I have an Israeli state, but what we mean 14 ISSUE 76, Fall 2017 ISSUE 76, Fall 2017 15

Soldiers still dying, still within that that he would be killed, that his responsibility of trying to change status quo, but creating a State, family home would be demolished. that narrative to allow them to creating a solution to that. In many These are important questions to ask step out of extremism, because it’s ways, that’s the place that we’re in trying to understand the reality very easy to talk about religious stuck in, and when you are in that of Jabal al Mukaber, Sur Baher, the extremism or national extremism space of defending yourself all the neighborhood that he came from, from our nice comfortable position time, of feeling that you’re always adjacent to this Jewish settlement of saying that that’s not us, but the being persecuted then it means that where these kids live. We can talk reality is that it is our responsibility. when things actually do happen in about that, not to legitimize it, but It’s definitely my responsibility as an Jerusalem… I grew up in Jerusalem try to understand what his realities Israeli who lives here and next year during the second intifada; buses are and what fundamental changes will be teaching in these schools were blowing up in the streets; that need to happen for that to change, and will teach these kids, but I was a reality. And I was told in this but for these kids that’s not the case. think it’s also the responsibility of education system that everyone is They don’t ask that question. They the international community to always trying to kill us, and I go just said that they’re right wing understand how you change your outside and people are trying to kill because they hate Arabs, and then narratives in your own communities you. And it fits into that narrative, Arabs tried to kill people next to as well, because if we really want to and I think that one of the most them, so they’re right wing because challenge that extremism, we need dangerous things that that creates, they hate Arabs. And it feeds into to give it an alternative. And that’s is that when it fits into the narrative that same narrative. an alternative that, at the moment, of what’s been happening for three doesn’t exist. thousand years, then you don’t have So, I think when we talk about to ask the question “why?” extremism, we need to talk about So, that would be my request to the fear that it comes from and how you, to challenge these extremisms If you go back to October 2015, two we also have a responsibility to break in your own community, whatever Refugee displays keys from 1948, Al Aroub Camp near Hebron girls aged 14 and 16 from Hebron, that fear and understand it, and try they look like. And we’ll keep going Palestinian girls, who came into the to give people a sense of security, and back to Trump because this is a by that is that we have to create an holiday season, between April and that you can remember and take market in Jerusalem, and possibly at the same time, not allow that fear big issue at the moment, and for Israeli military. We don’t say that May, more or less. It’s a month that out of Passover. This is part of the tried to stab people with scissors and that extremism to be legitimate. the Americans in the room, this is but what we’re actually saying is that starts with Passover and you know Israeli narrative. And exactly a week and were shot dead. As a society, I Because the fact that we understand something that you need to deal the Jews need a military to protect what the story of Passover is -- the after Passover ends is the Holocaust would like us to ask, “What would where it comes from, the fact that with. Again, extremism is not about themselves and that the state is a exodus from Egypt. And the main Memorial Day and exactly a week make a young teenage girl do that?” we can do that analysis and say, some white supremacist, anti-semite, mechanism in which you create a commandment from Passover? after that is the Soldiers’ Memorial That should be the first question well, they’re teenage kids, does not islamophobic, homophobes. It’s military. And those two things: the Remember. Remembrance. In Day and, literally, the next morning asked, but if you have an answer that mean that in four years when they your President! This is mainstream, fundamental fear that we come from religions you can often have different is Independence Day. that has been the reality for three stand with a gun at a checkpoint, so how do we take responsibility for and our response to that, which is perspectives on what it is that you And in many ways, I think that’s thousand years and that’s just how they don’t have responsibility for changing that mainstream