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Letters and Statements
On the MSA resolution to form a committee to investigate the moral implications of the university's economic ties with companies that do business in the occupied territories. Formally know as the resolution to divest from the occupied territories. The UofM Union of Progressive Zionists (UPZ) are activists for peace in Israel/Palestine. We actively work to create and promote a just, negotiated, two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, while recognizing the rights of self-determination for both peoples. To this end, we call for an end to Israel's occupation of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip and a cessation of all terrorism, violence against civilians, and collective punishment. Recognizing these aims, we would like to express our concerns and publicly oppose the “Resolution to Support Divestment From the Israeli Occupation”. That said, we are not blind supporters of all activities of the state of Israel. We-- like the sponsors of this bill--agree that the occupation is a violation of human rights and international law. It is a clear impediment to a peaceful, negotiate political solution. We, like the sponsors, would like to use our political leverage to rectify the policies of the Israeli government. We agree with the “be it resolved” clause, but believe ALL University investments should be scrutinized to make sure they do not support violence or inhumane practices anywhere. Finally, we do not see this resolution as anti-Semitic, or as a threat to the existence of Israel or to its economy. However, this resolution is biased, manipulative, and comes at a time when the focus should be on encouraging constructive and cooperative efforts between Israelis and Palestinians. The language of the resolution seeks to demonize Israel. It intentionally highlights Israel’s misconduct while failing to mention any of the inappropriate or violent activities of the Palestinian Authority or the Palestinian people. Its language paints the picture “black and white” and refuses to address the complexities of the situation. This has resulted in a divided and polarized campus, further than ever from any sort of internal understanding. To begin, the title of the resolution itself is misleading. Though called the “Resolution to Support Divestment From the Israeli Occupation”, it only calls for “a letter urging the University of Michigan Board of Regents to create an advisory committee to investigate the moral and ethical implications of the University’s investments in companies, which directly support the Occupation.” This relatively moderate request is disguised with a more extreme Divestment logo with the aim of labeling the University of Michigan a “Divestment” campus. Finally, this resolution comes at the wrong time in the process toward a just resolution between Israel and the PA. In the past month, Israel has devoted itself to dismantling all settlements in Gaza, and most from the northern West Bank, began transferring control of many West Bank cities to the PA, and has severely limited its military presence in the Occupied Territories. At the same time, the Palestinians have held open national and municipal elections and elected a moderate, peace seeking, Prime Minister. The PA has actively sought out militants, and there was less violence in February than in any month since August 2000. This is not a time to be condemning either of the governments; it is a time to enthusiastically encourage positive actions Instead of the current divestment resolution, MSA should endorse political steps towards ending the occupation, stopping all violence against civilians, and furthering a just peace. We would like to propose a framework based on the Geneva Initiative for MSA to use to evaluate which Israel/Palestine related resolutions push for this goal. We believe MSA should laud any activity, be in on campus or in the region, that supports an end to violence, a just, negotiated two state solution, an end to the occupation, and that which encourages dialogue and understanding between the two peoples. Any activity counter to these aims should be condemned. Divestment, as it is currently framed, divides the campus. It does not move us in the direction of peace. This resolution should not be passed.

Letters and Statements

On the MSA resolution to form a committee to investigate the moral implications of the university's economic ties with companies that do business in the occupied territories. Formally know as the resolution to divest from the occupied territories.

The UofM Union of Progressive Zionists (UPZ) are activists for peace in Israel/Palestine. We actively work to create and promote a just, negotiated, two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, while recognizing the rights of self-determination for both peoples. To this end, we call for an end to Israel's occupation of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip and a cessation of all terrorism, violence against civilians, and collective punishment. Recognizing these aims, we would like to express our concerns and publicly oppose the “Resolution to Support Divestment From the Israeli Occupation”.

That said, we are not blind supporters of all activities of the state of Israel. We-- like the sponsors of this bill--agree that the occupation is a violation of human rights and international law. It is a clear impediment to a peaceful, negotiate political solution. We, like the sponsors, would like to use our political leverage to rectify the policies of the Israeli government. We agree with the “be it resolved” clause, but believe ALL University investments should be scrutinized to make sure they do not support violence or inhumane practices anywhere. Finally, we do not see this resolution as anti-Semitic, or as a threat to the existence of Israel or to its economy. However, this resolution is biased, manipulative, and comes at a time when the focus should be on encouraging constructive and cooperative efforts between Israelis and Palestinians.

The language of the resolution seeks to demonize Israel. It intentionally highlights Israel’s misconduct while failing to mention any of the inappropriate or violent activities of the Palestinian Authority or the Palestinian people. Its language paints the picture “black and white” and refuses to address the complexities of the situation. This has resulted in a divided and polarized campus, further than ever from any sort of internal understanding.

To begin, the title of the resolution itself is misleading. Though called the “Resolution to Support Divestment From the Israeli Occupation”, it only calls for “a letter urging the University of Michigan Board of Regents to create an advisory committee to investigate the moral and ethical implications of the University’s investments in companies, which directly support the Occupation.” This relatively moderate request is disguised with a more extreme Divestment logo with the aim of labeling the University of Michigan a “Divestment” campus.

Finally, this resolution comes at the wrong time in the process toward a just resolution between Israel and the PA. In the past month, Israel has devoted itself to dismantling all settlements in Gaza, and most from the northern West Bank, began transferring control of many West Bank cities to the PA, and has severely limited its military presence in the Occupied Territories. At the same time, the Palestinians have held open national and municipal elections and elected a moderate, peace seeking, Prime Minister. The PA has actively sought out militants, and there was less violence in February than in any month since August 2000. This is not a time to be condemning either of the governments; it is a time to enthusiastically encourage positive actions

Instead of the current divestment resolution, MSA should endorse political steps towards ending the occupation, stopping all violence against civilians, and furthering a just peace. We would like to propose a framework based on the Geneva Initiative for MSA to use to evaluate which Israel/Palestine related resolutions push for this goal. We believe MSA should laud any activity, be in on campus or in the region, that supports an end to violence, a just, negotiated two state solution, an end to the occupation, and that which encourages dialogue and understanding between the two peoples. Any activity counter to these aims should be condemned.

Divestment, as it is currently framed, divides the campus. It does not move us in the direction of peace. This resolution should not be passed.

University of Michigan Union of Progressive Zionists: UPZCORE@umich.edu

Union of Progressive Zionists National Office, 114 West 26th Street, 10th floor New York, NY 10001
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