Thoughts about the Conflict
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Saturday 14 August 2010

Lately, I have been quite consumed with the issue of the conflict between the state of Israel and Palestinians.

The issue has long been a hot topic in Olympia Washington, and the most recent event to bring it to the fore of the consideration of many people is a decision by the Olympia Food Co-op Board of Directors to boycott products from Israel.

The co-op previously stocked four different items that are produced in Israel. Gluten-free ice cream cones, gluten-free crackers, skin cream, and an olive oil called Peace Oil. Peace Oil is still distributed at the co-op because it is made in joint effort between Israelis and Palestinians.

I have been digging to figure out what is at the roots of the conflict over the past 60+ years.

Here are some of my thoughts that reflect that.

Is it possible that the problem with Zionism in Israel is its nationalism,

Is it possible that at the root of problem is the fact that since 1948 the state of Israel has adopted and participated in a pattern, inherited from Western Europe (including Britain and the USA,) of colonialism, which at its core involves systematic violence—oppression and injustice—the subjugation of land and of the indigenous population, the Palestinian people.

more information:
Olympia Food Co-op Boycotts Israel