Resident builds bridge for peace

SYLVIE BELMOND Acorn Newspapers RECONCILIATION—Josef Avesar is trying to create an Israeli-Palestinian Confederation to facilitate peace between the two feuding nations. Resolving the Israeli–Palestinian conflict has been an overwhelming task for governments in the Middle East and U.S. leaders who have tried to reconcile the opposing sides.

But Agoura Hills resident Josef Avesar isn’t daunted by the difficult undertaking; he’s working to establish a mediating force to act as a liaison between the two sides.

Avesar created the IsraeliPalestinian Confederation with the mission to promote peace between the two groups.

“Currently there is no mechanism to solve problems between the two people,” said Avesar, a Tel Aviv area native who came to America when he was 21.

In the last century, the Israelis and Palestinians have dealt with each other mostly through battles and they have a deep level of distrust for each other, he said.

“We have a detailed plan to create a confederate government between the Israelis and Palestinians that would deal with the issues important to both sides,” Avesar said.

The privately-elected confederation of up to 300 representatives would work with the existing governments and deal with issues that the Israeli or the Palestinian officials can’t deal with directly regarding peace, territory, terrorism and the economy, said Avesar.

It’s a private entity, but if organizers can get 1 million people to vote, they hope Israel and Palestine would see the benefit of legitimizing this confederation, which would have a congress in an area under the control of both governments.

The confederation may have to be funded privately until recognized by the government.

The endeavor would cost $35 million, which organizers hope to raise.

The private election, open to residents but not sponsored by the governments, would create a means for both groups to deal with each other politically without the military, an idea unprecedented in the history of the Middle East, said Avesar.

The concept could soften age-old prejudices and accusations hurled by both sides and it could pressure the Israeli and Palestinian governments to cooperate with the federal system.

“Israelis and Palestinians would realize that there are more positive ways of dealing with each other,” he said.

The unconventional idea may seem like a dream, but it could become true, said Avesar, adding all it takes is an idea and someone with the courage to implement it.

He has already assembled 18 people to serve on the confederation’s board of directors, including Ferial Masry, a Newbury Park resident who is running for a seat to represent the 37th District in the state assembly.

“We need people with a dream for a better future in the Middle East,” said Masry, a Muslim born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

Avesar’s good intentions and his desire to put them into action may help the Israelis and Palestinians move beyond today’s hostilities, she said, adding American Muslims and Jews should get together and be part of the solution because they can look from outside and see beyond the pain.

“Josef’s idea may allow us to move through to the second page,” Masry said.   To test the theory, Avesar organized a symposium, scheduled for Feb. 26 at UCLA. He invited 12 professors and political leaders to debate the confederation’s idea, which has been described as a “breakthrough” approach and “out-ofthe-box thinking” to solve the conflict, according to Avesar.

The discussion will be moderated by John K. Van de Kamp, a former state attorney general who plans to run for California governor.

For more information or to sign up for the symposium, visit the confederation’s website at www.aboutipc.org