He exploded the myth of Israel as an apartheid country, explaining that in this tiny country, with a population of 7 million, 18 percent of the population are Arabs and other minorities living freely, equal under the law, voting, serving in the Knesset; Arabs who are judges, Arabs attending schools and universities. (Lustig's predecessor was a Bedouin Arab, Ishmael Khaldi.)
Lustig spoke with love and pride in Israel, an imperfect country, like our own imperfect country – a country that has absorbed immigrants from all over the world, including Jews expelled from Arab countries. (Jews are not allowed to live in most Arab countries.) Israel has been a democracy for over 60 years, the only such democracy in the Middle East.
He explained that in its efforts to achieve peace, Israel is a strong supporter of the Palestinian Authority. Efforts to boycott and divest hurt not only Israel but also the Palestinians. Instead of boycott and divestment, he urged investment – investment in the Palestinian Authority and in those organizations that promote peace and cooperation between Israelis and Palestinians.
In Port Townsend, there are many people of good will with strong humanitarian concerns who support the boycott and divestment. But it is easy to focus on one side of the story. We get hooked on one narrative and can't let go.
Imagine yourself as one small person. On every side of you, all of your neighbors wish you dead, pledge your destruction, throw stones at you and your children, lob rockets into your front yard. And this goes on, not for one year, not for two years, but for 60 years. How would you feel? What would you do?
I urge you to open your hearts and your minds. Learn Israel's side of the story. It gets little coverage, much inaccurate.
And please don't hold Israel to standards no other country in the world is held to. If you believe in Israel's right to survive, look for viable, constructive ways to support the peace process that is so important to the Palestinians, to Israel and to the world.
ROSALIND RUSSELL & JUDITH TOLEDANO
Port Townsend
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