Carter apologizes at Brandeis, but stands ground on 'apartheid'

National Catholic Reporter, Feb 9, 2007 by Chuck Colbert

President Jimmy Carter brought his case for peace between Israelis and Palestinians to Brandeis University. In addressing a crowd of 1,900 at the Jewish-sponsored university, Carter spoke for 15 minutes, and answered students' questions for 45 minutes. He was received warmly, often being interrupted with applause, even as students tossed some questions critical of his point of view.

In a defining moment, the former president apologized for a passage in his controversial new book Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid. The sentence reads: "It is imperative that the general Arab community and all significant Palestinian groups make it clear that they will end the suicide bombings and other acts of terrorism when international laws and the ultimate goals of the Road Map for peace are accepted by Israel."

For some, Carter seemed to be suggesting that suicide bombings and other terrorists' acts would not have to end until Israel withdraws from the occupied territories.

At Brandeis, Carter said the sentence was "worded stupidly." He said he has asked his publisher to change the wording for future editions.

"I apologize to you personally, to everyone here and to anyone who might be listening to the telecast," the former president said.

Carter's apology "brought the room down" with applause, said Fr. Walter Cuenin, the school's Catholic chaplain, who moderated a student government panel to process what he called a "phenomenal day."

"Students here very strongly support Israel," he said, but "they want a two-state solution and peace. But sometimes the rhetoric is too strong. It's good to be open to some negative voices; and that is what a university should do."

New England Cable News broadcast the event across the region, and Brandeis provided a live webcam.

Carter began his speech by saying it was "the most exciting invitation" he had received since his inaugural address 30 years ago. "And, it's gotten almost as much publicity," he said.

It was Carter's first major public speech since the book's publication. Some American Jews and Middle East experts have been sharply critical of the book, saying Carter misrepresents the role of both Israelis and Palestinians and that his book contains errors in fact. The use of the word apartheid, with its implication that Israel's actions resemble past racist policies of South Africa, has out-raged many Jews.

Carter stood his ground on the word. "I realize that this has caused great concern in the Jewish community. The title makes it clear that the book is about conditions and events in the Palestinian territories and not in Israel. The text makes clear on numerous occasions that the forced separation and the domination of Arabs by Israelis is not based on race and should give no aid or comfort to any of those who have attempted to equate racism with Zionism. The driving force for the resulting oppression and persecution comes from a minority of Israelis and their desire for Palestinian land."

Carter said that his use of the term apartheid has sparked positive discussion, bringing to the forefront two key issues: the lack of progress on peace for Israel and a lack of progress to end Palestinian suffering.

Carter said some of his critics' harshest rhetoric hurt him. "This is the first time that I've ever been called a liar and a bigot and anti-Semite and coward and plagiarist," he said.

Responding to one criticism, Carter said, "I have never claimed, nor believed, that American Jews control the news media; that's ridiculous to claim."

He said, "I have reiterated that our nation's overwhelming support for Israel comes from among Christians like me who have been taught since I was 3 years old to honor and protect God's chosen people from among whom came our own Christian savior, Jesus Christ."

Inside the Shapiro Gymnasium, students, faculty and staff were the primary audience. Twice Carter suggested that students and faculty go Israel and see for themselves. "It would be an intriguing experience for a group of Brandeis professors and students to visit the occupied territories for a few days, to meet with leaders and private citizens, and to determine whether I have exaggerated or incorrectly described the plight of the Palestinians."

"What a wonderful suggestion, for Brandeis students to make a difference and have an impact on peace," said Bernadette J. Brooten, professor of Christian studies. "Issues of security are central" for Jewish students with family and relatives in Israel, she said. "Suicide bombers have hit close to home, very close to home."

Still, Brooten said, "I am concerned that students are not getting the Palestinian perspective," she said. For Brooten, who has scholarly interests in Near Eastern and Judaic studies and women's studies, dialogue is paramount. "It's got to make a difference," she said, "speaking to one another, face to face, from differing sets of experiences."

[Freelance journalist Chuck Colbert writes from Cambridge, Mass.]

By CHUCK COLBERT

Waltham, Mass.