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death of Yasser Arafat comes at a crucial and volatile time in the
Middle East. This I can affirm having just returned from an
extensive tour of the region with other church leaders concerned
with peace and justice. Â The necessity of a viable Palestinian
state in Gaza, West Bank, and East Jerusalem – existing side by
side with Israel – is more urgent than ever and may even be
possible. People of political and religious affiliation on all
sides are tired of relentless violence and of 37 years of military
occupation. For decades,
Arafat symbolized the hopes and aspirations of Palestinians and
brought international attention to their cause. The most fitting
tribute to him would be strong and deliberate measures by
Palestinians and Israelis--and by the international community--to
uphold international law and human rights.Â
I pray that all sides in the
protracted Middle East conflict, including the many factions among
the Palestinians and the Israelis, will use the passing of Yasser
Arafat as a time to build for peace rather than an occasion to
escalate tensions by either words or actions. Â I pray that
collective punishment, curfews, house demolitions, and the killing
of civilians will cease immediately. Israeli jubilation or
aggressive police actions at this time would be as
counter-productive as would outbreaks of Palestinian violence
against Israelis or Palestinian in-fighting. All sides should
agree to a moratorium on military activities and strong political
rhetoric during the time of mourning.
As we mark the passing of the
Palestinian leader, let those of us in the international faith
communities commit ourselves to stand with our Palestinian and
Israeli sisters and brothers who are working to end the violence
and achieve full human rights and security for all.  May the
hopes for a just and lasting peace for Palestinians and Israelis,
living in two viable states, guide and inspire us in the days to
come.
The Rev. R. Randy Day
General Secretary
General Board of Global Ministries
The United Methodist Church
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