extremism the military, are fundamental for the remember, and there are amazing a really good snapshot of Israeli things are, then you don’t ask that what they’re doing. They do have and shifting it back to the extreme? state, for Israeli Jewish society and, I things that can be remembered out of mentality, this idea that everyone question. And that means that we responsibility. But we also have the Thank you. think, create the extremism that we that holiday. At the same time, there has always been trying to kill us, don’t see any alternatives to living by live in now. Because if the idea is that are also other narratives that can be and this has been the case for three our sword, and if these kids in that we really believe, and if this is how remembered, and the memories that thousand years and you should tell school, about three or four hours after we are raised, that everyone is trying I bring out of that, the songs at the this from generation to generation that class, hear that a Palestinian in a to kill us as Jews. That’s what people family Passover dinner translate to, and remember that. And then, the truck ran over a group of soldiers at a try to do. “in every generation someone tries to worst example of what that could junction in the neighborhood of that Ms. Sahar Vardi has been active with Israeli anti-militarist groups such as New Profile and Probably my favorite example of exterminate us and then God saves look like is the Holocaust, and school, we could ask that question, works as the Israel Program Coordinator for the American Friends Service Committee based in how this is constructed is in the us from them.” This is also a story then there’s a solution to all that. “Why would he do that?” knowing Jerusalem. 16 ISSUE 76, Fall 2017 ISSUE 76, Fall 2017 17

human communities. Religious on much the rest of the world. First, Christian Zionism constructs extremism, it follows, is when So, in what follows, I’ll share Muslims and Jews for its own such political action is informed, some of my research on Christian theological and political purposes. validated and sanctioned by Zionism and discuss what we can do Moreover, its anti Catholic and anti religious commitments. Since it is to challenge its continued primacy Islamic foundations conspire against singularly committed to ideological in western churches. any relationship between western purity, even if the content of Christian Zionism, first andand eastern Christians, especially ideology can vary, extremism resists foremost, has very little to do with those who claim it is possible to live interaction with contrary ideals. the so-called rapture theology of with Muslim neighbors. The introduction of religious premillennial dispensationalism Second, Christian Zionism is an commitments further limits the developed in the late 1800s. It is, imperial theology. In 1649, English possibility of reasoned critique. instead, the outgrowth of English and Dutch ships were not being Religious claims resist critique Protestant biblical interpretation built for pleasure cruises. These because they draw upon proprietary in the 1500s and 1600s when were ships of war and commerce, sources of knowledge and truth. Protestants faced the dual threats the tools of empire. In the theology Therefore, the most effectiveof Roman Catholic and Ottoman of John Hagee today, the founder of critique of a religiously sanctioned imperial power. The resultant anti Christians United for Israel, imperial Gathering at the Church of the Resurrection (Holy Sepulcher), Jerusalem ideology, extremist or not, is from Catholic and anti Islamic theology strength is necessary for preserving within that religious tradition imagined Jews to be allies in an the fact of Israel, which, of course, itself. Any discussion of Christian apocalyptic drama. These ideas is a satrap, an imperial governor, extremism, therefore, immediately bolstered an English Puritan sense for American and European Comprehending Christian Zionism: invokes a notion of intra-Christian of special mission and superiority. imperial interests in the Middle responsibility. It is much easier to When these ideas were transferred to East. Contemporary Christian Understanding the Movement and its Effect on Palestinian Life externalize and ridicule than it is English colonies in the New World, Zionists can be understood as court to take responsibility. And the first they soon informed the deepest theologians, serving the interests by: Dr. Robert Smith step toward taking responsibility is undercurrents of in American of corporate and military masters to seek understanding. identity and mission. When this by providing religious sanction for It’s a pleasure to be here to especially