A Clash Between Right and Right

Amos Oz spoke at Beth Am on Thursday night.

He spoke of the need to make Peace, not Love. He spoke of 'Compromise' as the lifeblood of Peace, to meet half way in disputes. He spoke of moderates as the only force that can contain the fundamentalist in any segment of the population whether they are Muslim, Christian or Jew.

Amos Oz's suggestion for making Peace in the Middle East is to strengthen the democracies like Jordon and make them even more productive and successful. Then they will be a 'showcase' for the other Muslim, less stable countries around them.

This eloquent speaker who has experienced the highs and lows in the history of Israel, told of his ideas and experiences in trying to make Peace Now a reality. He reminded us that there is no way to sort out the conflict from looking at history. The focus must be to move forward and deal with the future.

The Middle East conflict is a Tragedy because it is a clash between Right and Right. Those who take a one side over the other vantage are not helping to find a solution. There is so much mistrust and anger on both sides it can lead to total despair. Nevertheless, violence is not the answer. What can work is to take away the motivation for violence and to work toward a compromised solution.

Peace Now Link - Amos Oz is a founder.