The MIddle East Committee Rejects Apartheid as Degining Israel

The Middle East Committee rejected Overture 15-01, which would have labeled the nation of Israel as an Apartheid state. I was relieved that they rejected the pejorative language of the overture but it may do little to salvage the sense of betrayal which will run rampant through the Jewish community if the GA approves the recommendation of the committee to approve divestment from Caterpillar, Motorola Solution and Hewlitt Packard. There are so many "facts" floating around that it is difficult to distinguish between fact and someone's perspective. I'm deeply concerned that I could lose relationships with Jewish leaders that I cherish and rely on and I can't say that I would blame them for not wanting to talk to me as a Presbyterian. The sad thing is that this is totally a symbolic gesture that has not real impact or cost for Presbyterians. If passed it will salve some consciences but it will not advance peace in the Middle East. We heard last night that the total of investments which could be divested is $3,000 in the Board of Pensions and $1.5 million in the Foundation. Even if GA divests, the fund managers could only be told, "If you sell the shares we own, you cannot buy more. There is no mandate to sell unless the shares can be sold without a loss. So, one might wonder why all the time, energy and effort is being expended on divestment,if it is purely a symbolic act? My sense is that it is the first step in the De-legitimization of Israel as a nation state, known as Boycott, Divest and Sanction (BDS) BDS is an attempt to demonize Israel and drive a wedge between Presbyterians and one of their interfaith partners the Jews. Frankly, some of the comments in support of divestment border on anti-Semitic and give preference to one narrative in the region over the other - ie Israel is the only reason that there is conflict. Both Palestinians and Isaraelis have suffered from senseless violence and the unnecessary encroachment on property. Israelis have a right to security. Palestinians have a right to self-determination. Neither has the right to perpetrate violence on the other. Our best and most effective role is as a peacemaker drawing the primary players to the table to reach a resolution. When we side with one over the other, we become part of the problem.