one who advocates illegal, the pale, outside what most people My approach to Christian tradition of Judeo-centric prophecy state violence. Given the pervasive participate in this panel on Christian violent or other extreme action. consider correct or reasonable. Any extremism is intimately bound up interpretation informed political cultural consensus of Christian extremism. In my home country, the Merriam Webster dictionary is no idea outside the norm is potentially with the sweep of my academic action, the result was Christian Zionism and its underlying United States, the only extremism better, defining extremism as the extremist. project over all. For close to 20 Zionism. theologies, Anglo American openly discussed is associated with quality or state of being extreme. The designation, then, is a way to years I’ve dwelt on the question The first documented example Christians tend to encounter this Muslims and Islam. Everyone In its special definition for English police the boundaries of thinkable of why American Christians act of Christian Zionism is in 1649, land as a projection of their own else, including armed white men language learners, Merriam Webster thought, while stigmatizing any the way we act in relation to Israel when two English subjects living imaginations. The people associated shooting Indian engineers in says that extremism is belief in and form of resistance to the presumably and Palestine. This is a self-critical in Amsterdam suggest to English with this land, both Jews and Kansas bars or occupying American support for ideas that are very far legitimate violence of the dominant project because I am one of those authorities, including Oliver Palestinians, are commonly filtered facilities, are either mentally ill from what most people consider collective. I wonder, then, how we American Christians. The ideas Cromwell, that the English civil through a literarily constructed or defending American ideals. correct or reasonable. We learn can talk about extremism if we can’t informing American relation to wars would end if this nation of imaginary of Anglo American Muslims, however, need to be from these definitions in their say objectively what the word even this geography, Christian Zionism , with the inhabitants of the biblical interpretation. The end banned from or potentially removed totality that an extremist is one who means, much less build a conference chief among them, are part of my Netherlands, shall be the first and result of this process is the creation from the country. is extreme. More specifically, we theme around it. own formative culture. As a result, readiest to transport Israel’s sons of theo-political systems seeking Extremism is a subjective category learn that extremism is associated In the absence of clarity, I offer this I seek to understand rather than and daughters, in their ships, to the to implement ideologies grounded with no clear definition. The Oxford with radicalism and violence. In working definition: Extremism is ridicule or simply dismiss. In this, land promised to their forefathers. first and foremost in ethno-religious English dictionary helpfully defines other words, designating something political action devoted solely to I hope to challenge the Christian Several characteristics of Christian triumphalism, namely the global an extremist as a person who holds as extremist is a pejorative way to the implementation of its ideology extremism permeating my home Zionism emerge through historical hegemony of White Anglo-Saxon extreme religious or political views, ensure that some ideas are beyond rather than to the well-being of country, inflicting violence and pain comparison. Protestants. Jews, through an 18 ISSUE 76, Fall 2017 ISSUE 76, Fall 2017 19

Anglo American tradition of Judeo- they serve. The panels of the past few days have centric prophecy interpretation, When progressive or liberationist made it clear that the antidote to are conscripted to play a part Christians describe Christian extremism is not more extremism, in a Christian drama of global Zionism as extremist, they risk state sponsored or otherwise. redemption. As a result, Christian thinking of the movement as Within each religious community, Zionism works hand in hand with marginal or as somehow illegitimate. extremism must, instead, be white, possessive settler colonialism. This assessment minimizes the counteracted by robust moderation, ongoing dangers of the movement a concept I helped develop with If Christian extremism is political as well as the sense of Christian Bishop Munib Younan in his role action informed, sanctioned responsibility that it demands. The as President of the Lutheran World and validated by Christian