Rocky Mountain News, Letters to the Editor

August 5, 2002

Imagine the suffering of the Palestinians

I would ask those who support Zionism to ask themselves the following questions:

How would you like to have your land and home seized simply because someone else wanted it? How would you like to see you home demolished to make a road bigger for Israeli tanks? How would you like to be under 24-hour curfew? How would you like to be estranged from your family because the Israeli army closed roads? How would you feel if your three innocent children were killed by a "stray" bomb?

How would you feel seeing lush greens lawns on the illegal settlements while having to drink filthy water from a hole because seven-eighths of water resources are diverted to the settlements? How would you feel if you knew that full Israeli withdrawal was accepted by U.S.-supported U.N. resolutions 242 and 338? The illegal expansion of Jewish settlements is still occurring to ensure that Palestine never has a viable state.

Imagine not only the frustration of Palestinians, but also imagine what you might do if you and your family were under constant threat. To end the horrible violence on both sides Israel must comply with international law. If there is ever to be peace, there must be justice.

Athena Harley
Denver