Florida Catholic | Good Fences

Published: 11.23.07

Religious leaders in central Florida have signed a joint letter adding their voices to the cry for a peaceful solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Bishop Thomas Wenski was joined by leaders of the Jewish, Protestant and Muslim traditions in central Florida in a plea to policymakers that a just peace be sought as talks between Israeli and Palestinian officials are set to resume in late November in Annapolis, Md.

In August, Bishop Wenski toured the Dehiyshe Palestinian refugee camp in the West Bank. During that visit, the bishop said the United States should try to persuade Israel to negotiate in good faith with the Palestinians.

In particular, he believes the Israeli separation wall and the settlements are major obstacles to a peaceful solution.

Acknowledging the need for Israeli security, Bishop Wenski believes the wall is built in such away that it “does not enhance security but … expands control of territory.” The wall eventually will become a 400-mile-long barrier of concrete slabs and barbed-wire fences separating Israel from the West Bank; in some places, it physically divides Palestinian communities, according to Catholic News Service.

RELATED ARTICLE | BISHOP WENSKI''S COLUMN

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