There\u2019s been a spark of hope lately\u2026 At the end of 50 days of shared fasting this past summer, we \u2013 the women of \u201cWomen Wage Peace,\u201d from every part of the country, representing different religions and political views \u2013 met with Prime Minister Netanyahu. The Prime Minister gave us a clear message to pass on to Mahmoud Abbas, namely that he was \u201cready to meet with Abbas anywhere, including the Mukataa [the PA\u2019s administrative headquarters in Ramallah], with the goal of returning to the negotiating table without pre-conditions.\u201d Netanyahu repeated this message in a recent speech in London.<\/p>\n
At the same time, Abbas declared that he would go back to the UN with the intention of making a unilateral move. The following day would be Netanyahu\u2019s turn to speak to the GA. No doubt for us citizens this story has a strong element of d\u00e9j\u00e0 vu.<\/p>\n
Abbas’ recent declarations made it \u200b\u200bclear that he\u2019s climbed a very tall tree. Netanyahu also climbed way out on a limb before the March elections. Now we, the women of Women Wage Peace want them to stay up there. Indeed we\u2019d like them to climb even higher so that they\u2019ll finally reach the very top.<\/p>\n
At such a height they might be able to take a deep breath \u2013 and a courageous one, that of ethical leaders who can look out and see the common good, not only the small spot where they\u2019ve planted themselves. The time has come for both of them to prove, for a change, that they\u2019re true leaders and not mere talkers.<\/p>\n