With the aftermath of Sept. 11 still unfolding, members of the Philadelphia Ethical Society held a forum on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict last Thursday.
The Philadelphia Ethical Society, a congregation of non-theistic followers with its own clergy person and over a century of national history, stresses improving the world through individual effort. The group uses monthly forums to deal with ethical issues in today's world.
About 14 members and community leaders stopped by earlier this month at an event, held in Rittenhouse Square.
Since the U.S. counterattack, Americans have revived debate over the morality of a military response to terrorism. The recent shift in discussion made this month's focus on the morality of the Israeli military response against Palestinian terror all the more relevant.
"We told [the Israelis] to exercise restraint," said Society President Arnold Fishman, 62. "It doesn't appear as though we're willing to follow the same instructions."
The forum began with a statement true to the society's humanist mentality.
"We believe in the intrinsic worth of every human being," Society Clergyman Richard Kiniry said.
This statement provided a jumping off point for Kiniry, who opened discussion with his opinion on Israel.
"The State of Israel was a mistake that came about because of the Holocaust and because of western guilt," he said.
Kiniry may have been more likely to have rallied support before September 11, but since the attacks, Americans seem to have developed a new understanding of the conflict in the Middle East.
"When Jews say [Israel's] their land, they have a point," said Temma Fishman, chairwoman of the society's education committee.
Others present at the forum echoed similar sentiments. Some decried the Palestinian leadership for rejecting the negotiating table and turning instead to violence.
The Palestinians "couldn't get what they wanted by negotiations, so they turned to violence?" questioned Susan Freedman, a local attorney.
The forum's discussion gradually turned to the subject of the Israeli government's policy of military responses to terror.
"The Israelis are justified in believing that there is no push on the other side for peace," Mr. Fishman said -- as the words of Osama bin Laden's recent statements echoed in everyone's minds.
