To compare a system which oppressed those who were ostensibly powerless (apartheid) with a system in which one is surrounded on vitually all sides — including within your own boarders — by enemies who have as their stated goal your destruction (Israel) is nonsense and is morally indefensible. In South Africa, blacks had very little power, military or economic, and the white government was all powerful. In Israel, the Palestinians have routinely demonstrated their power through bomobings, rocket attacks and the pressure of international governments and the press. The Palestinians have been kept in their miserable conditions by the greed and corruption of their own leaders: Arafat, Hamas, and the PA. Arab governments in the region have refused to allow the resettlement of the Palestinians in their lands in order to keep the Palestinians as a useful tool to weaken and destrot Israel. Nelson Mandela preached reconciliation and cooperation. The Palestinians and their Arab supporters continue to advocate violence, even conditioning their own children to hate from birth. Look at some of the images of children being taught to hate Israeli's and the culture of violence and death against Israel, America, the West in general, which dominates the indoctrination they receive. Israel is fighting for its life against a sea of violent, hate-filled people that are stuck in the 7th century. To allow Israel's destruction in the face of the genocide being waged against it would be immoral. As UMs, it's time to get beyond this infantile notion that holding hands and talking about peace will actually bring about peace. WW II should have taught us that lesson for all time.

David  Preston
Faith United Methodist Church, Jacksonville