From: Allan Fisher afisher@aft2121.com
Date: Tue, 25 Jul 2006

IN SATURDAY'S Globe, you cite the American Federation of Teachers' resolution in support of Israel's right to defend itself against terrorist attacks. The delegates narrowly passed this resolution after heated debate on Friday at the AFT convention in Boston. As an AFT delegate from California, I would like the readers to know that almost half the delegates on the convention floor vigorously opposed this resolution because it does not call for a cease-fire and makes no criticism whatsoever of Israel's unjust and brutal behavior.

Teachers should know that terrorism includes attacks on civilians not only by individual insurgents or so-called terrorists but by the armed forces of a nation. Your readers also should know that AFT members (including myself) have participated in recent demonstrations in Boston in order to express our solidarity with the people of Lebanon, Israel, and Palestine who are suffering in this conflict. Many of us call upon all sides to agree to an immediate cease-fire and negotiate a fair settlement.

ALLAN FISHER
San Francisco