A statement by Scott Kennedy, Coordinator of the Middle East Program of the Resource Center for Nonviolence

Since its founding in 1976, the Resource Center for Nonviolence and I have supported and advocated for a secure and thriving State of Israel –

~ within internationally recognized borders,

~ at peace and enjoying normal relations with neighboring Arab states and with other Middle Eastern countries and the international community,

~ and free of undue influence by outside powers such as the USA and the debilitating effects of an ongoing state of hostility with its neighbors and a war economy.

I therefore extend my greetings and support to members of the local Jewish Community and others who will be celebrating Israel’s birthday this week.

Created in 1948, Israel is a young state still in many regards in its formative years. I look forward to progressive forces in Israel finally winning public approval for adoption of a constitution for Israel that will guarantee equal human, civil, religious, economic and cultural rights to all of its citizens.

I likewise look forward to Israel, the Palestinians and neighboring nations ending the state of war and reaching a political accommodation to end decades of conflict. That political resolution must be founded on international law and respect for the human and national rights of all people in the region, including both Israelis and Palestinians.

The then newly founded United Nations gave birth to two states in 1947: the State of Israel and the State of Palestine. One cannot give birth to twins and have one twin legitimate and the other twin illegitimate. Creation of Israel and the Israeli War of Independence had a devastating impact on the Palestinian population of that area. It is no wonder that Palestinians call the flight or expulsion of 750,000 – 900,000 refugees and destruction of more than 400 Palestinian villages within the boundaries of the new Israeli state “al Naqba” or “the catastrophe.”

Israel’s 62nd birthday not only is a time for many to celebrate the many accomplishments of Israel. It must also remind us that establishment of a Palestinian State is long overdue. There is a broad international consensus that supports creation of a Palestinian State alongside Israel enjoying the same rights, responsibilities, security and hope as the State of Israel.

US support for Israel should adamantly and consistently further the goals of reenforcing democracy and equality for all citizens of Israel and bringing about a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian-Arab conflict and creation of a Palestinian state alongside Israel. These remain my personal goals and the purpose of the Middle East Program of the Resource Center for Nonviolence.

Scott Kennedy

April 19, 2010

A celebration of the life of Diane Thomas will be held on Saturday January 17 at 10:00 a.m. at the Pacific School of Religion, 1796 Scenic Avenue in Berkeley. Thomas, who died peacefully on December 1 of cancer, was a cofounder of the Resource Center for Nonviolence in 1976 and lived in Santa Cruz and served on the staff  during the Resource Center’s formative years. Thomas also helped found the UC Nuclear Weapons Lab Conversion Project, served on the staff of the Ecumenical Peace Institute for more than a decade, and helped found the Iraq Initiatives Project. A highlight of Diane’s work for peace and justice was speaking before a massive rally of more than a million people in June of 1982, after having fasted for disarmament for 30 days, to bring pressure on the Second United Nations Special Session on Disarmament in New York City. One of her proudest achievements was establishing the Dismantling Racism Committee at the Pacific School of Religion where she joined the staff in 2000 and directed the annual fund and alumni relations, organized the annual Earl Lectures church conference, and co-chaired the seminary’s Dismantling Racism Committee until the time of her death.

For photos of Diane and information on her work for peace and justice, www.peacehost.net/EPI-Calc/Diane/  Tax deductible memorial donations to support the Iraq Initiatives Project may be made in Diane’s memory to: EPIC/CALC, PO Box 9344, Berkeley, CA 94709 (write Diane/IIP on memo line).

The Resource Center is joining with Barrios Unidos to build a new mixed-use community center at 1817 Soquel Avenue. 1817 Soquel Avenue will provide new meeting spaces and office and program space for both organizations, as well as housing for staff and interns, retired activists and others. This is a major undertaking for both organizations. A new web site will be posted in the next few days with background information and updated news about 1817 Soquel Avenue. Check it out: www.1817Soquel.org

You are invited to join the:
2008 Resource Center for Nonviolence and Interfaith Peace-Builders
Study Tour to Israel and the Palestinian Territories
August 4-11, 2008

This is a truly exceptional opportunity to visit the region at a critical moment in history and to learn about the ongoing conflict from a variety of perspectives, while meeting with and learning from locals working for a sustainable, just solution. You will visit various points of interest in the West Bank, Jerusalem and Israel, stay with Israeli and Palestinian families and have the opportunity to participate in ongoing nonviolent campaigns as well as witness the daily reality of people in the region.
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