Jewish author lectures, defends Palestine
YASMIN YONIS
Issue date: 3/5/08 Section: News
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Hosted by Athens for Justice in Palestine, Anna Baltzer's lecture was one of many in her book tour.
She wrote the book, "Witness in Palestine: A Jewish American Woman in the Occupied Territories," to bring attention to the plight of Palestinians.
While teaching English in Turkey, Baltzer first learned the extent of the conflict when she traveled to other countries in the Middle East. She said at first she was shocked and angered by propaganda from the displaced Palestinian families, but Baltzer decided to see for herself if the stories were true.
She joined the International Women's Peace Service and is now speaking against what she calls human rights violations in Israel.
"As a Jewish American, I have been invited all over the country, all the world, to tell stories of Palestinians because I am Jewish," she said. "If a Palestinian said what I said today they would be called a terrorist and anti-Semitic."
Baltzer said Israel's actions are not reflected in the teachings of Judaism. She highlighted concerns about the high death rates of Palestinians and ethnic segregation by a wall built by the government around Palestinian settlements.
Security walls, check points and violence are just everyday struggles Palestinians face, she said.
During her time living in the West Bank, Baltzer said she saw pregnant women and children dying after being stopped for long periods of time at checkpoints.
Palestinians and Israelis take part in non-violent movements by marching, protesting and holding sit-ins, she explained.
"It is these kinds of things that give me hope and keep me going," Baltzer said.
Viewing Comments 1 - 9 of 22
MajorPayne
posted 3/05/08 @ 8:42 AM EST
I know that people are justified on both sides to the violence that we see on the news every day. From what I read of this article, It appears as if Ms. (Continued…)
Leonidas
posted 3/05/08 @ 2:12 PM EST
Ms. Baltzer strikes me as a traitor to her own people. It is regrettable what has happened to the Palestinians. However, being the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, I wonder if Ms. (Continued…)
Jim
posted 3/05/08 @ 3:56 PM EST
Anti-Semitism as we know it is a Christian creation. And it still is. The worst anti-Semites in the world are American Christians who want to collect Jews in Israel in order to bring about the so-called end times. (Continued…)
Muneer
posted 3/05/08 @ 5:17 PM EST
MajorP:
1) We should never accept violence as being justified
2) Do you watch the news? the Wall has NOT prevented rocket attacks, and Hamas renounced suicide bombings after it ran for elections back in 2006. (Continued…)
Billy
posted 3/05/08 @ 6:01 PM EST
Leonidas: "Ms. Baltzer strikes me as a traitor to her own people"
Like Muneer said, it is a humanitarian issue. Look at it this way: Are Germans who denounce Hitler and their past traitors to their people?
There are many Jewish people in Israel who denounce the Zionism movement due to humanitarian reasons. (Continued…)
Ramprasad Choudhry
posted 3/05/08 @ 6:06 PM EST
"Either a separate state is established where law and order are put into effect or the people can be assimilated into countries they had formerly been citizens of. (Continued…)
Ramprasad Choudhry
Ramprasad Choudhry
posted 3/05/08 @ 6:07 PM EST
"Either a separate state is established where law and order are put into effect or the people can be assimilated into countries they had formerly been citizens of. (Continued…)
Jason Coleman
posted 3/05/08 @ 8:24 PM EST
Muneer:
I hope law school is going well for you. From what I remember when we had a nice, vigorous discussion at Tate a few years ago, you're much better informed that you come off on your post. (Continued…)
Muneer
posted 3/05/08 @ 8:49 PM EST
My last post, because this is a dangerous avenue for many ppl (many of those above) to spread misinformation.
Jason:
1) All my points were in response to the previous posts, so I know it may be painful, but read the posts I am responding to (reference to rockets and the Wall). (Continued…)
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