Francisco Goya

"The Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters"

1797-1798

Jewish Peace Fellowship - The Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters 

In the darkest of night there is always a candle burning.  Among the most insane acts of humanity, there are always those who can see clearly.  

In Israel, there are those who have determined not to participate in the insanity of murdering Palestinians and because of these few there is hope for the world.

In Palestine, there are those who understand the example of Mahatma Gandhi and it is time for them to step forward.

John WorldPeace
October 3, 2002

On War and Terror: A Statement by the Jewish Peace Fellowship

In response to the ghastly violence of the Napoleonic Wars, Francisco Goya produced a series of etchings depicting the stark reality of war. The most famous of these is called "The Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters." I cannot think of a better description of what is taking place in Israel/Palestine. The leadership of both peoples labor under the delusion that the application of enough violence will cow the other side into submission to its will. Most of the population on both sides is angry and frightened enough to believe that this is so.

Each act of violence, whether Palestinian or Israeli, only justifies more and worse violence in the minds of the other side.

The only hope today is in the efforts of those who are working for dialogue and reconciliation. The Israeli peace movement is far from dead. The current situation has given rise to a new movement of conscientious objection among Israeli soldiers. Among the Palestinians too there are those who understand that terrorism and violence work against Palestinian aspirations.

As peace activists it is vitally important that we not be seduced into taking sides. It is easy to advocate for victims, but what do you do when both peoples are victimized? To help make peace we must support those working for peace.

We condemn, without reservation, the attacks of terrorists as the criminal actions they are. We must condemn, without reservation, Israel's use of its military to try to resolve political and diplomatic issues. We must reject the arguments of those Palestinians who call for the destruction of the Jewish State and of those Israelis who call for the expulsion of the Palestinians and the annexation of the Occupied Territories. Such extremism does not represent the views of most people on either side.

If we want peace and justice we must awaken Reason and send the monsters of war and terror to oblivion.

----Rabbi Philip Bentley, Honorary President,  Jewish Peace Fellowship.org

How can we manifest peace on earth if we do not include everyone (all races, all nations, all religions, both sexes) in our vision of Peace?

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