Editor:

In light of the recent developments in the Middle East, we strongly feel that this issue ought to be properly addressed. Having said that, the events as addressed in the article “”Peace Vigil Unites Students,”” published on Nov. 16, give an unrealistic impression of peace in the Middle East. We have seen leaders such as Clinton, Barak and Arafat attempt to construct “”peace”” along illusory lines, which sadly but expectedly culminated in the latest Al-Aqsa Intifada.

We can talk all we want about peace, but when the core human issues of justice and freedom are ignored, peace loses its meaning. We cannot achieve peace along false lines.

More importantly, the line in the article stating, “”The vigil primarily concentrated on Christians, Jews and Muslims”” is questionable. If this was the case, then why was the event organized at the same time that the Muslim Student Association held its Islamic Awareness event, thus making it difficult for the group to attend?

Secondly, the Arab Student Union and the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee were not contacted. If you ask us, the planning was shady and casts doubt on the intentions of the organizers. Moreover, the quoted words of Rabbi Goldstein, “”It is important to understand that what happens there, happens there, but here is our own world”” take away from the severity of the situation and our moral responsibility as citizens of the United States and human beings on this planet to guard against the suffering of innocent populations.

Let us not forget that our own president is at the forefront of the situation. Let us not forget that what happens here greatly affects what happens there, as the actions of the United States since 1948 have determined the developments in the region. In conclusion, when we get together to hope for peace, we cannot turn a blind eye to the source of the conflict, which is largely about occupation, independence, and self-determination, rather than the way it is misrepresented in the mainstream American media.

Even if Jerusalem were a desert, devoid of holy places, the conflict would be no less fateful. After all, this is an issue of basic human rights to property and liberty.

Wasn’t it the great American Patrick Henry who said “”Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, almighty God, I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death.””

— Nour Chammas and Lana Kreidie