Dear Jenny,

 

In response to two articles in today's press: "Lib Dem MP: Why I would consider being a suicide bomber"; "Fury over MP's sympathy for suicide bombers".

 

First let me say that although very critical of the Israeli government myself, I am pro-Jewish and pro-Israel, with whom I identify far more than I do with Palestinians or Arabs in general.

 

Now let me praise your uncommon sense and courage in speaking out as you did about Palestinian suicide bombers who strike at Israel, not condoning their terrible deeds, but expressing an understanding for them. As you say, they don't have Abraham tanks or helicopter gunships with which to resist Israel's brutal, humiliating, illegal and immoral occupation of their lands.

 

When anybody else's country is occupied by a foreign power we usually understand and respect those who resist, calling them patriots or freedom fighters, rather than terrorists. When WE were at war (even though we could have won without doing so), we deliberately killed not just 100's but 100's of thousands of German and Japanese civilians, yet we justified it and even decorated and built monuments to those most responsible. The rampant hypocrisy of those condemning you for what you said makes me feel not just angry, but physically sick.

 

I agree with you that the Israeli government carries much of the blame for creating the unjust, intolerable and desperate situation which results in suicide bombing, along with western governments (especially America), for supporting them so uncritically, failing to insist that they give up their dreams for a "Greater Israel" and dismantle their illegal settlements. Although I hasten to add that the Palestinians (and their Arab allies) are just as much, if not more, to blame. BOTH sides are too blame, but BECAUSE I am pro-Israel it is Israel's blame that shames and concerns me most.

 

Ironically, it is the hypocrisy of those now condemning you, their failure to apply the same moral measure to both sides of the conflict and hold Israel to account, which is one of the biggest obstacles to peace. It is also responsible for much Muslim resentment (and hatred) of the West and for the scale of the terrorist threat we are all under.