Spring Break
Different perspectives,
one goal
Israeli, Palestinian views offered
on peace in the Middle East
Paul Mercado, Daily Staff Writer
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Associated Students, the Jewish Student Union, the Mosiac Multicultural Center and the Muslim Students Association sponsored the event, to inform the campus community about the differing perspectives surrounding some of the current issues in the Middle East.
The public was invited to learn what the status of the peace process is and to discuss what can be done to end the violence.
On behalf of Israel's perspective was Michael Futterman, while
Bazian, a native Palestinian, spoke first.
"Ariel Sharon's actions toward the Palestinians need to be understood, and that being the desire to bring about an end to the Oslo peace process," Bazian said. "Sharon, citing a greater security threat, will be able to have a freer hand in implementing harsher measures that might include the transfer of Palestinians."
He said Sharon's transfer plan would be put in motion.
"This can only be accomplished under a condition of 'managed' chaos. Throughout history, massive civilian movements across borders have happened once the appropriate conditions have been created, and war is the best tool for such an undertaking."
He said he moved to the United States to search for a higher education.
Bazian has instructed courses on Islam, Islamic law and Middle East politics at the UC Berkeley.
He hosts and produces "Islam Today," a weekly one-hour radio program, and is the founder and director of Al-Qalam Institute.
The community-based organization is dedicated to conserving Islamic Sciences, he said.
Michael Futterman, an officer of the Jewish Community Relations Council and chair of the Middle East Strategy Committee, spoke about the American Jewish community and the role it plays in the Middle East and why there seems to be a difficulty bringing the two sides together at the peace table.
Calling the Middle East crisis a struggle for Jews and Israelis, Futterman, said, "As Jews, we have much to contribute to the dialogue on racism. Because we have been the target for thousands of years, we continue to take an active role in preventing crimes against humanity, regardless of the race or religion of the victim."
The event lasted about an hour and a half with each speaker giving his views on the problems facing the peace process in the Middle East and why.
"This was great. It gave people that have never lived in Israel or Palestine a view," said Aviv Barhm, a graduate student majoring in speech communication. "I just want to hear the other side. I am from Israel and have heard the Israelis view, but have not had a chance to hear the Palestinians side. I found their view interesting."
Carol Christensen, associate dean for the College of Applied Sciences and Arts, said it was very clear that both sides have different views on the situation.
"I just think we, as Americans, need to do what we can to promote peace in the Middle East and the world," Christensen said. "If you look at the world wars, we weren't engaged in either one of them, and pretty soon they became worldwide. I don't think we should be the world police. I don't think we should take sides. I don't think we should send troops to stop the violence, but we should use our influence to promote peace the best we can."
Katherine Wien, an undeclared sophomore, said she doesn't think these forums are productive because all people ever do is bicker.
"I don't think we should take sides because both are doing wrong things," Wien said. "If we take a side, we will be doing the wrong thing. We are a huge political power in the world and we should be working for peace and not take sides."
Bryan Agola, senior majoring in economics, said she found the forum interesting.
"I think it is constructive for both side to come together and discuss their differences," Agola said.
Alison Gerard, an SJSU employee in international and extended studies, said she studied abroad in Israel when she was in college and is interested in Middle Eastern politics.
"I am Jewish and I see issues with both sides," Gerard said. "I think people need to care about what is happening all over the world."
Cynthia McCune, a part-time instructor in journalism and mass communications, said it was a good discussion.
"They didn't go into attack mode," McCune said. "I think 9-11 tells us why we should care. I say that because we tend to think that we are so big on our own continent that we don't have to worry about all the nasty little conflicts happening in other parts of the world. I think with plane travel and the Internet, the world is getting smaller. I don't think we can take that attitude anymore. This stuff does come home to roost."
