Denied Entry Into Israel

You are taking sides again...what is the food like in a Palestinian Jail. Jack G

Denied Entry speaks to a few illusions falling away from my life. I appreciate that pain, pride, and disappointment are all part of Starhawk's relationship with Jewish heritage. Being a grandchild of Danish immigrants, I once embraced my heritage uncritically. Denmark has done so much for humanity. The sometimes life-saving solidarity Danes extended to Jews during the Nazi occupation is just one example. Sadly, Denmark was also involved in colonialism. I recently read of the slaves of St. John who revolted against their Danish masters and nearly kicked them off the island. Heritage is complicated. I'm glad that some people are acknowledging that.

P.S. For a concise history of resistance to colonial slavery I recommend "From Revolt to Revolution by Eugene Genovese

As someone raised Jewish I understand where Starhawk is coming from by identifying with the Jewishness of the ancestors. I am Jewish through the matrilineal line of my family and only recently was called by the Goddess.

I consider the Jewish lineage responsible for my love of learning, knowledge and enjoyment of debate (though my enjoyment often far exceeds my ability). It was a shell housing a seed that provided spiritual nourishment early on.. but when the plant grew it became something completely different in its display. :)

I've been called a 'self-hating jew' for saying that I don't agree with everything Israel does, and hoping that there can be temperance on all sides to tamp down the violence.

I really admire Starhawk for taking chances all the time and being out there actually DOING something to try to bring about change rather than sitting at home whining about one side or the other.

Good points, RCB. The reason these discussions always cheese me off is cause it always seems to be about people claiming one side or the other are utterly evil, then calling anyone who questions or disapproves of an Israeli policy nothing more than an anti-Semite, even if they're showing bigotry against the target of the accusations' religion, themselves.

People can have legitimate human rights concerns and criticisms without being 'anti-Israel,' anti-Semitic, or a 'terrorist lover.' Too often we can't question what our own government may be paying for because any such questioning is shut down just so.

Certainly, a lot of Americans are paranoid about that meaning there's some horrible Jewish conspiracy and all *that* nonsense, and still others maybe think it's pointless to stick our necks out for folks who'll just make us more enemies, when certain governments get in power and seem to be more interested in inflaming people than taking a long view, anyway, etc etc.

I'm aware that Israel is in a really rough neighborhood, to say the least, and has a lot of enemies: I sure wouldn't want to be making the security decisions, there. One thing that's clear is that everyone's got reasons to be angry at each other over there, and there's a lot of inflammatory rhetoric. The work of making some friends, though, is at least as important as the immediate security interests.

That's not being a 'nutcase,' ...that's thinking about the *future,* if anyone's interested in that.

Certainly, in America, there's been a tendency to try and polarize everything into 'holy causes' and recriminations... But I don't have much faith in any monolithic approach to such a complex problem as peace and security and stability in that region.

RCG: “Respect for your opinion is much better bolstered by experience in the peace-making process, than arm-chair showmanship. Reading what has been written so far seems to just makes many of you seem like childish asshats.”

I really appreciate that that you think so clearly and write so well. Hope you don’t think of me as yet another unweaned anoperineal toque.

RCG: “I am hesitant to support the position of anyone who thinks progress can be made without immediate armistice and attention to a humanitarian tide flowing in and out of crisis.”

This memory goes way back, when I was seven or eight. My parents were involved in C.O.R.E.---the Congress of Racial Equality. C.O.R.E.’s office in L.A. had the same olfactory aura as the old KPFA building, the first station in the Pacifica network, yet another group of activists dedicated to the visions of Mahatma Gandhi and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King. When I went to the C.O.R.E. office, I would see a middle aged German immigrant, stooped and with the sort of damage to his legs that made him walk with a lopsided gait. My grandfather, who I adored, had a Yiddish accent and would often break into shtick. This stunted man had an even more pronounced Yiddish accent, which made me love seeing him. He was hardly and taller than us kids, and he was a survivor of the death camps. Thank you I.G. Farben, Thank you Prescott Bush. If persons committed to the survival of Israel are in search of a common enemy, they might consider looking into the family fortunes of the Bush Dynasty.

In any case, for this particular survivor of Nazi anti-Semitic atrocities, the issue of who was in the wrong was no longer the point. The point was equal human rights for all. That’s what he was working for.

Again, if one really wants perspective on Starhawk’s commitment to the visions of Mahatma Gandhi and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, I urge you to read “Dreaming the Dark.”

Those interest in the larger social forces that led to the modern Stare of Israel might want to Google Disraelia: A Counterfactual History, 1848-2008by Walter Laqueur.

And to borrow a thought from my other favorite author, we all have the option of flying towards Grace.

Like my mom [Bea Stanley, stating the fundamental tenant of the Civil Rights movement] sez, no one can be free unless all are free.

Blessed Be,
Robin

Susan claims that Starhawk "abandoned Judaism" because she is looking at her with a monotheistic lens. She incorrectly assumes that the spiritual beliefs and occasional rituals that come with "being Jewish," however Starhawk interprets that.
The article says:

I am Jewish and Pagan, and both sets of values are in me, inextricably intertwined. They deeply make me who I am.

“Justice, Justice, You shall pursue” is one of the Biblical verses that stays with me, always. To me, that means an obligation to go where truth and justice lead—even into places that are painful and hard to face.

Remember, contemporary Western Paganism is a polytheistic religion. Incorporation of religious Truth and practice from a variety of sources is canon. Like "Pagan", "Christian" is an umbrella term brings with it a pretty wide set of beliefs, rituals and holidays; contemporary Christianity is rife with it. Religious beliefs are a part of our actions of every day life. To her, "Jewishness" was never abandoned. Katie Hodges put it well, too.

The rest of you conjecturing, squabbling knuckleheads are missing something of the article, which is all you can base your points off of.

Starhawk's commentary highlighted two important things:

1- The need for honesty and transparency in charitable organizations and NGOs. If you are handling money for a 'good cause', prove it. Hire a good book keeper, and show your work. Holding organizations accountable for where their money goes and why someone died will be much easier.

2- The slippery slope Administrative Detention in any form has for human rights violations, because of a lack of #1 (in this case, transparency for governments themselves). The United States government engages in human trafficking (1 in 142 incarcerated in increasingly for-profit, privately run prisons) for a variety of reasons.

The distinction between 'freedom fighter', 'government militia' and 'terrorist' is largely based on perspective.

For example:
The Iraqi Army soldier gets disbanded and loses his job because of the occupation, becomes a 'freedom fighter' for his enemy occupied country, but doesn't want to be captured/killed as a 'terrorist' so in the name of stability signs up with the new 'government militia', going back to his post. Assuming he survives.

Is it true that some of these "government and/or terrorist militias" are providing some humanitarian aide and essential services to gain favor and take care of the people? Due to the measure of stability inside Israel, could some of these organizations look beyond the basic, immediate humanitarian need and address environmental, or infrastructural needs?

What is the fundamental distinction between a violent group providing services and stability and a non-violent group addressing the same needs? The need to kill people to get it done.

I believe that is the core of Starhawk's article. It's funny that basic humanitarian needs are considered fluffy. Profitability and sense of superiority are seductive qualities of violence.

Cause, hey. Do you have any idea how *sick* we are of hearing about this stuff?

If it takes a Pagan to go over there and see *human beings,* then you should be *rolling out the red carpet.*

Cause I won't be there. No, sir.

You want it *your* way, you could find yourself in the wind. Cause, personally, you wanna make it about which monotheism that has never shown a whit of consideration for anyone else stomps on which other, if this isn't about *human beings,* well, I could give a crap.

Seriously.

You wanna insult and smear the peacemakers, then *you* clean it up.

This isn't to say, btw, people of Israel, that a lot of Americans aren't predisposed to be rooting for you.

But I'll tell you this.

You don't make it easy.

Keep it up with the insults and telling us to stuff our principles.

That'll help.

Ah, Susan, it's just always comforting when seeing an injustice, to have someone say, 'Hey, we or someone else could do you worse, still.'

It's so overwhelmingly *principled* that it always impresses the Hel out of me, let me tell you.

I'm not in the least surprised to see someone who has abandoned Judaism and yet waives it around when it suits her to be so glib in ignoring the truth about the terrorists she is working with. Rather than whining about being denied entry to Israel, she should thank G-d that Israel isn't half as bad as her enemies falsely paint her, because she would then be dead.

I mean to say, Aaron, I totally respect your considered opinion, there. Next time Israel needs a few billion in military help, I'll be sure to say,

"Nope. Sorry. couldn't possibly. Too crazy. No way of knowing right from wrong. It'd be real irresponsible."

Happy? :)

I mean, yaknow, Aaron, 'nutcase' I may be, to you, but I'm all about the nuance, myself, when it comes to foreign policy, and where we spend money.

But if you're saying there's no possible hope between the people of the region, I'm just not seeing the self-interest in staying involved, yaknow?

Cause, obviously any notions of other principles that might be operative in my ...tsk, deluded little mind are obviously without basis, and all.

Far be it from me to suggest we should interfere with the perspicacity and manifest self-determination of the peoples of the region. To be honest, it's kind of put *us* out a bit, too.

It's not like we're short of 'nutcases' over here in America. I'm doubting our sanity already.

Figure we ought to butt out. That'll work.

Well, hey, Aaron, you wanna call Starhawk a 'nutcase,' then apparently there's a whole lot of 'nutcases' over here in America, Christian, Pagan, and Jewish, who might just be convinced to go ahead and leave you to your own 'sanity.'

Capiche?

How sad the neocon sons of right-wing Republicans like Richard Nixcon, Ezra Taft Benson and Joe McCarthy (who believed peace was a Communist plot) now believe peace is a liberal plot.

As evil hates the light, these sad folks are always looking for a common villain to be their scapegoats and rally cry. While claiming to be Christian, these neochristians hate Jesus' words of peace, love and tolerance.

Thank God there are still people like Starhawk who are a breath of hope in Cheney's hateful Jesuslandia.

If we are to survive as a species on a planet that can sustain us; this is the beacon we must follow. People are thirsty for this variety of thinking and being. Thankyou.

Finally, the Israeli government of the incompetent Ehud Olmert manages to get something right by denying entry to this nutcase.

PAGANPLACE: "Now, Starhawk is more of a nonviolence idealist than I suspect I could ever be, but through deeds and personal risk, she's *earned* that better than most."

I remember the '82 Livermore Action. Edith Cole of the Claremont Friends Meeting was involved in a campaign of fasting for peace at various anti-nuclear events. I found this [and Edith] enormously compelling and I started to get involved in various anti-nuclear actions. Since my parents were deeply involved in the civil rights movement back in the Sixties, I was drawn to the principles of nonviolence and nonviolent political action. The Friends had a mode of conducting meetings of all sorts [probably borrowed from Native Americans] where they were all sitting in a circle and progressing clockwise in such a fashion that each person had not only the oppourtunity to speak their peace without interruption, but to have a bit of silence before and after their comments, a musical rest of sorts. This is a highly ritualized mode of conducting business, but there was room to allow someone not only a chance to get all their concerns expressed and heard but also a ritual that assures that everyone is treated with respect, imparting to the process a spiritual quality. This migrated over to the Livermore Action Group, consensus becoming a core principle. Consensus is also a core principle in Food Not Bombs, though our group over here in Fresno is long on slack---more like the Church of Subgenius than Reclaiming. There is a great deal on the consensus process in "Truth or Dare", a book worth reading in particular for activists and other folks involved with conflict resolution.

Blessed Be,
Robin

I should probably also add, ...this is something that really seems to reduce a lot of things to recrimination and guilt-by-association and 'for-our-righteous-cause-or-an enemy' talk... these models of thought that monotheists and monotheist-atheists seem to be constantly be braying fear and aggression in terms of:

In the interests of interfaith understanding, Pagans need not and very often *do* not *think* that way.

There is no presumption that if there is a job to be done, that it must be 'The One And Only Divinely-Ordained-Way That Everyone Must Do.'

We're a very practical people, that way. Just cause 'Someone's gotta do it,' doesn't mean, 'Everyone's Gotta Do It Or It Doesn't Even Count.'

We just don't live in an all-or-nothing, zero-sum world. These unspoken presumptions we hear from the 'Zionist crowd' that actually actively pursuing peaceful methods *must inherently mean dropping all defenses* are very akin to me to the assumptions that 'If Everyone Isn't Straight There Will Be No More Babies.'

Nonsense, of course.

But part of the process of a worldview where everyone is individually-judged according to personal conformity with a 'Universal law.'

Something you guys can apply inappropriately, if you aren't careful.

Now, Starhawk is more of a nonviolence idealist than I suspect I could ever be, but through deeds and personal risk, she's *earned* that better than most.

But, her being someone out there trying to do something that needs to be done doesn't mean she's 'taking sides,' ...it means she's doing something that she feels needs to be done. With some success, I understand.

And, thanks, Jim. Actually, the way discussions about Israel go, I've heard a whole lot more voices of reason here than I honestly expected to.

