Hanukkah is a time to celebrate victory over tyranny and the blessing of small lights in a time of darkness. I like to think of those who struggle for peace, despite the huge obstacles, as heroes who help illuminate the gloom.
The people at Peace Now/Shalom Achshav are my heroes, my “Maccabees.” Every day they fight against the tyranny of blinkered thinking. Every day they work to keep alive the vision of a better way forward for Israelis and Palestinians.
There is plenty of blinkered thinking to overcome. While the world is preoccupied with COVID 19 and while the U.S. is in a (bumpy) transition to a new administration, Israel continues to expand settlements. The Israeli government is exploiting the last days of the Trump regime to establish as many invasive “facts on the ground” in the West Bank as possible. Particularly problematic are new settlement projects that would block the contiguity of a future Palestinian state. Plus, Israel is building infrastructure that would facilitate thousands more settlers moving to the West Bank. Plus, some Palestinians are being evicted from their homes in East Jerusalem through settler exploitation of an unjust law. Such practices deepen injustices against the Palestinians and harm Israel itself by jeopardizing the two-state solution — the only viable solution to the conflict.
Of course, Palestinians also must do their part to bring the day when both sides can again sit down at the negotiating table. But that’s no excuse for Israel to close the door on the two-state option through a policy of “creeping annexation.”
For this reason, Peace Now monitors, exposes and vigorously protests the land grabs, home evictions and settlement growth. Shalom Achshav stands up for the democratic, peace-seeking Israel of its founding vision. And we at Canadian Friends of Peace Now continue to stand with them.
Thanks to all of you who have steadfastly stood by us. This Hanukkah season, please light a candle (or eight!) for peace. And if you have not already done so, please renew your support to Canadian Friends of Peace Now.
We all have darkness to deal with this year because of the pandemic. May you find your own joys and blessings this Hanukkah, despite the limitations. May you manage to come together with your loved ones, if only virtually. Most of all, may you and your loved ones stay safe.
Gabriella Goliger
For the whole team at Canadian Friends of Peace Now