A Bridge to Peace

October 2, 2001


Recognizing that our progress toward a common international morality is one of mankind's greatest achievements...

We invite you to see the world's widening crisis as a mirror of the insanity of extreme political positions, and move quickly toward resolving differences by having the courage to meet on a "peace bridge", formed by the world's own cupped hands.



MEETING ON THE BRIDGE

To help unwind your difficult positions, which exemplify men having reached the limits of their skills in problem- solving, we offer these steps as a bridge to peace, security, and human rights for all:

1. State publicly that in exchange for all Israelis and Palestinians adhering to "no first use of violence", after two days Israel will begin relocating a segment of settlers out of the Occupied Territories. All citizens of both regions must be enlisted to use best efforts.

Aim will be to return to pre-1967 war borders and define Palestinian statehood, but all parties should acknowledge that a step-by-step process is necessary to unwind positions. It matters not what happens first, just that agreement to the same non-threatening actions is put in motion.

2. In exchange for continued security pledges and nonviolence, Israel will begin reopening "closures", reducing "checkpoints", helping restore well water in Palestinian communities, replanting uprooted olive trees, and other such gestures befitting commitment to, and investment in, compassionate, civilized coexistence.

3. Erase graffiti which is anti-"other" by a specific target date.

4. Formal talks may be set after both sides are content with this progress toward generating trust.

5. Consider establishing a jointly-held Jewish, Islamic, and Christian trust as a vehicle for the ownership of Jerusalem.

6. If none of these steps appear to lead to your respective aims, call for the best mutually-acceptable proposals, using the Internet. Offer incentives. Solutions to men's greatest problems can be found, but coercive use of violence is not one of them.


As human beings, we recognize that any compassionless act IS terrorism.

As citizens of United Nations member states, we recognize the cooperation between the United States and Israel, in maintaining and funding an Occupation that has no basis in international law, to be among the situations now unconscionably placing the entire world at risk. We feel the U.S. can show friendship to Israel while facilitating peace, respect for human rights, and rule of law. We see that strict political agendas are a poor substitute where best efforts at dialogue and creative problem-solving are needed.

Until adequate guarantees of your mutually-honorable peace agreement are made to the civilized world, in honor of fellow world citizens unwittingly sacrificed to extremist ideals on September 11, 2001, we withhold further trade with Israel and oppose unrestricted U.S. aid to Israel. We also denounce Palestinian terrorism.

We affirm, in view of changing world events, that upholding international law is the only right course for all of us, in wishing to assist your path to peaceful coexistence, and to help restore harmony in our world.

We ask that anyone planning further attacks, anywhere in the world, as a statement against the Israeli Occupation of Palestine, or U.S. involvement, allow this "people's" collective problem-solving effort a chance to address their needs in a respectful, peaceful way.

We are all connected