It's not just what people are talking about, ...it's *how* it's talked about. There is a language of 'righteous war' and dehumanization, and all that can promise is one side or the other figuring they'll get lucky one day, and a lot of profiteering off the conflict itself and the fears among all the people on both 'sides' in the meantime.

The conflict is a myth of its own, and it needs a mythic effort of resolution, one where both sides are involved. As humans.

I'm not taking positions on specific things Isreal ought or ought not to do, except that being scared into abusing people never works out in the long run.

And frankly, there are a lot of American religious conservatives who are interested in supporting Israel, not out of any care for the Jewish people, but because they believe there must *be* an Israel and a temple so they can have the world end in an Armageddon and bring Jesus back.

Which is the gorilla in the room when it comes to American talk *about* Israel.

It's not always about what's good for the *people* involved. Even if it comes to attacking anything but blind support for right-wing policies which may not actually serve peace or prosperity in the region, or even long-term survival for Israel in some form or other.

One can love America deeply and be heartsick about Guantanamo. Not because one's an 'enemy,' but because we love America as something from which we must expect and demand a higher standard. Even if there's bullies in the neighborhood.

Pagans know a thing or two about being outnumbered by people who talk violent holy-book-rhetoric and sometimes act on it. I do keep a thing or two to defend myself with in the house. I do not *think with it.* These things don't make you safe. Just better-defended. Safety is in knowing your neighbors, Being human to them, sharing the concerns of reality rather than the fears and hyperboles of ideology.

Israel's in a tough position. They can't sit around and wait for their neighbors to get nonviolent, but neither can they win with violence of their own.

Could be that there'll have to be some brinksmanship, but that's a dangerous game doomed to someday get ugly. They, or their would-be-supporters, should not be vilifying people dealing peace in the only way that ever really works: Communicating as humans.

Voices need to be heard all around the table, in peace. Starhawk plays a vital role in the web of our human creation... these kinds of articles show the complexity of the world we live in as well as give hope for our future.

I hear a lot of angry, frustrated voices among the comments posted here. Starhawk obviously touched a cord that moves people. I go back to the "peace table" that like to the round table of Camelot... these voices need to be LISTENED to. It is good to have a forum such as this, but what are the people DOING about it?

Starhawk moves, as do others who would use bombs and bulldozers. Yet, she moves in a different rhythm, a different tone- that of non-violent ACTION. It pulls power in different ways than we are accustomed to. It is challenging, too, and hard to grasp. We need to have all voices at the table, but ultimately we can't stay at the table debating it forever. People are suffering... We have to do something about it.

What? What are you doing about it?

How refreshing to see the other side of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict - those who are attempting to wage peace. Instead of reporting of terrorist activities, or in balance to reporting them, the media might consider better coverage of those working for peace. Ah, but htat may not be sensational enough to sell many newspapers. Thanks, WP, for your willingness to present some alternative views of conflicts and how they might be solved.

Bob:

"poll after poll after poll have shown that the Palestinians overwhelmingly support violence to attain their goal, which is to regain all of the former Palestine."

Well, if 'poll after poll' said, that, well, Gods, best be *doubly* sure to label anyone teaching nonviolent conflict resolution and permaculture to alleviate poverty as an enemy of Israel.

Wouldn't want anyone muddying up the issue with humanity and hope for change or anything, there's bombing and bulldozing to be done!

Post Global,

You're really scraping the bottom of the barrel here.

Ms. Starhawk, the media pays little attention to the Palestinian non-violent movement, because it is insignificant. Not only their actions, but poll after poll after poll have shown that the Palestinians overwhelmingly support violence to attain their goal, which is to regain all of the former Palestine.

You may refuse to fact this fact, but you're in a small minority in that sense too.

The three questions you cite could be the sorting layers through which an authentic action can be sifted.

RCG:

Thanks for the best, to the point, analysis of the situation in Israel and Palestine that I have seen here. BOTH sides are at fault, and must somehow figure out a way to stop the cycle of violence and madness. It may be the most difficult problem on the planet, but continuing exchanges of rockets and air attacks solve nothing, only increase the hatred.
It is unlikely that it will be solved soon. It is also unlikely that many here on this blog will stop seeing things in their convenient black-and-white, instead of the gray of truth.

Arminius

While overt religious discrimination in the United States is commonplace, governmental discrimination based on a person's religious preference remains covert. Starhawk's article brings to the forefront the fact that religious discrimination is alive and well in a country that we consider one of our closest allies. Where is the human rights factor in this?

I find it truly deplorable that a country that is supposed to be progressive, one that is condemned by a large portion of their neighboring countries based on their predominant religion, would show such animosity toward an individual for religious belief.

I am happy to see this article published and I commend the editors for allowing it to be shared. I hope that this represents a trend for the future.

Jeffrey (Arimesis) Moore
Minneapolis, Minnesota

Respect for your opinion is much better bolstered by experience in the peace-making process, than arm-chair showmanship. Reading what has been written so far seems to just makes many of you seem like childish asshats.

There are so many issues being confused and argued over, none of which seem to have any relation to the gist of Starhawk's editorial: while stopped at the Israeli border for being once associated with a group that has at least been accused of being sympathetic towards Palestinian terrorists, Starhawk met a few examples of the human collateral damage of a wider, deeper, conflict than her heritage had originally exposed her to.

Remember, history is written by the Victors. 61 years ago, Israel was carved out of Palestine and is now quite supported by the United States. The US is historically familiar with violent colonization, and marginalization and control of resident groups. The notion of building of infrastructure abruptly through "protected, sovereign reservations" is nothing new. We can see how well our hands-on approach to the reservation system turned out for own American Natives. Right or wrong in origins, the stable, self-determined, sovereign Jewish state is something that has had to be dealt with for some time now.

Michael O seemingly tries to use Starhawk's Paganism to belittle her connections to and claims of Jewishness, both culturally and religiously. Doing this demonstrates a lack of understanding of contemporary Western Paganism and that community's methods of interacting with perceived wrongs. Stella Westwell uses the phrase "innocuous home made rockets" like they were so many dozens of rotten eggs - as symbolic of discontent as they were disgusting and ultimately harmess - while glossing over that they were built to KILL WITHOUT TARGETING.

What is wrong with you people?

You seem to agree that Sovereign peoples have the right to self-defense, self-determination and freedom from oppression. The basic human needs of Food, Shelter, Medicine and Dignity are not being met by Israel, OR Palestine. These are failings by the two governments AND their neighbors. These needs cannot be met without peace, security and stability. There needs to be a mutual cease-fire, and the civilians need to be taken care of properly. Regardless of initiators, the cycle of indiscriminate rocket and suicide bomb attacks, followed by disproportionate retaliation MUST stop. Unfortunately, far easier said than done.

What does any of that have to do with Permaculture? What does it have to do with sharing of technology, agricultural practices, and environmental research for sustainable growing solutions that are not exploitative?

Nothing, nothing, nothing.

Get over your own egos. You argue ABOUT the human cost of conflict, but not FOR the humans involved in it. Be careful not to confuse secular nationalism and sovereign territory with religious/cultural-identity-based conflicts. Starhawk went with the intention of doing some good in the name of non-violence. She was rightly (though arguably justly) denied entry into sovereign territory, where she then witnessed the byproducts of the friction between conflicting physical territorial disputes and non-corporeal entities of State and Identity. I am hesitant to support the position of anyone who thinks progress can be made without immediate armistice and attention to a humanitarian tide flowing in and out of crisis.

If you're going to pretend to be two different posters, "Stephen," and "Callie," ...maybe try not using the exact same phrasing within a few posts while implying that Starhawk's name is some attempt to deceive.

You're not making 'Zionism' look any better by throwing around implications that she's some kind of 'terrorist' because she points out that detaining and deporting people disrupts a lot of different kinds of lives.

I'm not caring too much about who says which side is implacably-evil or other useless things. It never solves anything.

This is a sickening piece of anti Jewish propaganda. What are Arab jails like I would ask? How many more people have to die for this kind of thing to end? What 'peace' has this monstrous woman brought except to spout lies and hate.

Articles such as the one of "Starhawk" are so contrived that the Washington Post is either naive or complicit in generating anti-Jewish or anti-Israeli sentiment. By a known Palestinian sympathizer with the ISM Movement, which is a self-described anti-Zionist group masquerading as a non-violent organization, the article has no connection to religion. It is political propaganda. Predictably, it provokes the usual outlandish emails orchestrated by anti-Jewish and anti-Israel groups and their sympathizers which are intended to irritate not enlighten. I wonder if "Starhawk" would be well received in Gaza or Mecca if she went around with her face uncovered promoting paganism. No doubt US taxpayers would have to extricate her from a stoning. Coupled with the Arum Ghandi debacle, its time for this anti-intellectual series to end.

Can't you just request to be allowed to go back home?

Starhawk isn't the one going into Muslim countries trying to push her religion, "Stephen."

In contrast with all these folks who can only seem to see 'sides' in everyone for thousands of years on end, well, she seems to be one of the few who believe and act as though peace and reconciliation are *possible.*

Trust me, a Pagan knows a bit about what to do when you're outnumbered by religious fanatics who keep saying they want you dead or something. :)

There are other ways to approach human conflict than inflaming and justifying who killed who last.

Articles such as the one of "Starhawk" are so contrived that the Washington Post is either naive or complicit in generating anti-Jewish or anti-Israeli sentiment. By a known Palestinian sympathizer with the ISM Movement, which is a self-described anti-Zionist group masquerading as a non-violent organization, the article has no connection to religion. It is political propaganda. Predictably, it provokes the usual outlandish emails orchestrated by anti-Jewish and anti-Israel groups and their sympathizers which are intended to irritate not enlighten. I wonder if "Starhawk" would be well received in Gaza or Mecca if she went around with her face uncovered promoting paganism. No doubt US taxpayers would have to extricate her from a stoning. Coupled with the Arum Ghandi debacle, its time for this anti-intellectual series to end.

Please publish more articles like this one about Starhawks being denied entrance into Israel.

"Great, presumably that means that the US is free to stop funding the state of Israel and engaging in proxy wars on its behalf..."

The United States does now, and has generally, act as a result of their perceived "interest." Now, if you don't think it is in America's interest to provide military funding to Israel (look where the majority of Israel's aid is spent btw), then take it up with your Congressperson. If you believe the contrary, do the same. Better believe that I have.

By proxy wars, I would imagine you are thinking of the Iraq War. Do you really think that the Iraq War was in Israel's interest? If you do, well, then you are not too astute. Israel's interest was in detente between Iraq and Iran and NOT an hegemonic Iran. So then, what do you mean?

"Sorry friends, Jews will no longer define themselves in relation to the world's whimsy."

Great, presumably that means that the US is free to stop funding the state of Israel and engaging in proxy wars on its behalf...

I think the point that's repeatedly-obscured about Starhawk's work is that rehashing the blame game and talk about military force really isn't the point, here. It's not about who has the right or even arguable need to do what to whom: that's about war, ..you can't justify injustice, whatever 'side' you take.

People will feel the right and need to harm each other *as long as* they are making each other suffer, however 'righteously.' This won't be solved in a day or by a policy or a wall or a strike and counterstrike and yet another exchange of justifications and recriminations and vilifications.

Yes, people are in a situation, (There are certainly issues in there involving security and justice both,) but for that situation to really change, the real work of peace must be done among the peoples involved.

Fulminating and saber-rattling, especially vicariously, won't fix things. No wall can *really* make one safe, after all. At the very least there has to be *more.*

star,

thank you so much for your brave, eloquent rendering of this experience. truly, it is a testament to the power of nonviolent action--this is why it is such a threat to the Israeli government.

our media--especially in the U.S.--must reflect the reality that peaceful resistance is TREMENDOUSLY effective across the globe.

many blessings to all the people of Israel and Palestine--and the international groups and individuals who support them--who are so courageously forging a path toward peace in spite of the narrow, fear-based policies of governments.

truly what we give our energy and attention and love to will grow...

Your claim of non-violence is a lie, because even though you and ISM do not directly shoot or bomb, you stand in front of those who do, making it more difficult for Israel's citizen army to protect it's citizens.

You brought out the example of Rachel Corrie. Here is more info for those who read her name for the first time in your article - She was a hateful person with lots of anger (find pictures of her on the web at "demonstrations"), who was killed by a bulldozer which did not see her, while she was trying to protect a house that was used for smuggling weapons via tunnels from Egypt that were then going to be used to kill Israelis and tourists.

So please, spare us your "non-violence".

Maria,

Come to reality.

1. Jews who suffered in WWII don't love their oppressors, but neither did they suicide bomb them, kill them where they are found, etc. (See
Yaakov Mandel and Yosef Ishran). Instead, they gave them due process of law and tried them in a court.

2. Home demolition is a response to suicide bombing. No bombing, no house demolition. Also, another overlooked reason for this is that Palestinians do not apply for housing permits nor do they generally practice modern urban planning methods to make efficient use of land -- lack of resources mean urban planning: period.

