The following letter was written and signed by an ad-hoc coalition of diverse New York City-based NGOs who met through the United Nation's World Conference Against Racism (WCAR). It was sent to Kofi Annan and Mary Robinson.
Dear Mr Annan,We write this letter in whole hearted support of the people of both Israel and Palestine. We believe a just solution for one people implies a just solution for the other and that, at this point in history, the future of these two nations are inextricably linked. As a group that was formed to promote the outcomes of the final WCAR document (#63,64,65) we are deeply troubled by the events in the Middle East.
In view of the latest development at the General Assembly, we support the UN's leadership role in the Middle East. No other body exists with the mandate, the responsibility and the impartiality that are needed to resolve this deadly conflict. We do not believe that any aligned parties can, unaided, address the issues that are at stake. For the UN to surrender its key role would threaten the very viability of the UN system itself.
We believe the UN, in it's capacity as International arbiter, will have to take strong and perhaps unpopular positions where there has been wrongdoing. This in no way gainsays our commitment to the existence of both nation states. Nor does it presume that all other nations have solved their own issues that are also in violation of UN principles or of the WCAR document.
We need the UN to ensure transparency in the investigating and reporting of events in the region. The peoples of Palestine and Israel, and the rest of the world community need accurate information. Misinformation inflames and hurts both peoples and leads us away from the truth that can bring peace.
We further urge you to act in accordance with the mandate of the UN to set the conditions that will stop the killing of Jews by individuals and small groups, and the killing of Palestinians by Israeli armed forces. Tragic as it is, the killing of Jews will not be halted by the increased oppression of the Palestinian people. Occupation by Israeli forces must end and Jewish Settlements must be removed.
To support the State of Israel and its people does not require automatic support for actions of the Israeli government. Current government action asks Jewish people to sacrifice their tradition of justice for the false promise of security achieved by military force used indiscriminately against a whole people. The desire for security, underscored by past and current atrocities and violence against Jews, is understandable, but this will not achieve it.
Until the policies of Israel not only allow, but actively support an economically viable and secure state for Palestinians, Israel itself will find neither peace nor security.
Mr. Annan, we stand solidly behind your leadership. We have carefully followed your reactions to and reflections on the issue. It is time to take bold steps toward new and workable policies to break the cycle of destruction and despair. We believe you, the UN and the peoples of Israel and Palestine can set those policies and programs in motion.
Page last updated May 11th, 2002