Frequent Questions

  1. Why is the United States the only country to support Israel as resolutions come to the UN about Israel/Palestine?

  2. The US is not the only country. Often there are 1-3 others who vote with Israel and the US. The US has often used the veto it has in the Security Council to support Israel. Israel must serve an important purpose for the US in the Mid East--perhaps oil accessibility.

  3. What do the Christian churches in Palestine think about the situation?

    Christian churches in Palestine are peopled by Palestinians who are occupied people, too. Many have fled to Europe or the US to escape a deplorable situation. They would like other Christians to hear their voice.

  4. Do Israeli settlers really represent most Israelis?

    They represent the Israeli longing for a homeland, the closeness of Jews, the desire to end pogrom and holocaust. Many are US citizens and influence Israeli politics out of proportion to their numbers.

  5. What are the differences between Sephardic and Ashkenazi Jews?

    Sephardic are south European, and mid eastern; Ashkenazi are European, the ones who have been the political leaders in Israel, the decision makers.

  6. Are all Hamas Muslims suicide bombers?

    Hamas is a religious renewal movement in Islam that was initially supported by Israel as a way to balance Fatah. Hamas also has major social service programs in the refugee camps. There is a small military wing of Hamas.

  7. Is there any tradition of nonviolence in Islam? In Judaism?

    In Christianity? All three religions have small committed minorities that are dedicated to nonviolence. The Badshah Khan was a co-worker of Gandhi. Israelis and Palestinians for Nonviolence is an active group in the midst of the present conflict.

  8. How can CPT work with Palestinians and Israelis when they represent such opposite positions?

    Among both groups are those who see the importance of working together to prevent the destruction of both peoples. CPT has served as a bridge when there has been distrust between Palestinians and Israelis.

  9. Did God give all the land from the Nile to the Euphartes to the Jews?

    This is a contention few people of any religious faith would hold. The political leaders of Israel today are for the most part not practicing Jews, but are happy to use the issue of religious chosenness to support their goals.

  10. Is it true that Israelis and Palestinians will be fighting each other until Jesus comes?

    There have been periods of time when Israelis and Palestinians have lived as good neighbors. Many Palestinians and Israelis would prefer a shared state and capitol or an interim agreement of two states.

  11. Why (How) is the US an unbiased mediator in the Israeli/Palestinian conflict? Why doesn't the UN serve this function?

    The US isn't unbiased. The US has given $3-11 billion in aid to Israel each year, much in the form of military aid. Israel serves US purposes in the Middle East. The UN has not been accepted by Israel or the US in a mediator role. The UN would expect much more accountability from Israel.