3. Palestinians do not wish the death of Jews or Israel? Read Hamas's charter. Or Islamic Jihad's charter. Or the previous incarnation of PLO's charter.

4. "Jews are in fact welcomed everywhere in Palestine when they come in peace, just as Starhawk is." Tell that to the 14-year I mentioned above who were bludgeoned to death while playing hookie by those self-same Palestinian pacifists while hiking. There, the killers "dipped their hands in the teenagers' blood" and smeared them across the walls of the cave -- an almost biblical act of cruelty.

5. "Oh, and by the way, the only Middle Eastern people I saw dancing in the streets on 9/11 were Israeli Jews in New Jersey. In Palestine (as I imagine in Israel and many other places) people were lining up to donate blood for victims." In America we have freedom of information. We saw the pictures of Palestinians celebrating post-9/11. Also, show me evidence of the Israeli's post 9/11. Conspiracy theorist is something you should add to your nome de plume.

And if you don't know, well now you know.

It is NOT anti-Semitic to say that Israel should be left to sink or swim on its own. For the good of humanity, not to mention the Middle East and the United States, we should make any and all further assistance to Israel contingent upon their government developing an understanding of, and demonstrated respect for, human rights.

Israel has become what it hates.

Maria,

I think it is integral that you read Yehuda Berg's work about the 'waves' of anti-semitism. It might illuminate your consciousness. That said, I'm not crying, whining, or trying to label anyone. I would suggest that you and the people on this message board, like Ms. Starhawk, recognize that Israel is, and will continue to be, into the future. The words fait accompli come to mind.

Saying that I should, "get over myself" is ridiculous. Would that you could read intelligibly, I have previously stated much of what you had to say. The state of Israel is very much a victim of the type of delegitimization, polarization, and instigation that occurs daily (and is occurring within the context of this website!). That said, I would not blur the lines between supposed Jewish victimhood and Israeli victimhood as you would (See Prof. George Michael's work - UVA). Israel is the regional hegemon because they have put their nose to the grindstone and made a productive, Democratic (yes, people can VOTE in Israel if they so choose...see Arab List-Ta'al, etc.) State out of a neglected Ottoman outpost. Welcome home.

"There are terrorists all over Israel and Palestine, most of them wearing Israeli uniforms or settlers carrying UZIs." Most of them, eh? Now who's ridiculous?

If I promote anti-semitism by being a strong, vocal advocate for Israel, the problem is with you and your reaction to cognitive dissonance. If you have EVER been to the Middle East then you have surely seen the demonization of Jews and the blurring of the term Zionist and Jew.

I'm no victim and you're no victim. Israel exists and you are going to have to deal with it. When Israel acts erroneously or egregiously, it is the responsibility of its citizenry and the world's citizenry (like Ms. Starhawk) to call them on it. However, to say that the world's myopic obsession with Israel is a result of a systemic, fundamental inequality is to miss the forest for the trees.

And yes, Zaytoun, ISM has associated with known terrorists:

"Some links between ISM activists and Palestinian terrorists have emerged. Less than two weeks after Corrie's death, ISM members allegedly tried to prevent Israeli troops from searching their office in Jenin in the West Bank. When the soldiers forced their way in, they discovered Shadi Sukia, a leading member of Islamic Jihad.

The movement claimed that it had known nothing about Sukia but had simply offered him tea, clothes and a blanket when he appeared unannounced off the street.

ISM members also shared tea with Omar Khan Sharif and Assif Muhammad Hanif, Britons who visited the site of Corrie's death with the group last April before carrying out a suicide attack on Mike's Place, a Tel Aviv pub, killing three and injuring dozens." - The Guardian 14/01/2004

Actually, Sheldon, we know we are not welcomed in Israel, except among our Israeli friends. We really don't want to go to Israel anyway. But Israel destroyed Palestine's airports and if we go via Jordan, we are stopped by Israeli soldiers - on illegally occupied land - from reaching our friends in Palestine. The only area of Israel I enjoy visiting is East Jerusalem, but then that's not part of Israel anyway.

PLEASE, am I missing something here? - B Flores

Actually you're missing a lot. You're missing the fact that if Palestinians dislike Israel it's because Israel has made their lives a living hell for the past several decades.

Do you really expect them to love their oppressors? Did Jews who suffered in World War !! love theirs? This is not to equate what the Palestinians are suffering now with what Millions of people, over half of them Jewish, suffered under Hitler. But when your home is demolished, your children, parents and grandparents are murdered, your sons and daughters imprisoned - often without charge - it's not surprising if you dislike those responsible. If somebody came to my house and told me they were taking my home, even if I believed they could do a better job of making my garden bloom than I am doing, I wouldn't leave willingly. And I certainly wouldn't love them.

It really isn't true that the Palestinians wish for the death of "Jews" or the end of "Israel". What they want is to be left to live in peace on the less than 22% of their historic homeland that is left. Indeed I have spoken to hundreds of Palestinians in Palestine, and never have I heard an expression of hatred for Jews. Jews are in fact welcomed everywhere in Palestine when they come in peace, just as Starhawk is. It is soldiers and settlers, armed to the teeth and with hatred in their hearts, who are not welcomed.

Does that surprise you?

Oh, and by the way, the only Middle Eastern people I saw dancing in the streets on 9/11 were Israeli Jews in New Jersey. In Palestine (as I imagine in Israel and many other places) people were lining up to donate blood for victims.

You were part of a group they don't like. it is their country weather your motives are pure is of no consequence to them. If they want to refuse you access that is their right it is their home.
PS Don't preach to me about "They stole the land in the Six day war or what ever If you live in the USA your land in all likely hood was stolen from Native Americans so maybe I should Support them in taking back your house.

What you see as oppression by Israel, to me is an intent to survive. Have you not heard that the Palestinians, among others like Arabs and Muslims, want to destroy Israel? Israel was created to provide a safehaven for Jews, not for their enemies. A 1000 years from now, Palestinians will still be crying for a country, and will still be dancing in the streets when Israel or the U. S. are bombed. They elect a terroist group Hamas and then expect the world to be sympathetic to their cause. PLEASE, am I missing something here?

I'd suggest to Starhawk that her position needs some clarification.
She believes, or once believed, that Jews deserve a refuge against hostility, presumably hostility which is very widespread and very deeply ingrained in non-Jews.
She now believes that exclusive Jewish ownership of - I'd take this to mean Jewish sovereignty over - land that others might claim is undesirable, ie not morally justified. This is because exclusive sovereignty can be established only by violation of the sacred earth, of human dignity and of human life.
Explicit accceptance of the second belief seems to imply explicit abandonment of the first, since 'a refuge for Jews' itself implies (because of the stated degree of hostility among non-Jews) 'a place under Jewish sovereign control'.
Starhawk isn't as explicit as I think she needs to be here.
'Justice, pursue it' doesn't seem to be a Biblical verse, and isn't really in the style of standard translations. Hosea II 18-19 does link dwelling in safety with practising justice and mercy. A lot is heard from the contending parties in the Middle East about what they claim for themselves. For my part I'd like to hear more about what they consider due in justice (maybe mercy is too much to ask?) to each other.
All that said, I too found this article had a notable literary power and a genuinely humane attitude that I must admire and praise.

Bless you, Starhawk, for your commitment to peace and justice. Those who accuse ISM of being anything other than non-violent, or claim you work with terrorists, are either rabid zionists or have fallen victim to zionism's propaganda machine.

One can only laugh at claims that ISM is "known to support terrorism" or has been guilty of working with Palestinian resistance fighters. Like all who work toward justice for Palestine, you cannot be surprised by this kind of silliness, which has of course no basis in fact.

The US State Department knows all about ISM and has no problem with its activities. I guess AIPAC and the zionist mafia can accomplish just so much in their hatemongering.

Israel is racing toward self-destruction as a Jewish State. By its continued land-theft and building of illegal Jewish settlements and roads it has made the two-state solution impossible. Since there is nothing left of Palestine except a series of bantustans surrounded by a network of apartheid walls and roads, the result will surely be a single state for all its people, which will mean an end to the Jewish majority. Of course it will be at first an apartheid state, is Israel is now, but the world will protest as it did with South Africa, and eventually Jews (some of them semites) and Arabs (all of them semites) will live together in peace as they did before Zionism reared its ugly head.

MICHAEL O.:
"Tons of words have been poured on this forum, and no one has yet been able to explain what is it that this woman and her colleagues actually do. . . .”

As far as I can tell, from what I’ve read, Starhawk is devoting herself to Permaculture these days, that was the purpose of her visit to Israel, to help make the desert bloom again.
Permaculture designs systems for creating sustainable human communities by following natural patterns. Again, that old sixties notion of Gaia rears her head, the notion that the Earth is alive, sentient and responsive. Perhaps on a grander scale, crossing many more time lines than human culture can encompass, but alive and aware nonetheless. You can call this sixties foolishness all you like---scientists will not back you up, the old mechanistic Newtonian model [that even Newton didn't believe in] no longer applies, it never really worked anyway.

The wikipedia article on Permaculture is quite useful.

PHIL RITTER: “Soon enough all of us who were alive in 1948 will be gone, replaced by a generation who never knew the fear of nuclear weapons in the Cold War or of living in a very small place surrounded by strong enemies who did not want you there. . . .”

I'm with you on that one, Phil. Soon enough, those of us alive during the Cuban Missile Crisis---duck & cover, kids, I've got memories of big boxes of food and other supplies piled up against the schoolroom windows, repeated drills, getting all of us in the first grade under those desks---will be gone, replaced by a generation who never knew the fear of nuclear weapons in the Cold War. Soon enough, those of us alive during Ronald Reagan’s instillation of nuclear weapons in West Germany will be gone---the reason I was involved in the mass protests at Livermore labs in 1982 & 1983---replaced by a generation who never knew the fear of nuclear weapons in the Cold War. The Cold War narrative is being replaced by yet another Great American Myth, another myth of the white knight on the white horse destroying the foreign epicenter of evil, the myths of Luke Skywalker, The Ringo Kid and “Mission Accomplished”---the myth of the holy crusade. Eventually we’re all going to figure out that these narratives---up to and including “Terrorism”---are all cover stories for outright theft, the right to take simply because one is the "Hero" [that's the Neo-Cons cover story], "because we are in power we are assumed to be the good guys" no matter what massive body count results, how many millions of acres of land are sterilized, how uninhabitable the Earth becomes due to indulging in these fantasies. Our pimping of the Earth will end someday, one way or another---with the earth being systematically destroyed by Homo Sapiens or the earth being systematically enlivened by Homo Sapiens. As the clock has been ticking for some time, this is the moment to make a choice, this is the time to do something.

Blessed Be

Robin

I'd like to commend you for including the work and wisdom of Starhawk in The Washington Post. It's extremely encourging to find inclusion of a "movement" that has not yet found voice in many mainstream publications. Especially when that movement advocates for earth-based spirituality, peace and justice and non-violent activism.
Thank you!

"From what I've learned in my life, it seems that if Jews win, the world hates them. If Jews lose, well, if they are not totally annihilated, then we'll feel bad about them."

Robert - you need to get over yourself and realize how silly such comments are. Look at all the posts here and see how rarely anyone wrote pejoratively about "Jews". The problem is not Jews. Not all Zionists are Jews and not all Jews are Zionists.

As usual whenever someone criticizes Israel's behavior there are ridiculous accusations of anti-semitism.

I too thought the creation of Israel was a wonderful thing. I believed the "land without people" fairytale. Once I learned the truth and realized what Israel had done and continues to do to the indigenous people of Palestine, inside and outside Israel, I lost all respect for a state which claims to be a democracy while denying its non-Jewish citizens equal rights and committing unspeakable crimes against its neighbors.

I am not an anti-semite, though I detest what Israel has become. I wish Israel had never been created in 1948, considering the bloodshed it has caused. But Israel does exist, and I have many wonderful friends there who pray as I do that their leaders will stop the nonsense and the theft and the killing and acknowledge the truth: that the only thing preventing peace is the occupation.

All the violence stems from the Occupation. After people have lived for decades under the heavy boot of occupation -- and Israel's boot is heavy indeed -- there will be those among them who will say "No more - Never again" and some will stand up and fight back. Such is the human spirit and the yearning of all people to be free from oppression.

There are terrorists all over Israel and Palestine, most of them wearing Israeli uniforms or settlers carrying UZIs. Israel has been very successful in portraying itself as the victim, when in fact Israel hasn't been a victim for a very long time.

It is people like you, Robert, who promote anti-semitism when you bring out the violins and speak of "Jews" being hated. If a few people hate "Jews" just for being Jews, then that is racism. Far more people these days hate "Arabs" just for being Arabs. That too is racism.

I read few words in this forum that are anti-semitic. I see criticism of Israel's behavior, and such criticism is not anti-semitism, however much you might wring your hands and cry victim. I have hundreds of Jewish friends who are against the abomination that is Zionism, many of them Israeli. I honor and applaud them, as I honor and applaud Starhawk.

Free Palestine!

