Christians for Fair Witness on the Middle East Commends President Obama for Denouncing Boycott and Divestment Movements Against Israel While Remaining Committed to His Opposition to Israeli Settlements

NEW YORK, March 5, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Christians for Fair Witness on the Middle East commends President Barack Obama who, in his speech at the AIPAC conference on March 4, 2012, made clear his strong opposition to boycott and divestment against Israel while remaining committed to his opposition to Israeli settlements.  President Obama's actual words were: "When there are efforts to boycott or divest from Israel, we will stand against them."

"We are very pleased that the President took such a highly principled stand," says Rev. Dr. Bruce Chilton, Bernard Iddings Bell Professor of Religion at Bard College and Fair Witness Executive Committee member.  "We are also pleased that while addressing this strongly pro-Israel audience President Obama did not in any way backtrack on his opposition to continued Israeli settlement building which is wrong and unhelpful to the peace process."

"Both Israel and the Palestinians have made their fair share of mistakes in this complex conflict," acknowledges Rev. Stephen G. Thom, Pastor of Mizpah United Church of Christ in Hopkins, Minnesota and Fair Witness Executive Committee member.  "So to single one party out for punishment and condemnation is unfair and unjust."

According to Rev. Dr. Scott S. Ickert, Senior Pastor of Resurrection Evangelical Lutheran Church, Arlington, VA and Fair Witness Executive Committee member, "At this point in time the most powerful forces keeping Israelis and Palestinians from finding their way to peace are fear and distrust. Both parties have ample reason to fear and distrust the other.  If the American Church can play a role in bringing peace to this region it will be in decreasing that fear and distrust so the parties can find their way back to the negotiating table and a just two-state solution."

"Boycotts and divestment against Israel will accomplish nothing but increasing Israel's fear, distrust and sense of isolation in the international community," says Sr. Ruth Lautt, O.P., Esq., Fair Witness  Executive Director.  "Peacemakers will look beyond singling out either Israel or the Palestinians for punitive measures and help them find equitable solutions and an end to the conflict."

SOURCE Christians for Fair Witness on the Middle East