Catholic Bishops on Abortion

We are pleased that the National Conference of Catholic Bishops demonstrated great sensitivity to the security needs of Israel in the their recent statement, “Towards Peace in the Middle East” (Part A, Nov. 10). We are deeply disturbed that the bishops said the Palestinians have a “sovereign title to a territory of their own” and their use of the term “sovereign homeland.” Both of these phrases presuppose the eventual outcome of negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians before talks have even begun. To suggest one geopolitical solution over another may have the result of precluding reconciliation and/or prolonging the Middle East conflict.

This is especially true now, because Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir has accepted Secretary of State James Baker’s five-point framework for talks between the Israelis and the Palestinians. We hope that the Palestinians will be able to say yes to this proposal, and thus advance the peace process.

The bishops also failed to present the complexities of the intifada or Palestinian uprising. While treating the matter as a human rights struggle for Palestinians, the document ignores the suffering of Israelis at the hands of Palestinian terrorists and the provocative character of these demonstrators.

In addition, the bishops fail to acknowledge the over 4,000 acts of violence against Israeli civilians and other Palestinians.

MARCIA F. VOLPERT

Chair, Jewish Community

Relations Committee

Jewish Federation Council

of Greater Los Angeles