A Holiday Wish for Peace in Bethlehem
The United States is trying to advance Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, which have been off and on since direct negotiations resumed in September.
In this Advent season, when our thoughts turn to the hope for peace born in holy Bethlehem long ago but promised to every age, thank President Obama for his efforts to push for talks to end the occupation and resolve the issues dividing Palestinians and Israelis. Urge him to commit to keep the process fair, without predetermining outcomes of the negotiations through settlement construction or other preconditions, and to seek a path to peace that is not bought with costly weapons of war. Failing to pursue a sustainable path to peace in the Middle East, or securing one with increased militarization of the region, will only lead to future conflict, not reconciliation in the Middle East.