Jews and Muslims discuss Mideast

ANDI MAIO/Daily Eastern Michigan University Prof. Michael Harris speaks to the audience.

By Daniel Weiss
Daily Staff Reporter

In what organizers touted as an historic event for the University, Muslims and Jewish community members met last night in East Hall to discuss the prospects for peace in the Mideast.

Sponsored by groups that include the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee and Hillel's Major Events Committee, the event drew more than 120 people and included four panelists.

"We're not looking to come out of here with any kind of peace agreement," Deana Rabiah, a member of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, said in her introductory remarks.

Moderator David Singer, a University political science professor, added comments before the panelists began.

"Every enduring rivalry in international history eventually terminates," Singer said, noting that sometimes war leads to reconciliation or peaceful negotiation.

The evening began with a 10-minute address by each panelist. Tzipora Rimon, the consul general of Israel to the Midwest, said recent developments in the peace process are encouraging.

The event's mood became tense as Hasan Newash, who was born in Israel and is now a Palestinian activist, decried U.S. sanctions against Iraq.

"I want to demonstrate tonight that Israel engaged in mass extermination of Palestinians from the beginning," Newash said.

Newash read a narrative by a Palestinian describing harsh treatment at the hands of Israelis and drew loud applause from some in the audience.

Newash said he wanted to speak directly to Jewish students in attendance. He asked them to reconsider their support of the Israeli government.

"Do you want to support a racist regime?" he asked.

Eastern Michigan political science Prof. Michael Harris followed Newash, saying his comments were inappropriate.

"The fact is, the U.N. decided on a partition," Harris said, responding to criticism that the Israeli government has been heavy-handed in dealing with the occupied territories.

"The peace agreement - or let's not even call it a peace agreement - co-existence will never be achieved without a minimum level of trust," Harris said.

The fourth panelist, anthropology Prof. Nabeel Abraham, was more temperate in his brief address. Calling himself "anti-state," he said he is suspicious of all ethnic states. As a solution to the strife, he suggested the possibility of autonomous cantons.

"It's clear that the moderator's job will be harder than he anticipated," Singer said, drawing laughter from the audience. But he added, "Let me admonish you that we came here to look at the future."

Newash and Abraham argued most about the claim of gross inequality between Palestinians and Israelis.

"No matter what protocols you adopt, it will not stick" if the inequality is not redressed, Hassan said.

"It's not that (Palestinians) hate Jews. It's that they have a boot on their neck," Abraham said.

Audience members interrupted the panelists frequently and angrily from their seats, ignoring the microphones set up for comments.

"Israel is not evicting Palestinians," Harris said defensively at one point.

"They sure as hell are," interjected audience member Art Boley, a community member.

At another point, Consul General Rimon acknowledged there are problems with Israeli soldiers intimidating Palestinians.

"Many of the cases were tried and the soldiers put in jail," Rimon said.

"And freed the next day," jeered community member Mary Noor from her seat.

Student organizer Rabiah said she was satisfied with the evening. "I think it sparked controversy and emotion," she said. "And I think that's good." She added that "the panelists tended to talk more than we had anticipated."

Brian Reich, chair of the Major Events Committee at Hillel, said communication between Muslims and Jews is essential.

"Considering where the peace process is going globally, it's important that everyone on a local level understand it," Reich said.

Moderator Singer offered his own view on the evening's debate in his closing remarks, giving advice to the organizers.

"My suggestion would be in the future that you try a radically different approach," Singer said.

11-12-98