Gregory Meeks: “The 10-word slogan ``from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free'' means different things to different people. For…”

“The 10-word slogan ``from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free'' means different things to different people. For many well-meaning supporters of the Palestinian cause, it is a slogan calling for future Palestinian statehood and Palestinian dignity. I agree with those goals, and that is why I support a two- state solution. To others, particularly to Israelis and Jews in the diaspora, the phrase is a threat, symbolizing the destruction of the Jewish people and the Jewish State of Israel, and I acutely understand that concern as well. However, a basic truth is evident. If you consider the geographic area between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea to be exclusively Palestine, you are taking the Jewish State of Israel off the map. As clearly demonstrated by pro-Palestinian protesters following the horrific events of October 7, far too many people who boldly chant this phrase do not want Israel to exist. I know this because when asked, that is how they answer. As someone steeped in America's civil rights movement, I clearly understand the First Amendment and the right of free speech. I support peaceful protest. I support what my dear friend and former colleague John Lewis taught us about good trouble. It is okay for supporters of the Palestinian cause or the Israeli cause to cause some good trouble. When good trouble turns into calls for violence or, in this case, wiping the State of Israel off the map, the rhetoric has gone too far.…”