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For Mideast Peace
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I am deeply disturbed by a political banner at the corner of Murray and Forward avenues which reads "Support Israel? Fire Obama." This misleading and divisive political cheap shot represents a sophomoric view of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
My own moral convictions, grounded in Jewish teachings and democratic principles, compel me to support a candidate who is committed to moving the Middle East peace process forward. President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have taken a firm stance in opposing Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank and the demolition of Arab homes in East Jerusalem, both of which are crucial to the peace process.
Providing a blank check to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli war hawks is counterproductive to achieving peace and stability for Israel. However, it appears that is just what Mitt Romney would do if elected. He lost all credibility on this issue when he said at a May 17 fundraiser that "the pathway to peace is almost unthinkable to accomplish" and that he would aspire to "kick the ball down the field" and hope for the best. He then stated that putting pressure on the Israelis to make concessions "is the worst idea in the world."
That degree of pessimism and contempt for diplomacy is not befitting a leader of the free world. I want a president who believes in peace and will fight for peace. That is why I will be voting to re-elect President Obama and encourage others to do so.
ALEX GOLDBLUM
Squirrel Hill
First Published October 19, 2012 12:00 am