The International Solidarity Movement's support for Palestinian terrorist violence has been exhaustively documented, so "Starhawk's" lies that it it some sort of Gandhian peace movement, and her pretense of injured surprise at her exclusion from Israel, are laughable.

"Starhawk" does not even attempt to hide her pathological anti-Semitism, for which her Jewish origins offer her no alibi; there is a long, sad history of Jews who have betrayed the Jewish people from antiquity right up until the 21st century.

One wonders if "Starhawk" has given a moment's thought to what her fate would be if she ever attempted to take her Tarot cards and other so-called pagan nonsense to her jihadi friends. One also wonders what "On Faith" thought it was doing by giving a forum to such a deranged, hate-filled specimen on humanity.

Aww, poor baby. What you fail to mention is that your beloved ISM also encourages homicide bombings as a "legitimate tool" in fighting the Israelis.

So you are choosing to associate with a group that thinks blowing up teenagers dancing in a disco is a legitimate form of political dialogue.

Sorry, you'll get no sympathy from this liberal American Jew. Want to get into Israel? Don't associate with terrorist monsters, then.

Another lost soul is presented to us, courtesy of the Washington Post.

Dear Post, just cancel this whole religion series!

Folks, for real religion news, check out NewAdvent.com, or other genuine religious sites.

Thank you Starhawk for this article. My grandfather was also a Jew not allowed into Israel. I want you to know that I appreciate your continued efforts to better the entire world, as well as your continued respect for the land of Israel even if you are not allowed to enter it.

Denying the link of the Jewish people to the land of Israel is ignorant and pejorative. Simply because there was not actual possession of the land in the years between the Roman destruction and the founding of the State, this does not mean that there was not constructive possession. The people of Israel have always held the keys to the State of Israel. It took the horrors of EurAsian Anti-Semitism and ultimately the Holocaust for them to dig deep enough in their pockets to find them.

There are even those on this board that chastise Ms. Starhawk for her feelings of security as a result of the founding of Israel! Wow, what amazing bravado! That a Jew finally has safe haven in the traditional land of Israel should shock these people says more about their own hatred of Jewish identity than Ms. Starhawk's own affirmation of her Jewish identity.

From what I've learned in my life, it seems that if Jews win, the world hates them. If Jews lose, well, if they are not totally annihilated, then we'll feel bad about them.

Sorry friends, Jews will no longer define themselves in relation to the world's whimsy.

All very touching. However the real fact is that Israel's neighbors are still intent to wipe her out. Don't believe me, then check the Hama's and Hezbullah's Charters.

If the Arabs had accepted a two state solution in 1948, I doubt if you would have been detained.
If the Arabs had negotiated after the 1967 war when they were offered all the occupied territory back in exchange of peace, you would not have been detained.

If the Palestinians had not resorted to bombings of cafes and buses and sought peace, you would not have been detained.

If Muslims do not go out of their way to kill Jews or behead them as they did Danieal Pearl, you would not have been detained.

Too damned bad you were detained.

you are a disgusting traitor to your people. there is no such thing as a pagan and a Jew. you are nothing more than a propaganda tool used by the enemies of the people you have rejected.

Thanks again Starhawk for the interesting and informative article on being denied entry to Israel. we need more informarion regarding individual, personal stories. Keep them coming
Peace, carole ,Fields Lake Worth, fl.

kol hakavod, starhawk

Soon enough all of us who were alive in 1948 will be gone, replaced by a generation who never knew the fear of nuclear weapons in the Cold War or of living in a very small place surrounded by strong enemies who did not want you there. Replaced by a generation inspired by people like Starhawk and Rachel Corrie and Gandhi and Martin King, who all believe that we humans are capable of learning and that the sacred earth can be healed.

Tons of words have been poured on this forum, and no one has yet been able to explain what is it that this woman and her colleagues actually do, let alone point to any accomplishment, except to say that she has been "teaching non-violence". Who is she teaching it to is also unclear, but to judge by reactions here, her students are naive American kids like herself with an itch to do something that would make them feel good about themselves. That's very nice but it does nothing to advance peace in the Middle East, or to change the situation there one iota.

In the U.S. she can be the goddess of peace and the preacher of love and a child of the earth, or anything else she wants to be, and no harm would come to anyone. In the Middle East she is a foreigner who has openly declared her hostility to the State of Israel, and a member of an organization which has openly declared its support of the terror campaign waged by the Arabs against Israel. She could be let in and allowed to travel under surveillance, but that would be too risky and expensive, and would not make her happier. Much simpler and safer for everyone to send her back where she came from. As I said before, in the final cost-benefit analysis, a whiny peace in the Washington Post is the smaller price to pay.

Staehawk,

There is no such thing as israel-there is an occupied Palestine by gangs of terrorists and thugs who ethnically celanesed 70% of the inidegenous Palestinian Arabs(Muslims and Christians)in 1947/8;these gangs are well known:Palmach,Haganh,Irgun and Shter which were transformed in a terrorist "state."

U might like to read revisionists jewish writers such as Ilan Pappe and Beni Morris as well as WWW.PLANDS.ORG on these jewish terrorist gangs.The time that jews played the role of the vicimized ended in may,1948 when they became the tormentors of the Palestinian People.

PAlestine was not and will never be the "land of your ancestors," and it was an Arab land for the past five thousand years:the Canannite Arabs built Jerusalem at that time.

The crusaders occupied Palestine for two centuries and were eventually evicted-so will the racist apartheid jewish miliatristic theocracy-much as apartehid white south Africa.The jewish illegal immigrants who set up their racist entity know nothing except force and violence and only armed struggle and resistance to this colonail settler entity will work as with the crusaders.

Clearly u sympathise with the occupiers of Palestine:u call it a safe refuge-Is there any safety or security for the occupied and tormented Palestinian People??

Before the Zionists took over Palestine, Jews, Christians, and Muslims lived next to each other as good neighbours would do in a multi faith healthy society.
After establishing Israel the government revealed its racist attitude towards non jewish, inciting hatered between the different people believing in the same God. They wanted to diminish Muslims and Christians from their land.
Israel used all horrible means to manipulate people using relegion.
Then started to discriminate against jews themselves, treated the Khazar white Jews differently from African Jews of Orient origins.
After that the same corrupt system started to filter even the once loved Europian Jews, the ones who believed in peace, and freedom of practicing relegions... who believed it is possible to live in one state like every other country in the world, having diversity in mind....they were iliminated and shunned, they were treated as a threat to Israel.
I can assure you I am a Palestinian Muslim, I have been driven out from my family land, our family lived in Hebron for 1400 years but I can't now visit my country or my home. Still I never doubted for one minuet that relegious practicing Jews are very good people, and reject such inhumane policies.
I have very good friends who are Jews and think exactly like me, we are sure that we can live together and worship God the way we choose without having to fight for anything at all.
The holy land can never be holy with blood smearing the doorsteps of every temple, church, mosque, and sinagoge.
We Arabs Semites like the Jews who are our cousins, we share the same grand father. But what is hapening in the holy land is politics of greed, it has nothing to do with relegion at all.
The minuet a Jewish person remembers God's orders, they declare him anti Israeli and anti Jewish....
But do not feel sad my dear friend, its evil against the forces of love. Keep the good work...reject unhumane practices until we end up next door neighbours, our children play together in the same yard while we have our tea together, without worrying about them being killed or frightened. God bless your efforts.

Iqbal Tamimi/ Exiled Palestinian Journalist

This essay was very moving andI appreciate that Newsweek published it. I would like to see more articles and essays of this nature to counteract the strange sellout much of our government and media has performed for Israel. I don't hold any ill will towards the citizens and good people of Israel and in fact feel anguish for those groups who invited Starhawk to come and teach.

I applaud the brave ISM volunteers who risk life and limb to go to Palestine and give support and hope to the long-suffering people of Palestine, a sign that the world has not forgotten them.
I do not think they make a dent in the resolve of the Zionists to ethnic cleanse them amnd tale their land by ANY means. To them the peaceful demonstrators are just an irritant and when they get really annoyed they don't hesitate to let a bulldozer roll over them or to shoot them.
I think it is naive and irresponsible to preach to the Palestinians themselves the merits of peaceful demonstrations.
These patients were not even demonstrators and they were obviously peaceful yet they were killed by preventing them from getting medical care:
" Ambrogio Manenti, head of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Jerusalem, described the cases of Palestinian patients who died while awaiting medical treatment outside the Gaza Strip. "
I am also a bit tired, no disrepect to Ms Starhawk, of the fact that defending the human rights of the Palestinians often comes out as a weightier deed if done by a Jew. If I were a Jew I woulod be embarrassed by the hidden implication. "The land of my ancestors" also was a jarring note. Really? And you can prove this by ... what? Parchments passed down. Forget the frigging imaginary ancestors, they are wrapped in a heavy zionist misma.

I dunno, Gideon, maybe it's the Talmud or something, ...I only ask,

...Does it *need* a footnote? :)

Not my books, but it doesn't seem to me like it'd become a *bad* idea if it wasn't *in* one. :)

Sorry Arminius. Israel has started or provoked all the wars it has fought.

I realize there are many Israelis who want to make peace with their Palestinian neighbors, who know the Palestinians are helpless after 60 years of being driven from their homes and land and suffering under occupation.

Michael O defends the "Jews-only roads" as being necessary for Israel's "security" - LOL. Israelis would be secure if they would stay inside their own borders and cease robbing and killing Palestinians in their homes and villages.

Recently, Israeli soldiers invaded and robbed a Palestinian orphanage in Bethlehem, stealing food and basic necessities from the most helpless of children. This kind of behavior is not unusual.

Fortunately the world is waking up to what Israel has been doing for decades. Even in America, after Israel invaded Lebanon (and yes, they started that war too) many more people learned about the plight of Israel's victims in Lebanon and Palestine. All of those cluster bombs Israel used illegally against Lebanese women and children were very bad PR for Israel and the zionist entity.

As a member of several Jewish groups which work to end zionism and racism and to boycott Israeli products, I am delighted to see how our movement continues to grow as more people join us.

My many Israeli friends despair of what Israel has become, and some who went there with such high hopes are planning to leave. No wonder more Jews are immigrating to Germany than to Israel.

I hope someday Israel will become the democratic state it claims to be, which can only happen when it stops trying to be a Jewish state - which cannot be a democracy.

In the end it will be "good" Jews who will bring about change and perhaps even peace. Israel needs a real leader, something it has never had.

If Israel wants to live in peace, it must free the Palestinians, and stop denying they exist.

“Justice, Justice, You shall pursue” is one of the Biblical verses that stays with me, always.

I was unable to find this verse, even with an excellent concordance. Can anyone tell me where it can be found? Thanks.

Eh, Tibor, provocation would be redundant at this point, wouldn't it? War they have, exclude anyone or no.

Maybe a jealous God is involved, but it's a patient Goddess.

I'd like to express my sadness at the mistake the Isreali authorities made in excluding a representative of the Godess from the land. I fear they are excluding the love of mothers and the hope of redemtion in order to make real their negative eschathalogical fantasies. Surely they will provoke the Kings of the Earth to meet to make War on them. I hope against hope that their dream will not manifest and that the Earth will abide.

Bright Blessings,
Tibor Benke

There are no definitive answers. To not be granted access to the land of your ancestors...we can only imagine how much this hurts you personally. It seems that all of these border issues are all based on economic reasons. If people had a living wage, economy based on sustainability it would be so much easier. Our own leaders work against us...

Yeah, Merri, there you are.

Good job today, btw. Nice to 'meet' you, among others. :)

Blessed be. :)

Oh, and Keith:

"The idea that the supposed creator of all would create a mind capable of reason and logic and then DEMAND that the use of reason and/or logic be suspended in order to believe in that creator is one of man’s cruelest jokes on himself."

It's easy to define all religion as being about that... because the people pushing said ideas *say* all religion must be like that or not be religion.

It's not the Pagan way, and according to some rabbis I really respect, too, ...it's not supposed to be the Jewish way.

Kind of a part of that key concept that 'Realist' didn't want to learn or accept... that Jewish identity isn't *just* some kind of creed, as Christians and Christian-based atheists say.

Smug or insulting atheists have a real tendency to have no idea just how many shapes and ways of viewing the world that 'religion' can take.

They *presume,* and have already decided no one else could possibly be rational enough to define themselves and see the world in their own terms.

This is another form of the absolutisms that perpetuate conflicts no one supposedly wants.

Dear Starhawk,

I'm impressed and I deeply admire your courage in standing for justice for the Palestinians. It's amazing that the main stream media doesn't report anything about the ISM (international Solidarity Movement). You would think that a group consists of Ameicans, Israelis and Palestinians working together for peace should really attract the media especially after the progress made in the non-violent movement. Let's hope the other media will do the same and publish excellent articles like yours and help spread the word.

Thanks, all of you who began to point "Michael O" in the right direction to learn more about Starhawk. Funny that he accuses me and others of being "lazy" because we didn't leap up top do his homework FOR him.

