Trump's Jerusalem declaration sparks fear, joy. (Philly.com, Dec 6)
The decision will sharpen the divide among Jews who fall on different sides of the issue, predicted Philadelphia-based Rabbi Linda Holtzman, a member of Jewish Voices for Peace. She and others also said the announcement could have precedent-setting implications.
“The idea of making it easier for Israel to annex more land is something that even many people who are deeply supportive of Israel are trying very hard not to encourage,” she said.
That could upend international precedent, noted Marwan Kreidie, executive director of the Philadelphia Arab American Development Corporation.
“The whole post-World War II world consensus is we don’t allow war to dictate the acquisition of territory,” he said. “If we accept Israel’s annexing of a place that they took through armed conflict, then what’s wrong with the Russians taking Ukraine? What’s wrong with other people taking land by force?”
Like others opposed to the decision, Kreidie viewed the move as a play to evangelical Christians in Trump’s right-wing base rather than a step towards peace.
“Remember, Jerusalem is a special city,” Kreidie said. “It’s a city that’s holy to three religions. It’s supposed to be the city of peace. You don’t give it to one side.”