interview with Avner Wishnitzer
Israeli Foreign Relations Coordinator for CFP
May 9th, 2007
Q1. Why are you doing this?
Avner: The members of CFP dedicate themselves to the promotion of a just resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Through this billboard we wish to send a message of hope to the Americans and at the same time invite them to be more active in our struggle for peace.
Q2. Memorial Day in the United States commemorates U.S. men and women who have died in military service. Why have you chosen Memorial Day to paint a billboard promoting Peace through non-violence?
Avner: In Israel and Palestine, just like in the US, the lists of casualties are endless. It is our belief that it is not enough to commemorate these people. We have to do our best so that these lists do not get longer. For us commemorating our fallen comrades means to prevent unnecessary killing, wherever it may happen.
Q3. Haven't the Jews and the Muslims been fighting for thousands of years? Isn't it crazy to think that peace can be found?
Avner: This is simply not true. As a student of Ottoman history I can tell you that generally speaking, the Jews who lived in the Muslim countries, including the Ottoman Empire, enjoyed far better relations with the authorities, than their co-religionists in Europe. If co-existence was possible in the past, it is certainly an option for the future.
Q4. Who are the children and why have you invited them to paint the sign?
Avner: The Israeli children are members of youth peace organizations and we have invited them to show them how we in CFP bridge controversies and act together towards our common goal.
Q5. What can Americans do to help bring Peace to the Holy Land?
Avner: There are many possible ways for Americans to get involved. This could be either through political mobilization, raising funds, demonstration etc.
Q6. Please tell us a little bit about yourself.
My name is Avner Wishnitzer, the Israeli foreign relations coordinator for CFP. I am 30 years old, a student of Ottoman history and currently writing my PhD dissertation. I served as a combatant in Sayeret Matkal, one of the elite units in the IDF for nearly three and a half years. After I finished my regular service I kept on doing reserve service in the same unit on a regular basis. Three years ago I publicly refused to serve in the occupied territories with 12 other reserve combatants from my unit. The public letter we sent to the prime minister caused a huge turmoil at the time and lead to our dismissal from the unit. Following these events we were looking for ways to keep on struggling for a just solution for the conflict. We then established contact with a group of ex-militants from the Jerusalem area and started to meet with them on a regular basis. The meetings gradually lead to the foundation of CFP. I see myself as a patriot and it is for this reason that I take part in the struggle for a better future. I am active in CFP for the very same reasons I volunteered to Sayeret Matkal 12 years ago. I believe that the end of occupation is not only a Palestinian interest; it is an Israeli interest too. It is this belief that I wish to promote through the non-violent activity of CFP.