To the Editor:
As the author of the Dartmouth pro-Israel petition seen in The Dartmouth on Jan. 21st, I was pleased to find John Timmer's response " An Empty Petition" (The Dartmouth, Jan. 22) expressing his views on the petition. However, I would like to clarify the intended meaning of the petition's words to which Mr. Timmer assigns a specific interpretation and implication.
Mr. Timmer argues that the petition is a "useless sheet of paper," when in fact, it carries much more weight than 1,043 names. These signatures show that a large percentage of the Dartmouth student body supports a strong relationship between the United States and Israel in their shared pursuits of peace, democracy and freedom. Imagine the potential impact of these signatures when we send this petition to our government representatives. Not only might this petition move our representatives to reply with their own affirmations of support for the U.S.-Israel relationship, but it will show them where their constituents stand on this important foreign policy issue.
According to Mr. Timmer, the petition boils down to "we support the people of Israel against the people of Palestine." This was far from my intention as I composed the petition. The petition makes no negative statements, makes no mention of political leaders, nor praises one group while condemning the other. I personally feel strongly for the Palestinian people and greatly desire that the Palestinian people have their own state. I condemn acts of violence committed by Israelis and Palestinians alike. The words "We advocate security and stability for both Israelis and Palestinians. We pray for peace and freedom for all peoples in the Middle East," demonstrate a desire for the well being of both peoples.
I wrote the petition in the belief that a strong relationship between the United States and Israel can benefit Americans, Israelis and Palestinians. The Palestinians deserve their own state, but this is not a reality with their current leadership. Israel, with the help of the United States, can lend the Palestinian people the guidance, resources and support necessary to construct their future. Mr. Timmer seems to argue that one cannot be both pro-Israel and pro-Palestine. I heartily disagree. I care deeply for both peoples and pray for peace in the Middle East and the petition shows that a good portion of the Dartmouth community would agree.
