Notwithstanding David Sher's reasonable concerns about dealing with the issue of a Palestinian UDI (universal declaration of independence), I would like to bring his attention to a number of points that are important to consider when preparing students for this issue.
It is critical to remember that while the school administration may have specific ideas as to why the Palestinian UDI is uncalled for, and that these ideas may make sense to the school and the students, students need to understand what it is about the initiative that so many others see differently. Without challenging the points raised re the original Arab rejection of UN resolution 181, here are some things the students will need answers to:
1. After rejecting 181, are the Palestinians still entitled to self-determination and a state of their own on land that Israel currently administers/occupies (take your choice) in the West Bank/Judea/Samaria (again, take your choice of which term to use)?
2. If they are entitled to some/all of that land, why is it that Israel does not make it clear what it sees as the final borders it wants for the State of Israel, just as the Palestinians have made clear regarding what they see as the borders of the Palestinian Arab state (1967 lines, period)? Why is it that the Palestinians have a clear demand and clear starting position in negotiations--supported by the President of the United States and most of the world, and the Israelis do not?
3. Why is that Israel can unilaterally annex all of Jerusalem, territory captured in war that no country, even the United States, recognizes as Israeli territory, and yet be opposed to Palestinians who wish to similarly unilaterally declare statehood with the support of over 150 countries?
4. How can we believe the PM of Israel when he says he is willing to support the creation of a Palestinian state when his own party, the ruling Likud, has a charter/platform that is firmly against a Palestinian state and against the removal of any Jewish settlements? If we can't negotiate with Hamas leaders because of its stated goal of never recognizing Israel, why should the Palestinians negotiate with a Likud leader whose party also has a stated goal of never recognizing "Palestine"?
Keep in mind that your students will have to answer to people who will have these types of questions and that is what they should be prepared to intelligently discuss.
irwin j (yitzchak ) mansdorf phd
