Jeff Halper was the guest. He advocated for a One State solution. The meeting was stormy. He was challenged by many participants on the practicality of his vision and subsequently amended his views in favor of a confederation.
Each meeting Participants act as IPC Parliament members, Israeli Prime Minister, Hamas Leader and PA president who are granted a veto power over laws passed by the Parliament.
Despite the stormy meeting the IPC parliament took up several laws:
First: Declaration of Peace
- Our goal is to be a shining example for peace and tolerance
- We believe in the respect for all people regardless of religion or gender.
- We are committed to protect all people of all religion and to value the sanctity of life.
- All people are equal
- All religions are equal
- The practice of religion is voluntary and shall not be imposed
- The land belongs to no religion and no war shall be imposed on the count of religion
- We encourage all governments to adopt this resolution
This was passed by the IPC Parliament. The Israeli PM and PA president accepted. Hamas leader objected to “The land belongs to no religion and no war shall be imposed on the count of religion “. In the future we will offer an amended declaration.
Second: Israeli Palestinian mutual police force
A common police force under the IPC which will work in cooperation with the Israeli and Palestinian government. This was passed by the Parliament and no veto was issued.
Third: Creating a liaison office to mediate between the Israeli and Palestinian governments
This legislation passed the Parliament and was not vetoed by the Israeli or Palestinian leaders.
Our next meeting will take place on Monday, May 31st with Richard Silverstein. He is a journalist and independent researcher who reports on Israeli national security matters. He publishes at Al Jazeera English, Middle East Eye and Jacobin Magazine. He has published the Tikun Olam blog since 2003.