first step for treating an illness is to Federation. Robust moderation is commitments, devoted solely to seek a proper diagnosis, determining neither soft nor weak. It isn’t based the pure implementation of its the ideology of the disease. What in simplistic wishes that paper over ideology rather than the well- has caused this disease to come the real challenges and differences being of human communities, into being? If something is wrong, facing many communities. Afternoon lectures at Notre Dame, Jerusalem Christian Zionism certainly fits we must first stop merely recoiling that definition. There are, however, from it and condemning it. Simply It, instead, promotes a vision problems with addressing Christian saying that cancer is a horrible, bad for living together peaceably, Zionism through the discourses of thing doesn’t get us anywhere toward recognizing the legitimacy of extremism. treating it. difference and seeking the good in Post-Conference Reflections While there’s no doubt that Christian The first step is seeking to the neighbor and for the neighbor. Zionism, in the Oxford Dictionary understand. In physical illnesses, For those of us from countries far by: Adam Keller definition of the term, advocates as well as theo-political maladies, away from Nazareth and Zebabdeh, illegal violent or other extreme this means diving deep into history Jerusalem and Bethlehem, where I have several times attended events at who was going to become my father that they suffer from the Israeli action by the state of Israel and and seeking comparative cases. In Christian extremism seeks its own the Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center had been involved in a hideous life- occupation as much as do Muslim its settlers, one cannot say, at least the midst of a pandemic, medical purposes through the violence of - and coming there always gives me and-death struggle with Palestinian Palestinians. Which makes it more regarding the United States, that scientists have two primary tasks. empire, our responsibility is not mixed feelings. This compound, militiamen and Jordanian soldiers difficult to subsume Palestinian Christian Zionism is very far from First, to develop an antidote to cure merely to condemn and certainly not built by the French in the end of the - on this very same terrain. And I resistance to the occupation as just what most people consider correct the disease, or an inoculation to to ridicule, but to shape a different 19th Century, was in 1948 the site reflected also on the fact that while one more aspect of the “Worldwide or reasonable. Christian Zionism, help prevent infection. In response vision, seeking not the theo-political of fierce fighting - in which my own this specific location is nowadays Muslim Terrorist Threat”. And rather, rests at the root of American to the many forms of religious interests of western empire, but the father was involved. He never talks quiet and serene, the terrible conflict Sabeel has a very important role identity and culture. The resulting extremism, including Christian well-being of all the peoples of God, about it in any detail, but from the tearing this country apart did not in confronting the version of cultural consensus helps reinforce Zionism afflicting our world today, in Israel and Palestine and around little he lets drop from time to time end - it simply shifted to other Christianity which is peddled by western disregard for the well-being religious communities, including the world. it must have been a harsh experience. locations. various Evangelical groups (mainly of Jewish, Christian and Muslim churches, including Sabeel, have a “The Notre Dame - that was a real I have always liked the idea of in the US, but also in various other communities in what many want responsibility to explore both tracks hell!” “Danny, my classmate, was a Liberation Theology, ever since I countries). Such groups support the to call “The Holy Land.” Moreover, of action. swell guy. He did not survive The first heard of its appearance in Latin most extreme forms of Israeli Jewish the notion of extremism most Notre Dame.” America, many years ago. I think it nationalism and racism, in the belief often denotes disorderly, barbarian So, if discussing Christian I was reminded of all this once again is highly applicable to the situation that Israeli provocations would bring violence. Christian Zionists, on the extremism invokes a notion of Dr. Robert O. Smith was appointed Director when coming to attend this year’s of the Palestinians in general and of on Armageddon (a nuclear one) and of the Jerusalem Global Gateway in October other hand, promote theologies as intra Christian responsibility, what of 2014. He holds