Letter | Angélique Eijpe Has Been Wrongly Smeared. She Is A Hero For Civil Rights.
Dutch Secretary of State Stef Blok (R) and his US counterpart Mike Pompeo give a joint press conference after a bilateral meeting in the Hague on June 3, 2019. (Photo by Remko de Waal / ANP / AFP) / Netherlands OUT (Photo credit should read REMKO DE WAAL/AFP/Getty Images) Image by Getty Images
Dear Editor:
Cnaan Liphshiz’s June 2nd article “Dutch Foreign Minister Defends Diplomat Promoting ‘One-State Solution’”, which discusses our organization’s co-founder Angélique Eijpe, failed to give our foundation, or Angelique as an individual, the opportunity to go on record about this issue. As a Palestinian and an Israeli, co-founders of the One State Foundation (OSF), we stand firmly behind Angélique and condemn the vicious attacks on her character and public service record.
Angélique has a long history of extensive work with both Israeli and Palestinian civil society organizations, and she has developed both personal and professional relationships in both communities. She co-founded OSF based on the firm conviction that Palestinians and Israelis can ultimately unite in equality, through a shared society which protects the rights of all, regardless of religion or nationality.
It is a sad indication of the public debate on this topic that an agenda rooted in the concept of equal rights for all is connected to racism and anti-Semitism by political forces with an actual racist track record. We note that the head of the Dutch Freedom Party, Geert Wilders, has repeatedly faced charges as to his own racist statements.
Our organization’s work is to raise public awareness regarding numerous fresh ideas taking root now for transforming the current reality into one where all can enjoy equal rights. Many of these ideas defy conventional thinking about the political future for Palestinians and Israelis. Our organization stands firm in its commitment to the equality and dignity of Israelis and Palestinians alike and rejects all forms of oppression, including anti-Semitism. We remain open to critical and respectful dialogue with those who have questions or concerns about the one-state vision and look forward to sharing more as our work continues to grow.
Hamada Jaber and Ofer Neiman are founders of the One State Foundation
A message from our editor-in-chief Jodi Rudoren
We're building on 127 years of independent journalism to help you develop deeper connections to what it means to be Jewish today.
With so much at stake for the Jewish people right now — war, rising antisemitism, a high-stakes U.S. presidential election — American Jews depend on the Forward's perspective, integrity and courage.
— Jodi Rudoren, Editor-in-Chief
