The controversy emanating from Hamas’ stunning victory over the long dominant Fatah party in Palestine’s parliamentary election has stirred the charged campus discussion on the Middle East conflict.
While the United States has continued to describe Hamas as a terrorist organization, urging nations to freeze aid to the elected government, Palestinian supporters have implored the international community to look beyond its militancy to see its domestic achievements and objectives.
Hammad Hammad (SFS ‘08), Jerusalem native and member of Students for Justice in Palestine, believes that these elections are a reflection of general discontent amongst Palestinians with the former government.
“Palestinians are denied their self-determination and are an occupied people, whose human rights are violated everyday,” Hammad said. “The election of Hamas came about because of the corruption seen towards Fatah and the need for change. (https://mgtrailer.com) ”
Unsurprisingly, Hamas’ triumph and the subsequent Western media reaction have sparked emotions among people from other nations within the Middle East. Banafsheh Fatieh (SFS ‘08), an Iranian citizen, believes the American perception of Hamas’ disposition is not congruent with reality.
“The exaggeration of Hamas’ character, [which is due to] both American journalism and Hamas’ own goals of expansion, does not provide an accurate depiction of the party,” Fatieh claimed.
In her opinion, Hamas’ public treatment is similar to that of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who has agitated the international commnity with his rhetoric on Israel’s existence.
“Since the borders of the Middle East are very rigid, strongly anti-Western stances are used to transcend borders,” she said.
Nevertheless, sentiments of fear have arisen regarding the possibilities of peace within the Middle East. President Bush proclaimed that the Palestinian state, which he had previously supported, would not be possible as long as Hamas refuses to give up its goal to destroy Israel. The Georgetown-Israel Alliance shares Bush’s concern regarding the establishment of stability in the Holy Land.
“A two-state solution is the only viable peaceful resolution and with Hamas in power it makes it difficult to negotiate,” Greg Goldberg, president of GIA, said. “Hamas needs to renounce terror, lay down its arms, and recognize Israel’s right to exist so peace talks can commence once more.”
However, the “disruption” of Hamas’ success does not inhibit Goldberg’s personal sense of safety while in the region. He plans on participating in the “Birthright Israel” program, which provides Jewish adults with a free trip to their homeland.
“Israel is the homeland of my people and I am not going to let hostile neighbors prevent me from visiting.”
Adding to the turmoil, Georgetown will be the site of a conference held by the Palestine Solidarity Movement, an organization that has been accused of supporting terrorism against Israel, later this month. Critics have derided the organization for its ambiguous stance on violence as a political tool. SJP, which will be hosting the event, stands by the validity of PSM’s presence at the school.
“We brag about diversity, well, how about diversity of views and opinions?” Hammad said.
Goldberg also supports the student’s right to hear PSM’s platform.
“The Georgetown Israel Alliance supports free speech, even for extreme groups such as this one.”