concurrent faculty Sabeel conference. Looking at the , in particular. the Second Coming. (Neglecting civilized and sophisticated, as the shall we do? How can Christian appointments in the Keough School of Global peaceful and neat lawns, the friendly I think Sabeel has a very important to mention to their ardent Israeli structural violence drones and cruise Zionism be effectively challenged Affairs and in the Department of Theology at and inviting halls and cafeteria, and role in reminding the world that supporters the fact that in their missles of the imperial interests that as a form of Christian extremism? Notre Dame University. trying to imagine how a young man there are Christian Palestinians and scenario of Armageddon about 90% 20 ISSUE 76, Fall 2017 ISSUE 76, Fall 2017 21 of the Jews would perish in the religion is to make a person more give what you quote...) In short, I was enough to have a very satisfying himself up in a Tel Aviv bus.” under a dictatorial regime in Latin cataclysm.) strong and determined in what he think that religion should be labeled contact with many warm-hearted “But these Sabeel people compare America might make the same kind I should make clear that I am myself or she wants to do anyway. A person “handle with care”. and dedicated people, who asked what they call the suffering of the of comparison. Like it is habitual for not a religious believer, holding who wants to seek justice, do charity, It was very clear to me that in the intelligent questions and offered Palestinians to the crucifixion of Jews to make comparisons drawn neither to the Jewish religion of my help fellow human beings, make the Sabeel conference I was among people well-thought out comments. It was Jesus! Don’t you see that this is just from the Hebrew Bible. Just a few very pious paternal grandparents world a better place - can be stronger, whose interpretation of religion is a chance to renew some old contacts, a new form of the old blood libel, days ago, when PM Netanyahu made not to any other system of belief in more firm and determined when humane and caring – a conference make many new ones and meet for accusing the Jews of the murder of a speech about the Iranian Nuclear a supernatural agency. Inevitably, in believing that this is what God wants organized by progressive Christians the first time face to face some people Jesus!” Program, he made an extensive any gathering of religious people I and commands. But unfortunately, and welcoming progressives of other (especially Palestinians) with whom “Not at all. Of course, it is reference to the persecution of Jews can only be an observer, not a full- also a person who wants to do evil religions (or of no religion). People I had had long contact by email or historically true that for many in the Persian Empire 2500 years fledged member - though I consider deeds - to kill, enslave, persecute, like Rabbi Arik Ascherman, my Facebook. centuries Jews, living as vulnerable ago, as depicted in the Book of myself an informed and highly torture, dispossess - can become more long-time friend and fellow activist, Perhaps my most important minority communities in Christian Esther. The Islamic Republic of Iran, interested observer of the world’s determined, persistent, obdurate in whose brand of Judaism stands in contribution was three days after the countries, were collectively accused whatever else they may be accused religions and their adherents. While all these nasty things, if becoming sharp and refreshing contrast to the conference ended, when my mobile of complicity in the killing of Jesus. of, certainly bears no responsibility one may argue endlessly on whether convinced that THIS is what God disgusting fare sadly offered by much phone suddenly rang. On the other It is horribly true that this was used for that.” or not God exists, there can be no wants and commands. I think you of the Jewish religious establishment end was Yishai Friedman, a journalist as the pretext for countless acts of question that human beings’ belief can find people of both kinds in the in Israel. whom I encountered several times persecution. In recent decades, the There was much more of this, about in God (or in gods) exists and that it history of all religions, and all of them Unfortunately, the pressure of many before: very polite and soft-spoken, Catholic Church is doing a very a whole hour of political-theological is one of the most important forces finding support for their divergent political and personal obligations but also a very committed supporter great effort, largely successful, to debate. I several times pointed out shaping human society and history. opinions in the same Scriptures and prevented me from attending