I personally have been fortunate enough to attend seminars with Starhawk in which she taught practical nonviolent principles brilliantly. I also recommend, reading her novel The Fifth Sacred Thing, which is one the best (and most entertaining) arguments for nonviolence I have ever read.

Of course, anyone could find this information very easily on their own simply by examining what she has done throughout her life, but Michael O insists that it's someone else's job to prove to him that a renowned and accomplished scholar has ever done something substantial. Once again, I am not buying what he's selling; this time it's the notion that he's so special that he needn't do any of his own research before he starts attacking and defaming someone. Gimme a break!

During my years as a “searcher” after god (lower case deliberately) I found more and more that the profession ANY religion is grounds for prejudice and subjugation by any OTHER religion. Not one is above such practices.

Yet one more reason (using reason, of course to make such determinations) to come to the conclusion that “G”god is just another reason (that word again) to be better than someone else.

The idea that the supposed creator of all would create a mind capable of reason and logic and then DEMAND that the use of reason and/or logic be suspended in order to believe in that creator is one of man’s cruelest jokes on himself.

Umm, dealing peace does have a way of involving 'associating' with one or more of the parties involved. Go figure.

Trying to *smear* people by un-documented *association* and then demanding people type up someone's record of working for peace for you, so you'd theoretically not mischaracterize and mock someone even to offer insight or documentary on a place,
... well, that may be conservative media policy lately, but a valid debate point to justify ignoring what's actually being *said* ...it is not.

Paganplace:

" Substance:

1. If one works with or associates with an organization that works with or associates with a terrorist organization, is the characterization that far off?"

Umm, *yes?* Particularly when you haven't explicitly showed any real substance to your allegations and Hamas was in fact the democratically-elected ruling party of an internationally-recognized government ...in elections the West pushed for?
Paganplace,

I never said she was working for Hamas. Read closely and don't put quotes where they should not belong. She did, however, associate with ISM which has certainly broken Israeli law, perpetuated fraud, and (the organization) worked with Hamas and Islamic Jihad.

Peace does involve people. Agreed. However, it is the Israelis that have lived under siege for 60 years. They have attempted communication and have been replied to with bombs, bullets, and deception. Much like two children, the prudent path requires separation. Let them both cool out for a while.

Also, do you wonder why there has been stepped up missile attacks? Could it have something to do with the fact that the terrorists can't simply walk into the state and blow themselves up? Hmm, interesting.

Yes, if only Israel was not a part of the global mindset of the pervasive and powerful few, sacrificing Mother Earth for "shekels, shekels".

Wibism:

1. I am a Zionist and very proud to be one. Despite the 22 nation Arab voting block in the United Nations that erroneously labeled it racist, Zionism is merely the belief that the Jewish people deserve to return to their homeland. I am a Zionist much like Einstein, Brandeis, Buber, and a host of other like minded people.

2. You didn't set a trap, I merely argued a truth that is inconvenient to your characterization of the conflict. There is not now, nor has there ever been a nation of Palestine. That is factually accurate. Nothing new here. There are certainly Palestinian Arabs. There, no problem.

3. There was a State of Israel (Constitutional Monarchy) before there was a Palestine. Again, nothing new here.

4. Yes, it is nice to know a population group that is not going to randomly spray you with bullets or detonate its cargo...thus the licensing system. It really helps with security. Fact. Why do the majority of Palestinian Arabs need to travel INTO Israel proper for work and education? Oh, because Israel provides such jobs and education. Therefore, Israel must protect itself from a population that has shown itself willing to blow itself up. Sorry for the temporary search, but they are trying to avoid the death of their children.

5. "Israel has never fought a defensive war. Israel has always been the aggressor, despite the monotonous and ridiculous claims of victimhood.
And armed soldiers are militants and legitimate captives -- not kidnap victims." I thought I would just reprint that and let you read it. Especially in light of your "educate yourself" mandate. You are off the deep end.

6. "There is really no point in trying to have an intelligent dialog with someone who has been brainwashed by zionist propaganda and who clearly believes that Jews are better than non-Jews." Just thought I would reprint this one as well. I am the product of Woodbridge, Virginia public schools. Nobody has brainwashed me and I believe in the implicit holiness of all people. Don't put words in my mouth, for I have not put them in yours.

My friend you are a loudspeaker of rhetorical revisionism. I'm sure that Ms. Starhawk would detest your name-calling, generalizations, and overt call to violence. Do us a favor and meditate for a year or so.

WIBISM:

You said:
Israel has never fought a defensive war. Israel has always been the aggressor, despite the monotonous and ridiculous claims of victimhood.

That simply is not true, please read some history. Four wars were fought:
1948 - Israel was attacked by Arab forces determined to eradicate the new country. Naked aggression by the Arabs.
1956 - Israel attacked first, knowing that the Arabs were going to attack them very soon.
1967 - Same as 1956.
1973 - Israel was attacked, caught asleep. Most unlike them. Again, naked aggression by the Arabs. Israel had its back to the wall, and came very close to using nukes.

God knows, Israel has hits faults, and some are bad ones. But please get your history right.

Arminius

I support Starhawk in her ecological efforts for the greening of our environment and I like her sense of the sacred in all that is. She has been very influential in many women's circles for quite a long time and her writings and other work has contributed, I believe, to our spiritual growth and also to the growth of a culture of peace.
God and Goddess bless her!

" Substance:

1. If one works with or associates with an organization that works with or associates with a terrorist organization, is the characterization that far off?"

Umm, *yes?* Particularly when you haven't explicitly showed any real substance to your allegations and Hamas was in fact the democratically-elected ruling party of an internationally-recognized government ...in elections the West pushed for?

No, she's not 'working for Hamas,' nor has she ever. The allegation is ridiculous on the *face* of it, and if she *was,* she'd be doing a terrible job of it.

As for 'security issues,' ...I'll honestly say I'm glad Israel isn't asking me what to do, cause I don't have an idea there. But even if you built a fence a mile high, the work of *peace* involves subjective old things like communication and interaction.

It involves *people* much more than policy, ...policies react. People can make peace.

Dear SUBSTANCE:

I knew it was just a matter of time before you
fell into the trap and revealed you are a true zionist. You deny there is a Palestine and that there are Palestinian people. This is laughable. They were there for thousands of years before the creation of "Israel"

As a frequent visitor to Palestine I know all about the yellow and white and green license plates. And I know that all of the better roads in Palestine are built on stolen Palestinian land and are reserved for Jews only. "Israeli" and "settler" plstes are especially useful in Palestine where the enable non-Palestinians to speed through checkpoints (well inside Palestine) while soldiers hinder Palestinians needing to travel to work, to school, to their fields or to seek medical treatment. Your zionist spin doesn't work here.

Israel has never fought a defensive war. Israel has always been the aggressor, despite the monotonous and ridiculous claims of victimhood.
And armed soldiers are militants and legitimate captives -- not kidnap victims.

There is really no point in trying to have an intelligent dialog with someone who has been brainwashed by zionist propaganda and who clearly believes that Jews are better than non-Jews.

You need to educate yourself.

Your claims are ridiculous:

1. There is no internationally recognized "Palestinian land." The Arab people living in the area known as Palestine (look up the etymology please) are not now nor have they ever been a nation. Therefore, as every other people, they should be subject to the rule of the sovereign. This was true from 1948-1967 and should also be true today. Also, the "roads for Jews only" is laughable...learn about the Israeli licensing system. Individuals with a certain type of license can drive on certain roads...a necessity required because Palestinian Arabs like to ambush on 'mixed-use' roads.

2. "Nobody believes Israel wants anything except all of the land of Palestine and none of the people of Palestine." Again, laughable. When Israel captured Gaza, Judea and Samaria in the Six-Day War (which I'm sure you consider illegitimate -- then again, if Israel wins, especially a defensive war, would you EVER consider it legitimate) why didn't they expel everyone? How come there was a large Arab population that stayed after '48 and became FULL CITIZENS?

3. "To suggest that if Palestinians stopped resisting Israel's crimes against them then there could be peace is disingenuous." Actually, it is very genuine. But for an actual invasion or a threat of an invasion, every Israeli war has been defensive. Whether it is daily missile barrages, kidnapping/murdering of soldiers, or any other provocation, Israel is within its rights to respond...and so it will.

4. So, all of the sudden you are a lawyer, well versed in International law. Didn't know that. So, I assume you would like to go back to 1948. Nice. A great subterfuge for a more 'legitimate' means of destroying the State of Israel...just go back to 1948, everything will be fine. Israel is not going to let the international community march it to its death again. Sorry.

5. Once Israel does the moral thing there will be no need and no excuse for Palestinian counter-terrorism." So, Israel did not do the moral thing by inviting its Arab inhabitants to live with her in 1948? Or try and stop the Six-Day War before it started through negotiation? Or defend itself in 1973? Or grant complete and full rights of citizenship to all its Arab inhabitants (excluding of course the responsibilities vis-a-vis national service)? Or grant sovereignty over the Temple Mount to the WAQF? Or put troops on the ground instead of bombing?

"Counter-terrorism?" You are programmed. Look, the other lemmings are heading that way...run and join!!!

Voila! Peace!

Free Palestine!

I am so glad to have read about the efforts of the ISM and of their persistent success neutralizing the violence of the Israeli Palestine conflict, news of which is not available in mainstream channels. And I weep with Starhawk's answers as they touch my soul, as they awaken anew my longing for answers that make sense, that honor the sacredness of the earth and that include loving respect instead of violence. Thank you, Starhawk, for giving voice to those of us who work for a peaceful and just world based on love for the earth and all its inhabitants. This is yet another time to practice being larger than borders, larger than narrow thought and larger than violent struggle.

MICHAEL O.:
Finally, within the general noise generated by all the lazy bums who consider "go look it up on the internet" a valid substantiation, we get some specifics about starhawk. . . .

You might want to check out Starhawk"s "The Earth Path", substantial passages can be read over at Google Books. You might want to start on page eleven, where Starhawk writes about reconciling science and religion. "Seeds & Weapons", on page 15, speaks of police assuming that seedballs intended to start plants growing in hard to seed areas were some sort of projectile weapons, a situation analogous to Starhawk's denial of entry into Israel. Sorry, if you want to read page 16, you will need a physicaly manifest book, it's not in the virtual one.

Blessed Be,
Robin

Substance -- you suggest "mutual separation" while Israel continues to steal Palestinian land and water resources, build more illegal settlements and more "roads for Jews only" on Palestinian land.

Nobody believes Israel wants anything except all of the land of Palestine and none of the people of Palestine.

To suggest that if Palestinians stopped resisting Israel's crimes against them then there could be peace is disingenuous.

All that needs to happen in order for Israelis and Palestinians to have peace is for both to abide by international law. Which means Israel will have to end its occupation of Palestine, return all the land it has stolen beyond that which it was granted by the United Nations, remove every last Israeli settler from Palestine, allow those Palestinians who wish to return to the homes and villages in Israel from which they were driven in 1948, and agree to share Jerusalem with the Palestinians rather than claim it for Israel - when in fact it is not even part of Israel.

Once Israel does the moral thing there will be no need and no excuse for Palestinian counter-terrorism.

Voila! Peace!

Free Palestine!

Beautifully written. It saddens me deeply that you were not able to stay to work with the people who invited you.

Robin,

Yes, indeed, Israel has nukes. Given their position of being surrounded by those who want to destroy them, and proudly trumpet this, I don't blame them. I do blame them for their heavy-handed attitude with the Palestinians. As to the nukes, Israel was within inches of using them in 1973. America caught wind of it, and talked them out of it.

Israel is not about oil - the gathering darkness there goes much deeper. But Iraq? Oh, yes, oil. Odd that we stood by and watched Iraqis loot the entire country after the invasion, but only guarded the oil ministry. Odd, that.

Arminius

Michael 0 -

What has Starhawk done for peace? ISM comes to mind. I know accusations have been leveled at that group, but some investigation on the web will show that they are not well substantiated. Like one of my ancestors - a Quaker, in the Revolutionary War, was hung by the Americans because, being a pacifist, he helped both sides with food and medicine. I guess he was branded a 'terrorist'. Kinda like a guy named Jesus.

As to Starhawk. I have read many of her essays here, and do not believe for a minute that she would ever associate with any group that promoted violence. Also, there are posts here by people who know her, and others who have worked with ISM.

You might try to investigate, or at least to listen. Else my medical diagnosis might turn out to be true after all.

PaganPlace,

1. If one works with or associates with an organization that works with or associates with a terrorist organization, is the characterization that far off?

2. The blurring of Zionist and Jew is really frightening as it has enabled people to hate Zionists without fear of being labeled Anti-Semitic. Strange how the Klan, Fundamentalist Preachers, and other known bigots love using the word "Zionist" these days, but when the "left-wingers" use it, somehow it is righteous.

3. Given that a recent Palestinian poll, conducted by the Khalil Shikaki, indicated severely increased agreement with violent activities (i.e, 84% in favor of the Mercaz HaRav Yeshivah tragedy), I don't think that nonviolence is the way in this instance. Mutual separation is a better tactic here. Nobody wants fighting; nobody wants killing. The fact remains that if the Palestinian Arabs immediately stopped each and every violent affront towards Israel and its people, there would be no violence. Each Israeli measure has been incrementally worse for the Palestinian people. This is true; however, the actions are reactionary and come only with the greatest introspection and attempts to minimize the cost to the civilian population.

