Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Pop goes the Wiesel - 'letter to Obama' disputed by 100 Jerusalemites

Not all Jerusalemites agree with the confrontational tactics of settlers and have come out against the sentiments of Elie Wiesel, expressed in a full page ad "letter to Obama" that extolled a united Jerusalem. A hundred well-heeled Israeli Jews published their own open letter. An excerpt:

"Our Jerusalem is populated with people, young and old, women and men, who wish their city to be a symbol of dignity – not of hubris, inequality and discrimination. You speak of the celestial Jerusalem; we live in the earthly one."
Veteran correspondent Chris McGreal of the Guardian reports here. Renowned for comparing Israeli policies to Apartheid in South Africa, where he was formerly based, the journalist takes an even-handed look at the latest Jerusalem controversy.
Hat tip to the Beeb for the photo of a Jerusalem Day matron who is so mistrustful that she hides her face during a gathering in the eastern part of the city.

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