Nureddin Sabir, Editor, Redress Information & Analysis, writes:

Redress Information & Analysis joins the Israeli Peace Bloc Gush Shalom in mourning the death of Uri Avnery, founder-member of the bloc, founding-member of the Israeli Council for Israeli-Palestinian Peace, former publisher and editor-in-chief of Haolam Hazeh news magazine, and thrice member of the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, who has died at the age of 94.

Avnery was a valued contributor to our website since its creation 18 years ago. We did not agree with all his views, particularly in regard to the idea of a one-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the feasibility of a two-state solution and the inception of the Zionist project.

However, his knowledge and understanding of Israeli politics was next to none. He was decades ahead of his time. He was a visionary, a giant among the fascists, bigots, racists, opportunists and nincompoops who dominate Israeli politics. His death leaves a huge gap. We will miss him.

Below is Gush Shalom’s announcement of Avnery’s death, published today, 20 August.

Gush Shalom: Avnery’s opponents will ultimately have to follow in his footsteps

Gush Shalom grieves and mourns the passing of its founder, Uri Avnery. Until the last moment he continued on the way he had travelled all his life. On Saturday, two weeks ago, he collapsed in his home when he was about to leave for Rabin Square and attend a demonstration against the Nation-State Law, a few hours after he wrote a sharp article against that law.

Avnery devoted himself entirely to the struggle to achieve peace between the state of Israel and the Palestinian people in their independent state, as well as between Israel and the Arab and Muslim worlds. He did not get to the end of the road, did not live to see peace come about. We – the members of Gush Shalom as well as very many other people who were directly and indirectly influenced by him – will continue his mission and honour his memory.

On the day of the passing of Uri Avnery, the most right wing government in the history of Israel is engaged in negotiations with Hamas. Ironically, the same kind of demagogic accusations which were hurled at Uri Avnery throughout his life are now made against Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman.

In the history of the State of Israel, Uri Avnery will be inscribed as a far-seeing visionary who pointed to a way which others failed to see. It is the fate and future of the State of Israel to reach peace with its neighbours and to integrate into the geographical and political region in which it is located. Avnery’s greatest opponents will ultimately have to follow in his footsteps – because the State of Israel has no other real choice.

Contact: Adam Keller, Gush Shalom spokesperson, on +972-(0)54-2340749