Finally, within the general noise generated by all the lazy bums who consider "go look it up on the internet" a valid substantiation, we get some specifics about starhawk peacemaker credentials from Jean McLaren: She was teaching non-violence. Now there's a worthy cause I'd be interested to hear more about. Who was she teaching it to? And how did the teaching go? and what were the results?

I don't usually post.

I am moved by those whose efforts have what you can call a "spiritual" intention behind them. It is quite difficult to allow our attention to rest in the present moment, and let our actions stem from what we actually perceive.

I salute Starhawk in her efforts.

Michael O: "For further proof you can read what Robin landsomething says about her. I don't know what her biological age is, but she is quite obviously someone who stopped growing somewhere in the 60's."

First off, just for the record, I do attest that that is my real name, it's on my 1955 birth cirtificate, so it's not some sort of neo-pagan smoke screen name, just lucky to be born with the sort of nom-de-broom that belongs in a "Simpsons" episode. Been out of the broom closet for decades anyway.

And seriously, Mr "O", read the Tao te Ching, it packs more wisdom in a smaller space than any other text I've read.

Arminius, as far as I can tell, the greatest concentration of nuclear "devices" in the middle east is held by Israel, or at least has been for the longest time in that region. What with the collapse of the Soviet Empire, who knows what sorts of loose nukes are rattling around Aserbijan. You may be right that Israel was concieved out of different, probably better, ideas. But war plans over oil have been brewing in the mideast ever since the first world war. You might want to check out WAR IS A RACKET - by Major General Smedley D. Butler - USMC Retired. There are a number of on-line links available that wil lead you to his writings.

Naz Drave,
Robin

Merriminsky:

It would be nice if you stopped deciding for me what I was doing. First you said I was trying to sell something which is bull, now you say I have a moral pretense for the high ground which is baloney. Why don't you focus instead on what you know and what you can or cannot do. For instance, you have not been able to point out a single thing this starhawk person has done for peace. So, for the third time, what is it exactly that makes her a "peacemaker"?

Hi, Arminius! Hope all is well with you.

I usually don't post about the Israel/Palestine situation, because, as you see, both sides seem not to consider the other side as humans, or at least humans who are more important than their grievances. No one is righteous in this matter. Sometimes I'd like to dump both states in Antartica, and not let them out until they promised to grow up. Yes, I know this is a simplistic solution to the situation, but still...

Maybe the penguins could talk some sense into them.

Thanks for posting this wonderful article. We need more stories like this.

Wiccan, Well Met!

Glad you enjoyed that! Somehow, when I can make a friend laugh, my existence seems to be justified.

Arminius

ROTFLMAO!!

trying to catch my breath...

"a serious case of cranio-rectal syndrome"

That one is going in the book!

Michael O et al drag out the usual defense when faced with the truth about zionist terrorism and Israeli apartheid.

ISM has never been proved to have any connection with Hamas or any other "terrorist" groups. I have spent a lot of time in Palestine, much of it with the beautiful caring people who join ISM in support of the Palestinians' struggle for freedom from occupation and oppression. I have been beaten and robbed by illegal Jewish settlers, teargassed and shot by Israeli occupation soldiers. I have never witnessed a Palestinian or a peace activist in Palestine use any form of violence against soldiers or settlers, with the exception that sometimes in Bil'in after soldiers open fire on unarmed and peaceful villagers and their Israelis and international friends, one or two young boys respond by throwing a rock from a great distance away. These kids risk death by these acts, so they are incredibly brave.

No one is allowed to participate in an ISM action without agreeing to carry no weapon of any kind. Not only are we not allowed to initiate any violence, but are sworn not to resist when attacked. Try to show that any peace activist fought or fought back.

Zionists are so blinded by their hatred of the Palestinian people, and their greed for Palestinian land that they defend everything Israel does. We hear frequent claims that Palestinians use their children as human shields, that terrorists ride in Palestinian ambulances, and that ISM works with terrorists. All of these claims are totally false and all claims by zionists have been proven so.

Actually Israel is guilty of all these crimes, which no doubt is why they accuse others of doing the same thing.

I too, have worked in Palestine with the ISM and the International Womens Peace Service and worked also with Starhawk in 2003 helping teach non-violence. I am also a Pagan with Reclaiming. I know non-violence can work, and is much better than bombs and hatred. I am 80 years old and although I am a Canadian living on a small island off the coast of BC, I do what I can to change the mindset that war is the answer. It isnt!!

Merriminski:

No problem, friend. We're here to learn. At least some of us are!

Arminius

Thank you so much for continuing to present a vision for the alternative - one filled with life and hope.

I'm reading "Webs of Power" and I can barely make it through a chapter without weeping for the passion and joy contained in every sentence.

I'm off to check out the website for the ISM.

Thank you again.

Arminius,

Thanks for the props, and especially thanks for sharing some new medical terminology with me! :-) Love it!

You're right, lost cause. It's just that I can't help trying, you know...

Umm, 'Realist,' we already went over that. Starhawk's definition of being a Jew by heritage is perfectly in line with the general definition of the Jewish community. You can be a Jew by birth, or by conversion, but if you're born a Jew then you're always one by heritage, even if you convert to another religion.

Sorry if you think that's too 'vague' or is someone trying to put one over on you, but that's how *Jews* define it. Aforementioned rabbis, for instance.

Being an atheist doesn't automatically confer some faculty of reason, you know. You gotta work at that. Actually pay attention, think, and things like that.

"realist" said:

"...I concede that there's no contradiction between Starhawk's claimed Jewishness and her simultaneous claims to being Wiccan (whatever THAT means)."

Hmmm... have you ever heard of the Internet? Look it up! Really, not hard to do. Give it a go, come on...

Paganplace and Merriminski:

First, Paganplace, as you know I value your words.
Next, Merriminski, I am learning here to value yours.

It looks to me like Michael O is a lost cause. He is here to promote his own twisted agenda and bash anybody who gets in the way. Let's face it, anybody who labels Starthawk as a 'contractor for Hamas' has a serious case of cranio-rectal syndrome.

Arminius

Every blog comments page has its Michael O -- someone who is lost in their own self-aggrandizing vitriol. Enough, enough - ignore it.

I totally don't get the "jewishness means whatever we want it to mean" thing. This definition seems, to an (obvious) outsider to unworkably vague, but perhaps that's the point. But if that's how you want to play it: In light of the generally-accepted definition of Jew, I concede that there's no contradiction between Starhawk's claimed Jewishness and her simultaneous claims to being Wiccan (whatever THAT means).

I'm an atheist, so have no trouble slamming the Pope or anyone else for religious foolishness. Particularly Wiccans.

"Finally, I'm still waiting for you to point out a single thing she has done to justify the title "Peacemaker". "

You could read up on it, Michael. ...she's got stories from all around the world. Journals online, I believe. Heard some of em from her own lips, actually, some years ago, discussing some conflict-resolution methods among women who belonged to groups who were implacable enemies. I'd have to go back to connect a particular anecdote to a particular location, but she's been all over.

Hardly being a 'contractor for Hamas,' though they might have issued a visa when they were, oh, I dunno, the government of where she was working?

Whatever 'proof' you want, maybe you could go look for some, ...I'm not seeing your general accusations and bigotry really needing all that much documentation to refute.

It's actually in general not worth dignifying with much response. With people thinking like you, it's just a wonder these situations aren't already sorted, though. Go to it, if you think you can do better.

Wow, Michael O,. you have now officially shown your true colors. I guess blurring the difference between my descriptions of your assumptions and my own beliefs, you have ceded whatever pretense of moral high ground you were trying to stand on.

Sorry, I don't have time to argue with someone who resorts to the childish game of twisting my words against me.

As for Starhawk's work for peace, you have a lot of studying to do. Good luck, and may you come out the other side wiser and more kind.

Access Denied pierces the seemingly impenetrable glossy surface of the Palestinian/Israeli conflict to reveal the rich and complicated soil in which a different relationship between these people might be possible. Thank you for carrying these seeds of hope and for sharing this wisdom.

I agree; we need more voices for peace, people who are willing to try something new instead of the same old arguments. Thank you, Starhawk, for your excellent work on behalf of ALL living beings.

Merriminsky:

I like your list. Let's go over it:

1. Starhawk is a "kid."
2. She is "spaced-out."

For further proof you can read what Robin landsomething says about her. I don't know what her biological age is, but she is quite obviously someone who stopped growing somewhere in the 60's.

3. There's something wrong with her name.

Not at all. As far as I'm concerned she can call herself "Cloudchild" "Earthsister" "Karmalove" or anything else she pleases, as long as she does not stir up trouble in foreign conflicts she is totally clueless about.

4. Wiccans are foolish.

I did not say that, but if you insist...

5. Your version of what Israel's situation is more valid and/or more realistic than hers.

Wow, how long did it take you to figure that one out?

Finally, I'm still waiting for you to point out a single thing she has done to justify the title "Peacemaker".

Starhawk's artricle is so moving and so important for all of us to read. Please keep posting articles like this -- we need to see more about people who are supposedly enemies working together for peace. Why are we not seeing more of this in the media? Why are we being kept in the dark and in fear, when there is really hope for us all? The powers that be do not really want peace, I think. They work so hard to get us to love war. Brings them more power and money. But most of us do not love war and do want a world of peace. Keep posting this kind of thing, please.

Calling a nonviolent peace activist and sustainable agriculture educator a 'terrorist contractor' isn't exactly what I'd call 'substantive,' either, Anonymous.

Anonymous,

Though you are unwilling to actually answer the substance of my claims, I will answer yours:

1. Ethnic Cleansing is: "rendering an area ethnically homogeneous by using force or intimidation to remove from a given area persons of another ethnic or religious group" according to the United Nations. Did not happen.

2. So, I should read a book described as: "a cynical exercise in manipulating evidence to fit an implausible thesis." Laughable. Illan Pappe has found his niche and he is exploiting it. With nameless people like you blindly supporting the 'ends' despite the 'means,' why wouldn't he?

3. Plenty of proof of ISM's collaboration with and subversion of Israeli law. Look it up for yourself. I am specifically referring to Mike's Place bombers, fraudulent entrance to the State of Israel (anyone who has actually been to Israel through Ben Gurion knows of the interrogation process), collaboration with Hamas and Islamic Jihad, etc. These are undisputed by both sides. Look it up.

4. "This is a typical Zio-fascist tactic, like accusing critics of Israel--even Jewish ones--of anti-semitism. Oh, and you forget to tell us how she drinks the blood of Jewish children at Passover." And you wonder why people might consider you a bigot? You have merged traditional Anti-Semitic myth (I.e., Damascus blood libel) with ridiculous generalization (apparently I'm a Zio-fascist for shining a light on ISM with specific instances of their criminal behavior.) Next, you label an Israeli institution with Nazi identifiers.

You ARE a bigot. I was explaining the context of Ms. Starhawk's denial into the State of Israel. You, whomever you are, have decided to spin it in a bigoted and ridiculous manner.

Enjoy willful blindness.

Robin,

I agree with you about Starhawk. Even as a Christian, I am in awe of her.

However.... you said, "As far as I can tell, the modern state of Israel exists for the same reason that the Iraq nightmare was implemented---the interests of oil corporations."

Robin, there ain't no oil in Israel to speak of. It was created for much different reasons. Maybe not all good reasons, but it is there, and it is not going away. But I wish it would try a little harder to get along with its neighbors, the Israelis have much too heavy handed of late. Violence breeds violence.

Arminius

Michael O, one more thing: since you're such a fan of "substantive arguments," please show me some substantive evidence that the ISM has been anything other than nonviolent in its work.

Thanks.

So let me get this straight, the best way to argue against somone's viewpoint that you don't agree with is to dismiss her religion, mock her name, imply that she's insane, and roll your eyes at where she lives. How come they never taught me that in debate club?

Everytime someone writes about Israel and Palestine you can bet money that 1)there will be those who paint Israel as all black, 2)there will be those who paint Palestine as all black,and 3) they will scream past each other without any honesty about the faults they both bear. Praise the Lady that there are some people on both sides who will try to talk to each other and work towards peace.

To my esteemed opponents on both sides, I am Wiccan, female, over 50, plump, reside in Northern Virginia and speak with a Southern drawl. Just wanted to be sure you have the right ammo. :-)

MICHAEL O.: "You're right, I've never heard about this "starhawk" person until 2 hours ago, but I'm thoroughly familiar with her type, and her article told me all I need to know about her."

". . . .thoroughly familiar with her type. . . ."

Starhawk isn't a "type", she's a person, a unique woman, someone responsible for a major shift in religious thought in the twentieth century, the closest to Lao-tzu this country has produced so far. Consider reading "Dreaming the Dark", you might learn something about morals and personal responsibility. Then again, I'll bet you probably haven't read Lao-tzu either.

