Uri Avnery

Uri Avnery is a longtime Israeli peace activist. Since 1948 he has advocated the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel. In 1974, Uri Avnery was the first Israeli to establish contact with the PLO leadership. In 1982 he was the first Israeli ever to meet Yasser Arafat, after crossing the lines in besieged Beirut. He served three terms in the Israeli Knesset and is the founder of Gush Shalom (Peace Bloc). Visit his Web site.

To the Shores of Tripoli

The bloody battles that have erupted around the Nahr al-Bared refugee camp near Tripoli in Lebanon remind us that the refugee problem has not disappeared. On the contrary, 60 years after the "Nakba,” the Palestinian catastrophe of 1948, it is again the center of attention throughout the world. This is an open wound. Anyone who … Continue reading “To the Shores of Tripoli”

Israel’s Exercise in Escapism

I have been to many demonstrations in Tel Aviv’s Rabin Square, even when it was still called “Kings of Israel Square." I was at the legendary “Demonstration of the 400,000” after the Sabra and Shatila massacre (actually, there were around 200,000, which is still an impressive number). I was there when Yitzhak Rabin was shot. … Continue reading “Israel’s Exercise in Escapism”

Blood on Our Hands

At this moment, negotiations on a prisoner exchange are in full swing. The term “negotiations” is really inappropriate. “Haggling” seems more fitting. One could also use an uglier expression: “trafficking in human beings." The planned deal concerns living people. They are being treated like goods, for which the officials of the two sides are bargaining, … Continue reading “Blood on Our Hands”

Israel’s Provocations:
The Method in the Madness

When a prime minister has just lost a war, is dogged by corruption allegations, and sees his popularity ratings in free fall, what can he do? Why, he can initiate provocations. A provocation diverts attention, generates headlines, creates the illusion of power, radiates a sense of leadership. But a provocation is a dangerous instrument. It … Continue reading “Israel’s Provocations:
The Method in the Madness”

‘Kill Them! Kill Everyone!
All of Them!’

During the first Lebanon war, I visited Jounieh, a town some 20 km north of Beirut. At the time, it served as a port for the Christian forces. It was an exciting evening. In spite of the war raging in nearby Beirut, Jounieh was full of life. The Christian elite spent the day in the … Continue reading “‘Kill Them! Kill Everyone!
All of Them!’”