the of the Israeli extreme right. His root out this ugly perversion. But that, though having been invited to As I stated when it was my turn Holy Texts (the question is what to whole of the Sabeel conference. Still, intent was very clear from the first there is nothing comparable between speak at the Sabeel conference, I had to speak, in my view the effect of quote and what interpretation to the part in which I did participate question: this and pointing out the accurate in no way been authorized to speak “You consider yourself a peace activist fact that a people – the Palestinian on behalf of Sabeel – which I could – so how could you participate in people, composed of Muslims and hardly do, being neither a Christian the conference of these Sabeel Israel- Christians – is suffering occupation nor a Palestinian. I suggested that bashers, whose incitement verges on and dispossession at the hands of a he contact Sabeel directly and let its Antisemitism?” state with the strongest army in the authorized representatives speak for “Incitement? Antisemitism? I Middle East. And it is a fact that the themselves, and I gave him several noticed nothing of the kind, not state doing that is calling itself The phone numbers. Friedman said the slightest trace of Antisemitism. State of the Jews, not The State of he intended to do so, specifically They are Palestinians who suffer very the Buddhists”. mentioning that he wanted to speak much from Israeli occupation, and “But still, don’t you feel even a bit with Rev. Naim Ateek. As far as I they spoke about it. I heard nothing uncomfortable with the people know, however, he did not do it – inciting. I heard justified grievances who evoke the Crucifixion in this leaving me in the position of having which Israel should address.” way? To go hobnobbing with these acted, willy-nilly, as the spokesperson “But they call for boycott of Israel! people and speak in their conference of Sabeel. I hope I did an adequate That is not the position of your and so on?” job of it. organization, Gush Shalom, is it?” “Not at all, I felt completely “No, Gush Shalom called for a comfortable among the Sabeel selective boycott, specifically aimed people. They are Christians, and at settlements. That does not mean the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus is that we must impose our own agenda one of the main themes of being a on all our interlocutors. Calling for Christian. It is natural for suffering boycott of Israel is a non-violent Christians to compare their own Adam Keller is an Israeli journalist and method of struggle. I very much suffering with that of Jesus, to speak peace activist who was among the founders of prefer a Palestinian who calls for a of ‘carrying a cross’ and the like. Gush Shalom (Peace Bloc), of which he is a Panel on Jewish Extremism, Adam Keller, Cathy Nichols (Moderator), Rabbi Arik Ascherman and Ms. Sahar Vardi boycott of Israel to one who blows For example, Christians suffering spokesperson. 22 ISSUE 76, FallFall 2017

Continued from page 11 Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center behalf. Clashes with nationalists. Bir Israel. So, put an end to secular Defense, a duty via these movements P.O.B. 49084 Jerusalem 91491 Visit our newly Zeit – Islamist bloc here, one third lifestyle, impose hijab, segregation, espouse a clearly religious ideology, Tel: 972.2.532.7136 Fax: 972.2.532.7137 of student administration. Hebron no entertainment. based on Islam and opposed to revised website at University, Islamists dominated. 2. Attitude to Jews/Israel. Religious secularism. Their influence has General E-mail: [email protected] www.sabeel.org Islamic Jihad cells in West Bank. But conflict. Drawn of Prophet’s grown in the last decade and Clergy Program: [email protected] small. Military acts. relationship with the Jews. Zionists threatens to change the character International Programs: [email protected] Sabeel-Nazareth and Jews are interchangeable. of Palestinian resistance to Israel. Youth Program: [email protected] PO Box 50278 Nazareth 16120 Israel Hamas (cf PLO which saw Zionism as The Palestinian election of 2006 Media: [email protected] Tel: 972(4)6020790 Arose out of Mujamma’ in 1988. imperialist and nothing to do brought in a Hamas dominated Visiting: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Ahmad Yassin spiritual leader. Free to with Judaism. Charter identified government. Since that time, the rift operate. Funding from Gulf States and Zionism as the enemy). with the secular nationalism of Fateh International Friends of Sabeel Europe. Strong base in Gaza and West 3. Jihad. Defense, a duty via has intensified, and today there is a Friends of Sabeel North America (FOSNA) Friends of Sabeel Scandinavia and FOS Sweden Bank. Israel recognised it as legitimate. different methods. Palestine is a separate regime ruling the two parts Tarek Abuata, Executive Director Kenneth Kimming Nickelgränd 12 Met with Israeli officials. Israel allowed waqf. Reward in Paradise. No of the Palestinian areas.