International borders---Israel's included---are more often than not the subdivision of the living Earth into regions of corporate opportunity. As far as I can tell, the modern state of Israel exists for the same reason that the Iraq nightmare was implemented---the interests of oil corporations.

Dear Michael O:

Allow me to quote you:

"You don't have to buy anything, I'm not selling anything. You're right, I've never heard about this "starhawk" person until 2 hours ago, but I'm thoroughly familiar with her type, and her article told me all I need to know about her."

How terribly sad. If you took the time to read her work, you might discover a deeply committed, substantive, scholarly author who has worked for peace intelligently and bravely for many decades.

As for buying/selling: you are indeed trying to "sell" a number of ideas (most of which are assumptions), such as:

1. Starhawk is a "kid."
2. She is "spaced-out."
3. There's something wrong with her name.
4. Wiccans are foolish.
5. Your version of what Israel's situation is more valid and/or more realistic than hers.

If you are ever to question these assumptions, it will be a great day for you -- and the first step on your journey to grow beyond the rigid habits of thought that are keeping you stuck in name-calling and spitefulness.

'Realist',

Still confused about the definition of Jewishness? Why don't you get on the web and look it up? Or, even better, ask a Jew.

As to name changing in religion. Apparently you forgot to put down the pope because he took another name when he became the pontiff. Also, assuming a new name is routine in monasteries.

Don't wallow in your ignorance, get your ass out there and cure it!

"Paganplace: Your definitions of Jews and Jewishness are so muddled as lack any usefulness."

Better go tell that to the rabbis I learned it from, then, 'Realist.' :) There's actually an important story in the Talmud about a Jew who went through his life nonobservant and non-religious, and was stil considered a Jew by a great rabbi.

It's certainly not so Starhawk can claim 'victimhood' for being what she is, just because as you copiously demonstrated, you don't understand the Jewish traditions in this matter. And you don't get to define people to your arrogant sense of convenience.

It's funny how the name thing seems to be taken so often to discredit Pagans for being Pagan, when, actually, it's a tradition in many world cultures and religions, ...Ask Saul of Tarsus, or 'Pope Benedict XVI,' the 'flakes.' :)

Changes of name and addition of Pagan names is *common* in Pagan culture, for pretty specific and meaningful reasons, ..it's funny how some eyes can only imagine *affectation.*

Robert Gardner writes: "When there is a Palestinian Ben-Gurion?" Let's see, Ben Gurion planned and led the ethnic cleansing of Palestine through the use of mass terror. Go read "The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine" by Israeli historian Illan Pappe. He lays it all out in bloody, murderous, terrorist detail. The Palestinian Ben Gurion? You'd have combine Arafat, Habash, and every other Palestinian freedom fighter to reach his body count.

You also say "The fact is that you were not allowed into the country because an organization that you previously, let's say, contracted with, actively engaged in subverting Israeli law, aiding terrorists."

Got any proof of this? Or are you merely defaming her because you fail to agree with her political views? This is a typical Zio-fascist tactic, like accusing critics of Israel--even Jewish ones--of anti-semitism. Oh, and you forget to tell us how she drinks the blood of Jewish children at Passover.

Realist: "Rachel Corrie Martyrs' Brigade"? How about Ariel Sharon's SS Das JudenReich? Ask the survivors of Sabra and Chatilla, the relatives of the Egyptian POWS he executed, about that.

Stella, Everything you wrote here is wrong.

Howard -- Yes, it's true that rockets have been fired at Israel for several months (years) now.

After Israel removed its illegal settlers from Gaza, it continued to attack the people of Gaza night and day, prevent food and medicine from reaching its people, firing on Gaza fisherman trying to feed their families, closing the borders on all sides and controlling the Palestinian people with greater zeal than before, since it no longer had to worry about accidentally hurting Jewish settlers. (see above re thousands of rockets a year, and attempeted terror attacks from Gaza)

Finally, after hundreds of innocent Palestinians died as a result of Israeli aggresssion,

(You mean hundreds of terrorists and some innocent people as the terrorists fire their rockets and weapons from among the civilians)

Palestinian freedom fighters began to respond by firing mostly innocuous home made rockets at Israel. Of course Israel retaliated with bombs and tanks and brute force, murdering hundreds of infants, children and the elderly along with what it called "militants" (whether or not they were actual fighters)(Don't forget to mention that we also poisoned the wells and used their childrens blood for Matzohs)

Just as some Jewish people in the Warsaw Ghetto uprising fought back against an overwhelming Nazi force, as they had every right to do, some Palestinians are resisting an overwhelming zionist force, as they have every right to do. (typical nonsensical comparison)

Hamas, Palestine's democratically elected leadership, cosntinues to offer a truce, but Israel refuses all offers, proving once again that predator Israel has no interest in making peace with its neighbors (Ok, if a democratically elected body allows thousands of rockets to be fired from its territory, than it is essentially authorizing it and has to pay the price.

As for ceasefires offered by Hamas to Israel, didn't they have like 400 of them with Fatah including one they signed in the Holy city of Mecca?

Israel wasn't stopping the great and wonderful "Starhawk" from visiting Israel (I feel like pulling the little curtain from "Starhawk" and seeing Ms. Soros). Instead, the State of Israel was denying a former contractor with a known terrorist collaborator, aka ISM.

Folks, look at ISM's role in the Mike's Place bombing. Look at ISM's role in enabling fraudulent entry into the State of Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank. Look at ISM's role in working with Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Check ISM's stance in regards to homicide bombing.

Very simple analysis...international travel is a privilege and not a right. For an easy comparison, look at the visa requirements of entry into Saudi Arabia.

Starhawk's writing is always beautiful, evocative, and deeply moving. I appreciate the spiritual activism she models for us all.

I am so grateful that Starhawk is in the world, being who she is and doing what she does. As usual I am inspired by her to think differently, and act.

Merriminsky:

You don't have to buy anything, I'm not selling anything. You're right, I've never heard about this "starhawk" person until 2 hours ago, but I'm thoroughly familiar with her type, and her article told me all I need to know about her.

I would hardly call her a "peacemaker", unless you can point to something specific she has done to advance peace. The ISM is an organization which has declared itself in support of the Arab terror campaign directed at the civilian population of Israel with the aim of wiping it out (or, as the ISM likes to call it, "the armed struggle of the Palestinian people") so peacemakers they are not. At best they are useful dupes in the hands of the terrorists, and the function they fulfill is both that of human shields and that of propaganda tools. One way or the other they serve the purpose of the terror organizations, and that purpose is bloodshed. If you have any other substantive comments, I'll be glad to answer them.

it is a very sad day when Israel closes its borders to a women as positive and powerful as starhawk. i truly hope for the day when the faith of all us can be united with shalom (peace)

Thanks, "Realist," for another unhelpful tirade.

I suppose it's not surprising that you consider merely living in San Francisco to be somehow damning, just as you seem to consider your personal definition of Jewishness to be somehow naturally "correct."

Also, since when does changing one's name as part of one's religious conversion denote something wrong? I suppose when my friend Steve (whose views you share many of) converted wholeheartedly to Judaism and took the name Shlomo, he was automatically a "flake" in your book?

Ok, time for a quiz: Scan all my posts for name-calling, now scan those to which I was responding.

:)

Good luck using fear and hatred as your tools. When you're ready to be brave and face your own assumptions honestly, the world will be waiting.

Love,

Merriminski

It seems your understanding extends to the constant missile barrage from Gaza. Now that's some understanding! Ever consider establishing a moral compass, with an anchor?

Brilliant, Michael O, just brilliant. BTW, Starhawk was born (ref: Wiki) Miriam Simos in Minnesota, but now lives in (where else?) SF.

Starhawk did gain one thing by her imprisonment -- street cred with all her little ISM friends, but without the danger of actually facing down a bulldozer. Seems had she actually wished to join the Rachel Corrie Martyrs' Brigade that she could have been more clever about getting in to Israel.

Paganplace: Your definitions of Jews and Jewishness are so muddled as lack any usefulness. I understood, and meant, the term purely in the religious sense. I now understand that there are many people who conveniently claim to be Jews because they feel it gives them victim-cred or insider authority. Whatever.

Merriminski: You're right, the best way to stop name-calling is with (wait for it, people) more name calling.

This is a touching and thoughtful piece and presents a viewpoint we never hear in the U.S. media. Although I am not Jewish, I, too, have seen Israel as a safe haven, as the least of what the Western world owes the Holocaust victims for turning a blind eye to their fate. I want there to be an Israel, but I fear that Israel is now turning a blind eye to the Palestinians. I know how hard it must be for Israelis who have seen the Arab world call for its destruction. Recently I saw a tourist ad for Israel which is celebrating its 60th birthday. I couldn't help thinking, yes, it's 60 years in existence and 60 years of continuous warfare which has solved nothing. Thanks, again, Starhawk for all that you do.

This is deeply moving and direct. Given the US media's penchant for focusing only on the violent, this is a view which should be widely heard. Rather than presenting us with merely oppositional viewpoints in violent conflict in Israel, I see more of a spectrum of views in this article. Within a wider range of views comes the possibility of choosing paths other than demonizing the "other" and treating them as somehow inhuman. Justice and compassion may seem to be abstract concepts but their practical application in difficult situations is usually beneficial to all sides.

I just read the article by Starhawk about being denied entry into Israel, because of her past work for peace with Palestinians.
I am Jewish and care very deeply for the survival of my people.

At the same time, I am horrified by the way the Israeli government in treating the Palestinians, and Americans who are trying to be peace-makers. How can it be so dangerous to Israel, that non-violent peace workers want to visit and try to help? What does Isreal really want?

Sorry, Michael O., I am not buying your childish, name-calling, silly caricature of this wise woman.

Obviously you haven't so much as cracked one of Starhawk's excellent scholarly works that have been published over the last four decades, and your stuck-in-the-mud position on Israel suggests that you must have been ignoring many more voices in this large and important debate.

Also, your suggestion, that Starhawk's presence as a peacemaker in Israel would somehow contribute to the loss of life, is not only naive and misinformed -- it is highly offensive.

You are the one who needs to wake up and grow up. I suggest you start by opening your mind to the possibility that other points of view exist beyond your own.

And please get off that tiny high horse.

I think it is amazingly powerful to hear a Jewish voice speak with thoughtful contemplation about the actions of the Jewish State. As a gentile, I find it hard to speak about the actions of violence and aggression that I read about in Israel. I often feel that regardless of how educated I become about the complicated political and cultural situation in this war torn area, I cannot speak up too loudly about these issues. The threat of being labeled antisemitic keeps many of us quiet, despite our growing concern for Palestinian/Israeli relations.

I believe that in this case (as is true for almost all cases of oppression) the voice for real change must come from within the communities effected. Starhawk's work the with ISM reflects the kind of change that I can support without being worried about cultural dominance.

************************

Regarding the Jewish & Pagan issue: We all deal with multi identities and the varied parts of ourselves. We are women and pagans and mothers and daughters and a million other aspects of ourselves. Within our religious self conception there can be several religious identities as well. I know I have several myself. I am a different sort of priestess and devotee with different gods and in different environments. And none of that troubles my own relationship with the All.

Let me boil it down.
If Starhawk can feel Jewish and Pagan and blend them in a way that is a powerful reflection of her self identity and doesn't trouble her relationship with her god(s), than it's kosher. Period.

In my experience, no form of divinity I have ever encountered was concerned with other people's opinions on my self-definition.

Thank you for your work.

Wiccan. Really. Starhawk. Really.

It is remotely conceivable that one day, when this kid outgrows her spaced-out "search for self" phase and goes back to being Mindy Weissman from New Jersey (or whatever her real name is), she will develop some new insight into this chapter in her life. No, I don't think she will actually grasp the meaning of the life-and death struggle in which Israel is engaged every day. That would be too much to expect. But perhaps she will at least understand the simple calculation Israel had to apply in her case:

The price to send her home was much lower than the price not to do so. The price to send her home was a New-Age-style puff-piece in The Washington Post, followed by some readers cooing: "Oh, how sad and beautiful!", "Oh, how deeply moving!", "Oh, how moving and how insightful!" etc. etc. The price not to send her home could be paid in blood, either hers or someone else's, or both. The readers who turn into a puddle over this juvenile piece of writing will move on tomorrow and find something else to get excited over, so no harm done. But a life lost cannot be retrieved. It's as simple as that.

Paganplace, good to see you here, even if it's not your favorite topic!

So, to whoever said the thing about Wiccan Jews: there are only two things that determine Jewishness: first, being born of a Jewish mother; next, converting to the Jewish faith. Note that the first has nothing to do with what you believe or don't believe.

Arminius

Thank you for continuing your work for peace. Your eloquence and effectiveness must be what is frightening to those Israelis in power who are continuing to oppress others. I am grateful for your example, and will continue to pray for peace.

"How totally unsurprising that there are Wiccans who, presumably without a sense of irony, claim to be Jewish."

