This originally appeared at JewSchool.com

The question was posed: Why is the Israeli left so bored with the peace talks? Why so silent? They are not bored per se with the current round of talks between Israeli and Palestinian negotiators (set to quietly move forward through April 30, 2014). The Israeli left is, however, not paying much attention to these latest encounters between Saeb Erekat and Tzipi Livni.


​Actually, I’m not sure if anyone is paying attention here at all.

When Jewish organizations attempt to silence discourse on the occupation everyone loses, including Palestinians, Israelis and communities around the world.

All That’s Left, an activist collective of which I am a member, recently hosted a number of international “parlor days” to promote thoughtful conversations about the importance of ending the occupation.

The events took place in several cities including Toronto, New York, Boston, Jerusalem, Chicago, Melbourne and the Bay Area. Participants watched Israeli films such as The Law in These Parts and Just Vision’s Budrus These are films that explore the history, current situation and potential future impacts of the occupation.

Although some of these events were scheduled to be hosted at Moishe House locations, they had to be moved when Moishe House unexpectedly withdrew.
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This was originally published in +972 Magazine.

Twenty, 10 or even five years ago I would have counted myself among those genuinely optimistic about the prospects of Kerry’s “peace” talks. These days I am not quite as optimistic, but nevertheless, there is a chance for these talks to lead to something positive. This as an opportunity to organize toward an end to the occupation and a just peace.
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