In Memory of Elizabeth Palmer

This morning I received the sad news of the passing away of Elizabeth Palmer a past World YWCA General Secretary and a visionary leader.  I was privileged to have known this remarkable woman as early as the seventies of the last century and to be exposed to the World YWCA through her.  She impressed me as a role model for leadership at the first YWCA international meeting that I attended on the Status of Women in Geneva.  Her charisma, and her commitment were so obvious.  During her term, she always  showed special attention and care and encouragement to the associations that were less privileged and were in conflict areas.  It was due to that encouragement and perseverance that many associations in Africa and the Middle East were able to stand on their feet and move forward.   

 

During world Y meetings that were conducted in English, she was even sensitive to those whose English was not their mother tongue.  She made it a point to remind the participants of the fact  that English is not the language of most of the YWCA associations, so she asked members to speak clearly and simply.  It was during that  meeting in Geneva  that I heard the acronym NGO for the first time.  And once again it was Elizabeth Palmer who drew our attention to the fact that many of the participants were not aware of what NGO  stood for as well as other acronyms used by the international community.  She insisted that when we speak,  make a presentation or write a statement we should be careful to mention the acronym  in full, at least the first time, and not take for granted the fact that it is  well known to everybody.

 

 The last time I saw Elizabeth was in London when we met at  the special celebration of the YWCA of Great Britain.   It was lovely to see her maintain her interest in the YWCA  despite her retirement and age.  I won’t be surprised that she never stopped being active or following up on YWCA issues until the last days of her life.  Bless her soul; she will be greatly missed as she left her mark on many associations.  May she rest in peace. 

Deeply Concerned

October 2, 2014

 

State Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki said the US was “deeply concerned” over Israel’s move to advance construction in the East Jerusalem neighborhood. “This step is contrary to Israel’s stated goal and it would send a very troubling message if they proceed with tenders or construction,” Psaki said, adding the move would “call into question Israel’s ultimate commitment to a peaceful negotiated settlement.”

 

How kind of the US and Mr. Obama to be deeply concerned.  Ironically this is not the first time nor  does it seem to be the last time that the US gets a slap in the face when it attempts to order Israel or even request the halting of  construction in the East Jerusalem neighborhood.   But should we be surprised that Israel would not heed  such a request, when it knows that no matter what it does, the US will continue to support it.  Such actions do not at all indicate any interest in peace.  So please Mr. Obama spare us further concern.   If  you are truly and sincerely and deeply concerned about real peace then it is time to take action.  Here is your chance to allow the UN Security Council resolution circulated by the Palestinians to pass without your veto.  The draft calls  for a full Israeli withdrawal from the West Bank and East Jerusalem by 2016.  It also calls for “a just resolution” of the status of Jerusalem as the capital of two states, and of the Palestinian refugee problem. 

Let’s hope and pray that Yom Kippur,  will truly and genuinely be a day of fasting and atonement for the Jewish people,  and not just a routine cleansing of the soul and  slate to start filling it again the next day with violations of human rights.