Locals React to Sharon Victory

Sharon's opposition to Israeli's concessions for peace with Palestine has spurred controversy among local Arabs and Israelis.

Mixed reactions prevail among both communities as few know what direction the new Israeli government will take toward a peaceful resolution of the deep-seeded conflict.

"We're afraid about the breakdown of the peace process, but we're hopeful that we're wrong," said John Friedman, Rabbi of the local Judea Reform Congregation.

Although some Jews in the Chapel Hill area expressed concern about Sharon's advocation of the use of force in the past, they said it is necessary to give the new prime minister a chance before casting him as the man destined to wreck hopes of peace in the Middle East.

"I don't think the world should write off Ariel Sharon as a person who will make things worse, until he does," Friedman said.

Lew Borman, spokesman for the Durham-Chapel Hill Jewish Federation, likewise cautioned against any rush to judgment.

"It would be premature to draw any conclusions (about Sharon's agenda)," Borman said.

During Sharon's campaign, he openly declared he will not compromise Israeli control of Jerusalem, calling the city "the capital of the Jewish people for eternity."

Abdullah Al-ariam, a junior at Duke University and former vice president of the Duke Muslim Student Association, called the election of Sharon a disappointment.

But he he doesn't expect any drastic changes in Arab-Israeli relations.

"I can't really say I'm angered," he admitted.

"There doesn't seem to be any difference (between Barak and Sharon's policies)."

While Sharon's right-wing stance earned him the title of "Arik, king of Israel" among some of his followers, opponents derisively refer to him as the "Butcher of Beirut" for his role in the massacre of hundreds of Palestinian refugees by Christian Phalangelists in 1982.

And Sharon's past position of minister of defense has done little to calm fears about an outbreak of future violence.

As recently as September 2000, a visit to Aska Mosque in Jerusalem by Sharon, a hotly contentious site revered by both Jews and Muslims, sparked the wave of violence that has claimed 400 lives.

Palestinians felt Sharon's visit was an affront to the Islamic faith.

Despite reservations from Israelis, the election was hardly divided, as Sharon captured 62.5 percent of the vote, compared to Barak's 37.4 percent.

Friedman said the margin of victory reflected Israeli insecurity over the breakdown in peace talks, rather than overwhelming support for Sharon.

"Fear is the most powerful motivator in this election," he said.

Al-ariam said he held little optimism for an end to violence under Sharon.

"Things will stay the same," he insisted.

But Borman said Jews continue to keep faith that peace is possible.

"We have to be a hopeful people."

The State & National Editor can be reached at stntdesk@unc.edu.