* PO Box 9186 Portland, Oregon 97207 USA SE-162 56 Vällingby/ Sweden money to come in. Power struggle with dialogue or negotiations. The Western states have nurtured Tel: (+1)-503-653-6625 Email: [email protected] PLO. 4. Islamic nationalism. Hamas this rift by designating Hamas a Email: [email protected] Website: www.sabeelsverige.se/ married the two. So, nationalism terrorist organisation. In the wake Website: www.fosna.org 1989 – Hamas kidnapped and killed is the Muslims ejecting the enemy of the bombings of September 11, Friends of Sabeel Scandinavia in Norway Kirkens Hus 2 Israeli soldiers. Israel made Hamas a from Muslim lands, and becomes 2001, Israel was quick to draw a Canadian Friends of Sabeel (CFOS) The Rev. Robert Assaly Rådhusgata 1-3 prohibited organisation. an Islamic concept. Secularism is comparison with the Palestinian 7565 Newman Blvd. 0151 Oslo | Norway 1991 – Gulf war led to cut off of a western import, elitist. 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The Palestinian Watlington Rd www.sabeel.org.au Oxford OX4 6BZ/ UK Ideology. Derived from Muslim Sayyid Qutb, Izz al-Din al-Qassam. movements have developed partly in Tel: (+44)1865 787420 Friends of Sabeel France Brotherhood. Way of dealing with 2. Ayatollah Khomeini. response to the religious dimension Email: [email protected] Ernest Reichert Western domination of ideas. Islamic Represent Palestinian Islamic ideas. of Israel’s character, and partly Website: www.friendsofsabeel.org.uk 12, rue de Kirchberg reform is the basis. Israel, a Western Not populist. A vanguard movement. because of Palestinian inability to F- 67290 Wingen S/ Moder – France Friends of Sabeel Ireland (FOS-IR) Tel: +33 (0)3 88 89 43 05 puppet. Will go once Islam is reinstated. See Israel as religious and enemy defeat Israel. It is doubtful that they Rev. Alan Martin Email: [email protected] Populist, able to influence all of of Islam. Zionism is an imperialist would have developed at all without 9 Sycamore Road Friends of Sabeel Germany Palestinian society through Islamic extension. Must be fought to the end. Israel’s existence. Dublin 16 | Ireland c/o Canon i.r. Ernst-Ludwig Vatter practice and countering nationalism No negotiation, because no partial Tel: 00-353-1-295-2643 Hagdornweg 1 and secularity. solutions. Not interested in fighting *Editor’s note: As of October 12, Email: [email protected] 70597 Stuttgart / Germany Promoted via leaflets, no radio or TV secular Palestinians. 2017, Hamas and Fateh have signed an Tel: +49 (0) 711 9073809 agreement to unify the two sides. The Friends of Sabeel Netherlands (FOSNL) station. Email: [email protected] agreement is scheduled to take effect Marijke Gaastra Website: www.fvsabeel-germany.de 1. Loss of faith. The reason for Summary December 1, 2017. Lobbendijk 5 3991 EA Houten Netherlands Palestinian losses. Israel viewed As we have seen, Islamism became Dr. Ghada Karmi is a Research Fellow at as a product of Jewish faith. a feature after the first Intifada with Tel: (+31) 030 6377619 the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies, Email: [email protected] Therefore, Islamicisation will end the rise of Hamas and Islamic Jihad. . Website: www.vriendenvansabeelnederland.nl [email protected] | 02-2343420 [email protected]

Purpose Statementof Sabeel

Sabeel is an ecumenical grassroots liberation theology It encourages individuals and groups from around the world movement among Palestinian Christians. Inspired by the to work for a just, comprehensive, and enduring peace life and teaching of Jesus Christ, this liberation theology informed by truth and empowered by prayer and action. seeks to deepen the faith of Palestinian Christians, promote unity among them, and lead them to act for justice and love. Sabeel strives to develop a spirituality based on justice, peace, non-violence, liberation, and reconciliation for the different national and faith communities. The word ‘Sabeel’ is Arabic for ‘the way’ and also a ‘channel’ or ‘spring’ of life-giving Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center water. P.O.B. 49084 Jerusalem 91491 Tel: 972.2.532.7136 Sabeel also works to promote a more accurate international Fax: 972.2.5327137 awareness regarding the identity, presence, and witness of Cornerstone: [email protected] Palestinian Christians as well as their contemporary concerns. or visit our website at: www.sabeel.org