United Jerusalem

"Mayor's Vision of a Unified Jerusalem Also Divides"; By Ethan Bronner; A7

In an article about Jerusalem, Ethan Bronner neglects to mention the Jerusalem Law of 1980, by which the Knesset annexed the eastern portion of the city. Inserting this crucial fact might cast Mayor Nir Barkat’s vision for Jerusalem in a less negative light than that cast by the reporter. In addition, Bronner does not independently investigate a matter, preferring to present Palestinian advocates’ of a position as if it were definitive.

EB acknowledges that Arab residents of east Jerusalem build illegally but then offers their own justification without determining its veracity. Arab residents say that “Israel almost never grants them legal permits.” The reporter’s job is to investigate the matter so that readers may know where responsibility lies in this dispute.

As reported, Palestinians say that Barkat’s vision of encouraging Jewish residence in east Jerusalem “could end any prospect for a two-state solution.” Such a fatalistic statement demands explanation, but none is forthcoming from the Palestinians or anyone else. Advocates for a Palestinian state must answer one question, above all, Why is the presence of Jews in a Palestinian state anathema? In other words, Why would a Jewish presence in east Jerusalem derail a two state solution? No reasonable answer can be proffered.