The Human Mideast

General     The proposed campaign's goal is the humanization of the Middle East and transference of its lead out of the hands of fundamental extremists (Muslims, Jews, and Christians) into the hands of the moderates.

A dual-target approach     Unlike most campaigns with a single approach, this campaign has two targets on which it simultaneously focuses and strives towards: the humanization of fundamentalist Islam, and ending the Israeli occupation.

Reasons for the dual effort     Aside from the obvious fact that both totalitarian Islamic fundamentalism and the Israeli occupation are clearly a contradiction of the very basics of human ethics, there is an additional reason for the simultaneity of the campaign: the two damaging issues feed and strengthen one another.  Islamic totalitarianism deters the Israeli public from taking the risk of leaving the occupied territories, and the occupation badly damages the ability to convince the world public to support Muslim reformation. There is a well-known argument as to which of these two wounds is a bigger contributor to the Middle East impasse. The suggested campaign wouldn't go into this argument. Rather, it would try to cure both wounds simultaneously.

Three paths     The campaign would operate through three paths: political lobbying; working through the media; and the primary path, a 'grass-roots' campaign directed towards the vast public at large.

A coalition     We think that similar to the 'Save Darfur' movement, this campaign should also be carried by a coalition. The parties of this coalition shouldn't necessarily agree on all ideological points, but should agree on the main principle of transferring the Mideast lead from the extremists to the moderates. Such a 'coalition of moderates' may include, among others, the following groups: progressive orthodox Jews, the Israeli center and left, progressive Muslims, secular Arabs, Mideast minorities (Copts, Maroons, Kurds, Druses, etc), gay and lesbian organizations, feminist organizations, and the moderate parts of the world left.

Dialog     Rather then accentuating differences, the emphasis of the campaign will be on respect and dialog between the various parties (both within the campaign membership and in the Mideast itself), and on seeking for the common ground and a compromise that will allow for joint action and a joint life.