Umm, 'Realist?' there is being Jewish religiously, and there is being Jewish by heritage and ethnicity.
For Jewish people, being a Jew is about more than just a religious creed.

The perspectives Starhawk brought from there have been an important and valued part of the development of modern Paganism today.

I see no irony, there.

To Stella -- you are as revisionist as it gets, eh? Israel unilaterally removed all of its 'settlers' from Gaza. The Gazan people moved into those areas (quickly destroying all valuable infrastructure). The Katyusha rocket attacks began. Israel unilaterally closed the border between Gaza and Israel. Israel stopped PROVIDING Gazans with medicine, fuel, water, etc. (something they quickly resumed). Not a single Arab or Muslim country opened up their ample coffers to help. Egypt opened up its border for two days.

Israel doesn't attack Gaza "night and day." Israel will retaliate when its sovereignty is breached, as it is entitled to. If these coward gunman would stop firing rockets from olive groves, populated areas, schools, etc. then there would be no problem.

To equate the Gazan situation with the Warsaw ghetto diminishes not only the memory of those who fought, but also your own sense of moral and cognitive clarity.

From a previous post, I think it was "Dave", I thought it was interesting the blending of Zionist and Jew together to make it seem as though he is not a bigot. I'm a Jew; I am a Zionist. I'm a Jew; I'm not a Zionist. I'm not a Jew; I am a Zionist. I'm not a Jew; I am not a Zionist. Delineate. Zionism hasn't been around for "500 years," nor does it preach a form of 'special' people, to which I can only assume you are speaking of the 'Chosen people' identity. Learn what that means first, comment only after forming a cohesive sentence.

Re: Anonymous

Ok, to clarify: I intended to say, both times, that Jewish texts DO NOT teach oppression.

Is that clear enough?

My larger point is this: No religion should ever be MISINTERPRETED so much as to become a justification for oppression.

And for that matter, no OPPRESSION should become a justification for further oppression.

As Martin Luther King, Jr. said, when our suffering leads us to hatred, than hate has won.

Thanks for this moving piece talking about your experiences and beliefs. I would have been quite interested in the answers to your 3 questions by the folks you were prevented from interviewing. I certainly hope you are able to study/teach permaculture in Israel soon.

One clarifictaion, Merriminski. You said that "there is no justification for oppression anywhere in the teachings". Implied there is the undestanding that oppression does exist there. Most assuredly, having spent a great deal of time studying them, it does not. I don't know whether or not you meant to imply that, but would like to clarify in any event.

I am pleased and in no way surprised by the fact that you were able to turn this deep disappointment into a teaching opportunity. Your teaching brings up an issue that conscious people of all faiths must inevitably address: can we look at our entrenched views and bring to them the light of the deepest teachings of our faith.

Howard -- Yes, it's true that rockets have been fired at Israel for several months now. After Israel removed its illegal settlers from Gaza, it continued to attack the people of Gaza night and day, prevent food and medicine from reaching its people, firing on Gaza fisherman trying to feed their families, closing the borders on all sides and controlling the Palestinian people with greater zeal than before, since it no longer had to worry about accidentally hurting Jewish settlers.

Finally, after hundreds of innocent Palestinians died as a result of Israeli aggresssion, Palestinian freedom fighters began to respond by firing mostly innocuous home made rockets at Israel. Of course Israel retaliated with bombs and tanks and brute force, murdering hundreds of infants, children and the elderly along with what it called "militants" (whether or not they were actual fighters)

Just as some Jewish people in the Warsaw Ghetto uprising fought back against an overwhelming Nazi force, as they had every right to do, some Palestinians are resisting an overwhelming zionist force, as they have every right to do.

Hamas, Palestine's democratically elected leadership, cosntinues to offer a truce, but Israel refuses all offers, proving once again that predator Israel has no interest in making peace with its neighbors.

Merriminski, you are right on another point as well. Being oppressed does not grant one the right to oppress others.

Thank you, LARRYAG. I'm glad we can agree that there is no justification for oppression anywhere in the teachings.

I hope that one day we will all find common ground as to how to bring peace to the long-suffering region, for both Jews and Palestinians.

How totally unsurprising that someone ("REALIST") would find it necessary to reduce people to one-dimensional stereotypes in order to argue that working for peace is nothing but "causing trouble."

Sorry, "REALIST," I'm not buying the hate.

Merriminski, I apologize. You interpreted my statement to be saying that Orthodoxy sources teach to endorse oppression. You are certainly right, nothing could be farther from the truth.

Thank you, Starhawk, for pointing out what it being done in our name with our money and equipment in the Occupied territories by Isreal. May the truth be proclaimed throughout the land and may we finally change what is happening not only in Palestine but also in Iraq.

A beautiful piece. Thank you.

For the record, "ANONYMOUS," I said the exact opposite of what you are claiming. I said there is NOTHING in Orthodox teachings that will justify oppression.

Try reading my initial post again, than remove your offensive and misleading comment.

Thanks.

Sorry again, LARRYAG. Your circular arguments have again failed to convince THIS Jew of your premise that there is some "special rule" that says we Jews should be allowed to oppress people because we have been oppressed. There is simply no basis for this way of thinking, other than raw fear and loathing -- neither of which have ever been a good basis for action or policy.

Dear Larrytag,

If Israelis don't feel safe, it is not because they are Jews but because of what zionist Israel does. The world is becoming tired of hearing the same tired old mantra about Jewish "victimhood." Jews have suffered, as have people of many other religions, but sadly it has become clear that the greatest lesson learned by many Jews is how to victimize others -- particularly others who have had no part in victimizing Jews.

Jews are no better and no worse than non-Jews. It is this claim by some of them to some sort of "specialness" that allows them to violate the human rights of others, and to teach their children that Palestinians are less than human.

No wonder Bishop Tutu has said that the apartheid practiced by Israel is worse than that which existed in South Africa.

Thank God for Jews like Starhawk and thousands of others in Israel and around the world who have joined the struggle for Palestinian rights.

Please don't forget today's You Tube entertaining video of a puppet show intended for children, preaching hate and violence to young minds. Get them started off on the right foot, so they will be able to make the right decisions as they get older.

I am not suprised at all.

Our Israel is in the hands of a small cadre of fundamentalist hypocrites and their fundamentalist friends in America who behave in the most un-jewish, racist, and hateful ways...

But so are the Palestinians...

Reject hate and reigious fundamentalism from every religion and every nation!

While I certainly agree that it is the Jewish ethos that provides the requisite backdrop for involving ones self in an international human rights organization (though, to be fair, ISM supports 'legitimate' suicide bombings, subverts Israeli law, and has been actively engaged in the Palestinian resistance in both violent and non-violent ways for years now), I find the type of myopic egotism that Starhawk is engaged in to be disingenuous at best.

The fact is that you were not allowed into the country because an organization that you previously, let's say, contracted with, actively engaged in subverting Israeli law, aiding terrorists (See Mike's Place bombing in Tel Aviv), facilitating terrorist activity (I.e., working with Hamas and Islamic Jihad), and fraudulent representation (Ms. Starhawk, what did you say your purpose was to come to Israel when you were asked?).

Israel has every right not to allow you into her borders. After all, even you would agree that Israel is a sovereign and has the right to control her borders. You may love the land, and do "not wish to own it or claim it or exclude others from it." However, you can bet your Tarot cards that those self-same Palestinians you worked with want exactly that (See Joseph's Tomb, Cave of the Patriarchs, etc.). When will you learn that you are being used for the country's name on your passport. Your role is that of a human shield: "if some of these foreign volunteers get shot or even killed, then the international media will sit up and take notice." George Rishmawi - Palestinian Communist.

Agreed, "[t]hose who truly love the land will build soil, not walls, and plant trees, not bulldoze them down." This is why it is necessary for Israel, the only State to end the 20th Century with more trees than it started with, to engage in environmental discourse with the Palestinians before the environmental efficacy of the West Bank and Gaza are irreparably harmed. Anyone who has been to these areas knows how disgusting they are (How many garbage trucks could Arafat have purchased instead of Suha's lavish Parisian lifestyle?)

When there is a Palestinian Ben-Gurion who is willing to build the transparent organs of a true State, there will be an opportunity for peace. Until then, there will be continued mutual preparation for war.

For the record, Merriminski, Orthodoxy, should you care to investigate, does not support, teach, envision, or endorse oppression.

re: Stella

"Having spent months there among these peaceful people" does she mean the peaceful Hamas militants who shower Israel with rockets on a daily basis, or the suicide bombers?
Read the New York Times today to see how these "peaceful people" indoctrinate their children with hatred and lies against Jews and America as well.

You are right, Merriminski:

"There is no religion that can claim the moral authority to kill and oppress people just because they dare to want peace."

You all are proving the tactics of the Palestinians, and the millions in the Arab world in general, to be effective. Cry to the world that you are a victim, whether substantiated or not. You will get results, and tip world opinion that you, the few million on a strip of land around the size of New Jersey, are the criminal of the world. OK Jews, you world criminals, give up, compromise your safety once again. The world cannot tolerate your presence. No other country in the Middle East is as liberal to its non-Jewish population (who often join with our enemies to sabotage, murder, and stone us) as is Israel. On the other hand, Jews will never feel safe, and with good reason, in an Arab land. After all, it is official policy on their part to hate us. G-d is the One who ultimately guides our fate and the fate of the world. But it is not a reason to remain silent to the injustices perpetrated against us.

Thank you, Starhawk, for a wonderful, insightful article. It's sad that so many people can't read a clear, heartfelt, fact-based report without going into a narrow-minded attack mode.

There is no religion that can claim the moral authority to kill and oppress people just because they dare to want peace.

Sorry, LARRYAG, I just don't buy your specious argument that "the Orthodox sources" will somehow teach me, or anyone, that oppression is justified.

Thanks, Starhawk, for bravely continuing to pursue truth, which has no nationality or religion or ethnicity.

How totally unsurprising that the state of Israel would deny access to someone going there to cause trouble. How totally unsurprising that someone like Starhawk would try to go there to cause trouble. How totally unsurprising that there are Wiccans who, presumably without a sense of irony, claim to be Jewish. Better headline: Hippy Flake Confronts Humorless Regime, Loses Badly, Whines to Western Media

You sad, sad, person.
Yes, pursue the fight against injustice. However, your ridiculously warped invective and overkill in your critiscsm of Israel demonstrates your own dangerously defective ability to see with any clarity or be competent to judge others. And in this lack of perspective, you perpetuate hate for Israel and Jews, and provide fodder for those gleefully committed to wipe us out. Investigate your heritage. Not in the way it was exposed to you in your youth, but go deeper, to the Orhtodox sources. There are people & institutions ready to help you go beyond the superficial smattering of Jewish that you (as I) most likely got growing up. Are you brave enogh and intellectually honest enough to do that? Are you happy to rest your Jewish and world view on half a picture of Judiasm, lox-and-bagels style? If you were truly superficial, you would actually know what you are rejecting, before rejecting it. Give yourself that chance. Then come back and re-visit your opinions. See if they still stand against the knowledge you have acquired, and were free to challenge and abandon if you so chose. You have abandoned it without knowing what it is you are leaving, and are now attacking. Good luck

Intensely moving and beautiful - and, yes, sad. The light of hope here - I did not know there is a non-violent protest movement growing there. That is good news. Maybe that can at least lessen the effects of the violence-begetting-violence endless loop that infects the region.

Arminius

What Israel is doing in illegally occupied Palestine is a crime against humanity. Having spent months there among these peaceful people who ask nothing more than to live on the land they have owned and inhabited for many generations, I can attest to the truth of Starhawk's report.

The US must cease supporting a zionist regime which denies basic human rights of Palestinians.

Palestine must be free.

It seems to me that Starhawk should discuss her recent trip to Israel with her therapist, who I'm sure she's been seeing for many years.

Hypocracynow(sic) - your claim of "thousands of Jewish civilians that have been intentionally slaughtered by neo-Nazi groups like Hamas" cleverly implies that Palestinians have killed thousands of Israeli civilians, which is an outrageous lie. Only a tiny number of Israeli civilians have died, compared to thousands of innocent Palestinians killed by Israeli soldiers and settlers.

Starhawk's report is poignant and accurate. Having experienced the gestapo-like tactics of Israeli "security" at Ben Gurion airport, I can confirm Israel's fear of anything to do with non-violence or peace. In fact, those of us who try to visit occupied Palestine know the one word we must never use at BG airport is "peace" which is the last thing Israel wants, so long as there is yet a dunum of Palestinian land left to steal, or a single Palestinian left on land Israel covets for itself.

Thank you Starhawk for exposing part of the truth,

Thank you, Starhawk. This is deeply moving, and very sad, but needs to be heard.

Predictably the ISM looked at the terrible human suffering and deaths of Palestinians but ignored thousands of Jewish civilians that have been intentionally slaughtered by neo-Nazi groups like Hamas. Predictably you hold up the fact that you are Jewish as if this means you are incapable of this kind of anti-Jewish bigotry. I think they should have left you in jail for a couple of more months.

WOW! Powerful!!!