Aref Assaf, On selling Palestinian lands to American Jews" Bergen Record, 2/28/2007

Re: “Teaneck synagogue seeks to aid West Bank”, Friday, February 23, 2007, By JOHN CHADWICK

Dear Editor:

 "Teaneck synagogue seeks to aid West Bank" (Page A-1, Feb. 23) gives the impression that critics of the Israeli settlement policy are somehow denying Jews the right to immigrate or live in Israel. Our opposition is aimed at Israel's confiscation of Arab lands it has occupied since 1967 and turning them over to Jews to live under the protection of the Israeli Army at an incredible human and economic cost to the indigenous Palestinian population.

We believe the entire settlement policy is unethical and unjust. It usurps international and U.S. laws. Ultimately, it will prevent a just and lasting peace between the Palestinians and the Israelis.

What right does an American citizen have to be enticed into immigrating to Israel to live on land belonging to someone else, given the tremendous economic incentives to stay here? The only requirement seems to be that the person be a Jew.

I, on the other hand, an American citizen, eager and willing to live in any of these settlements, would not be so cheerfully welcomed. The reason for my denial would probably be my ethnicity.

Are we to allow such apartheid practices from being promoted here in New Jersey? I should hope not.

Aref Assaf

Denville, Feb. 23

The writer is president of the American Arab Forum.