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both small moments of peace. Such moments, Francis contends, build up to big moments that do bring about justice and lasting peace. “Peace is something we must create piece by piece, with every little gesture in our d a i ly l i ve s,” h e stressed. Po p e F r a n c i s ’ comments and actions should give hope to Palestinians engaged in the many ongoing forms of nonviolent opposition taking place in Gaza, East Jerusalem and the West Bank. Similarly, those few Palestinians still engaged in violent resistance must realize it is not the antidote that will tear down Israel’s separation wall or end its blockade of Gaza. Israel and its supporters—most notably the U.S.—must also take to heart the pope’s warning that peace cannot be bought. Since 1949, a conservative estimate shows, the U.S. has provided more than $130 billion of direct aid to Israel. (See Oct./Nov. 2013 Washington Report, p. 22.) Instead of advancing peace, American tax-payer money has helped Israel become the dominant military power in the conflict, unbalanced the playing field and made peace talks between equals impossible. As a result, the U.S.-led peace process remains stalled and the prospects of an agreement being reached soon are at an all-time low. Israel, too, must learn that allocating more military equipment and resources to furthering its occupation not only will undermine peace, but will ultimately backfire. “Great” actions, such as bombing Gaza or building more settlements, do nothing to advance peace. Similarly, “small” actions such as burning Palestinian olive trees and executing demolition orders on Palestinian homes harden hearts and prolong the conflict. In Jordan, Pope Francis said, “May God protect us from the fear of change.” Those actors in the conflict who have been pushing the same failed approach to solving the conflict must reflect on these words. After he left the Holy Land, some criticized Pope Francis for not being more vocal in his objections to the occupation. Many (fairly) wished he had noted the profound suffering taking place in Gaza, more acutely decried Israel’s treatment of Palestinian Christians and offered more than passing references to the occupation. AUGUST 2014
While Pope Francis may have been better served by raising such points (which he may have done in private meetings), one can appreciate the alternative approach he adopted. Countless politicians and leaders have voiced lofty ideas and claims in the Holy Land. Israeli, Palestinian, American
and religious leaders have all spoken of their desire for peace. Few, however, have actually taken small or large steps to advance peace. Instead of uttering the same words that would be quickly forgotten and never actualized, Pope Francis used his trip to do more than talk—he acted. His decision to pray at the separation wall, visit Palestinian refugee camps and use Jordanian helicopters to overfly Israeli checkpoints offered more than hollow words. They offered simple but profound evidence that actions do indeed speak louder than words. ❑
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THE WASHINGTON REPORT ON MIDDLE EAST AFFAIRS
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