Israel and Palestine

My letter recently in The Jakarta Post (Oct. 8, 1996) was about Israel's opening of the tunnel near Masjid Al Aqsa that has provoked some readers. It is quite normal. But let's look back to the time of the birth of Israel, May 14, 1948. Nobody could deny that its birth was marked by violence and with the help of the West. Thus, the Palestinians were victims of injustice and hypocrisy. They were forced to leave their beloved country and have been without a country for almost 40 years. Is it not against the people's conscience to treat people that way?

The other Arab countries, out of solidarity, want to help their brothers who suffered deeply from injustice. I believe this is logical as a reaction against the Israeli action. Don't mistake me for approving of any violence committed by any individual or party. But justice must be sought and maintained.

Israelis should have been able to learn from their own history, how their ancestors lived peacefully, prosperously and happily under Moslem rulers for hundreds of years. Now, if the Israelis want to live peacefully amidst neighboring Arab countries, they should pursue peaceful coexistence. If Israel fails to do this, it might lead itself to its destruction. The Israelis have no one to blame except themselves.

H.W. PIENANDORO

Bogor, West Java