8/14/2019 AJC: Renew UN Support for a Two-state Solution

1/2

Renew U.N. support for two-state solution

By BRIAN D. SIEGALSixty years ago, on Nov. 29, 1947, the United Nations voted to end 25 years of British

mandatory rule in Palestine and laid the groundwork for a two-state solution -- one

Jewish, one Arab. Six months later, under the looming threat of war from the verycountries that had rejected the U.N. resolution, the state of Israel declared independence,

and the Middle Easts first and only democracy was born.

In the past six decades, the United Nations partition decision has been overwhelmingly

vindicated. In a region plagued with religious extremism, tyranny and economic

stagnation, Israel stands as a model of democratic pluralism, economic growth and

human progress.

Despite these contributions, Israel remains the only state whose right to exist is still under

attack, often by the same array of forces that rejected the two-state solution in 1947. Even

more worrying is that todays United Nations no longer plays a constructive role inMideast peace efforts.

The organizations landmark 1947 decision, for example, has been commandeered by

forces opposed to peace with Israel. In an Orwellian twist contrived by Arab countries in

1977, Nov. 29 was designated a Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.

Abandoning the original resolutions embrace of a two-state solution, the U.N.pronouncement was distorted beyond recognition, undermining, rather than promoting,

peace efforts.

To cite just one recent example, last years Day of Solidarity observed a moment of

silence in honor of martyred terrorists and included, in full view of top U.N. officials, alarge map of Palestine on which Israel did not appear.

This and other discriminatory U.N. action toward Israel has made this important

international body virtually irrelevant to regional peace making. Sadly, no Israeli leadercan trust the United Nations to play a productive and fair-minded role in bringing the

parties together and helping reach a just solution.

Its time for the United Nations to reclaim the moral high ground, to rescue the meaningof its decision 60 years ago and to once again become a relevant player in the quest for

peace. One simple but symbolically potent action would be for top U.N. officials to

refuse to participate in this years Palestinian Day of Solidarity activities. Instead,leaders could use the occasion to speak out in favor of the original spirit of the U.N.

resolution -- of the justness for a national homeland for two peoples -- and call upon all

parties to pursue an equitable two-state solution.

A declaration for a more constructive, even-handed U.N. position need not come at the

Palestinians expense. By refusing to acquiesce to an anti-Israel agenda promoted by the

worlds despots and dictators, the United Nations would make it more, not less, likely

8/14/2019 AJC: Renew UN Support for a Two-state Solution

2/2

that Palestinians will get a state of their own. A more balanced approach is particularly

vital as Israelis, Palestinians and some Arab countries enter a new round of peace

negotiations in Annapolis, Md.

The United Nations made the right decision in 1947, but in ensuing years its policies

were hijacked by member states and nongovernmental organizations more interested inperpetuating conflict than solving it. To move forward, the United Nations must remind

itself of the truly courageous vote it took 60 years ago. Only then can the world body live

up to the high ideals of its charter and potentially help replicate -- this time successfully --one of the greatest moments in its own history.

Brian D. Siegal is executive director of the Greater Miami and Broward Chapter of the

American Jewish Committee.