Dear Editor:

A cursory look at the writings of Rev. Naim Ateek raises legitimate misgivings about his intentions.  While Ateek says and your story reports that he accepts a two-state solution, he and his Sabeel Center openly endorse "One state for two nations and three religions."  Moreover, Ateek has been a driving force behind divestment - a campaign that calls into question Israel's legitimacy. 

Rev. Ateek also claims to advocate non-violence, yet he fails to condemn suicide bombings in any meaningful way.  His article on the topic in July 2002 shifts accountability for suicide bombings from the terrorists who perpetrate violence and places blame squarely on Israel.  Moreover, he never calls for an end to such attacks.

But what is most troubling about Sabeel's Palestinian Liberation Theology is how it casts the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in religious terms.  Ateek and his organization charge Israel with deicide - killing baby Jesus, crucifying the prophet Jesus and preventing Jesus' resurrection.  Hatred of Jews, directed towards Israel, and masked as theology is not new and is not the language of a peacemaker. 

There are Palestinian moderates seeking to live in peace alongside Israel and worthy of engaging in partnership; clearly they do not include Rev. Ateek and the Sabeel Center.

Seth Brysk
Executive Director
American Jewish Committee
Los Angeles