"Obies demand divestment"

"The issue at hand: Panelists speak at a forum regarding the possibility of
divestment from the Israeli Military.


By Rachel Decker
THE OBERLIN REVIEW
April 29, 2005

On the Web at:
www.oberlin.edu/stupub/ocreview/2005/4/29/news/article4.html



"Among the more contested of the upcoming Student Senate referendum issues
is that of divestment from the Israeli military. Students promoting this
issue are calling upon the College to pull investments out of companies or
organizations that hold contracts with the Israeli military, thereby making
a statement against the ongoing territorial dispute occurring there.

"In an effort to inform interested students about the means and aims of
divestment, Students for a Free Palestine sponsored a forum Thursday
afternoon. Three panelists spoke to a group of approximately 20 students
regarding the fundamental issues of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict and why
they believe widespread institutional divestment, including Oberlin’s
potential contribution to this movement, is necessary.

"Kate Raphael (OC ’80) was the first to speak, relating her experience as a
student promoting South African divestment as an outcry against apartheid.
She stated that although the administration at the time was not receptive to
protests regarding this issue, concerned students kept up the fight.

“ '[The administration] said we didn’t know what we were talking about, and
they were right,' she said. 'I want to say it didn’t matter. We didn’t have
to know the geography and culture and language to know apartheid was wrong.'

"Raphael stressed the contribution made through divestment from South
African corporations practicing segregation as a large factor in apartheid’s
eventual dissolution.

“ 'It’s important to remember that divestment from South Africa didn’t come
easily,' she said. “It was bitter and fraught with struggle. Divestment in
this case, I think, will come easier. South African apartheid has proved it
can work.'

"Second to address the audience was solidarity activist of Ohio State
University Wendy Ake. Ake, a member of OSU’s Committee for Justice in
Palestine, spoke largely on international law and Israel’s alleged human
rights violations.

“ 'There is an absence of a global mechanism to enforce international laws,'
she stated. 'And Israel has placed itself outside the boundaries of
international law.'

"Ake also emphasized the power of individual involvement and the possible
influential effects Americans can have on global policy. 'The U.S.
determines world policy and politics....As U.S. citizens we need to become
active and make sure our voices are heard,' she stated. '[Divestment] is
empowering for people on the local level, when one is wondering, ‘What can I
do?’

"Last to speak at the forum was Gordon Shull, retired College of Wooster
political science professor. Shull, also an elder in the Presbyterian Church
since 1955, has been active in its incremental divestment throughout the
years. He addressed positive relationships between Israelis and
Palestinians, and their potential to amend the situation. “There are Jews in
Israel deeply committed to Palestinian justice and dignity,” he stated. “I
believe if we are to achieve a decent peace, we need to rally the support of
those Jews.”

"Shull also addressed the general turmoil within the Middle East. “One of my
profound regrets of the past 30 years is that the U.S. did not insist
Israelis move out of Gaza and the West Bank,” he stated.

"Dialogue involving the panelists and audience following the speaker
presentations was largely centered around the definition of apartheid and if
the Israeli state can be called such. 'A lot of people really hate to have
that qualified,' said Ake.

“ 'For me the real problem is the occupation,' added Shull. 'I’m not sure it
helps to speculate on whether or not the situation in Israel can be defined
as apartheid.'

"Also discussed was whether the divestment movement is racist in its
implications.

“ 'Israel is not the only human rights violator in the world...but focusing
on one at a time is strategically effective,' stated Raphael. 'We are
singling out Israel, but not unfairly.' "


-END OF ARTICLE-

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2nd article on Oberlin referendum to divest from the Israeli military.

2 important facts:

* Zionists in your student government will scream "anti-Semitism" literally
all night to stop divestment resolutions.

* But: You can out-vote them anyway, in a referendum.

Actually throwing a racist apartheid state open to a vote, using a
campus-wide referendum, can produce results which the Zionists are unable to
control.

----------------------------


BRIEF EXCERPT FROM THE NEWS ARTICLE:


"Referendum causes discord in senate;

"Tempers flare at late-night Student Senate discussion;

"Controversial ballot: Saturday’s referendum included votes of confidence in
Nancy Dye and in Student Senate itself.


By Josh Keating
THE OBERLIN REVIEW
April 29, 2005



"After a contentious late-night session on Wednesday that one senator walked
out of in frustration, Student Senate finally approved the 12 questions for
the referendum, which was sent out yesterday and includes the controversial
topics of divestment and confidence in College President Nancy Dye...."



--You can read the whole article on the Web at:

www.oberlin.edu/stupub/ocreview/2005/4/29/news/article1.html