TO OUR NEW ENGLISH WEBSITE, CLICK HERE
Blue White Future (“BWF”) is a non-partisan political movement founded by Admiral (ret.) Ami Ayalon, the former Director of the Israel Security Agency, Colonel (res.) Gilead Sher, a prominent advocate and former senior peace negotiator, Orni Petruschka, a hi-tech entrepreneur and former IAF fighter pilot, and Avi Gil, the former director-general of the ministry of foreign affairs.
- Since its founding, BWF has also attracted a number of young Israeli business and political leaders who play an integral role in the activities of the organization.
- BWF’s activities are overseen by a prominent group of individuals comprising its Board of Directors with CEO – Dar Nadler, leading Team and Public Council.
- BWF is the only movement in Israel focusing on the internal Israeli discussion concerning the relocation of certain settlers as a way of helping the Israelis and Palestinians reach a two state solution.
- Our movement is funded by private donors in Israel, the United States and elsewhere.
BWF’S OBJECTIVES
Blue White Future seeks to help resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on the basis of a “two states for two peoples” solution by facilitating the relocation of settlers so that all Israel’s citizens reside within secure permanent borders that guarantee a Jewish majority. BWF also seeks to advance the processes necessary to meet this goal, through the projects it runs and through its proposed policy plan, and thus provide security and prosperity for generations to come.
Blue White Future’s efforts operate on two parallel tracks. First, BWF seeks to assist Israel in its efforts to negotiate a two-state solution with the Palestinians. The second track revolves around what is generally believed will be a necessary component of a two-state solution, i.e. the relocation of settlers back across the Green Line. This second track will strengthen Israel’s negotiating position while bringing it closer to the goal of a safe, prosperous, democratic, Jewish state, regardless of the ultimate outcome of the negotiations.
BWF focuses on how best to absorb the settlers who would relocate from their homes in anticipation of a permanent agreement with the Palestinians. BWF believes strongly that settler absorption must be accomplished in a manner that demonstrates compassion and respect for the settlers and in recognition of the sacrifices they have made first by settling the land at the behest of numerous Israeli governments and then by relocating back to Israel.
BWF’S WORK
BWF seeks to assist the Israeli leadership in overcoming challenges related to the absorption of settlers. To that end, BWF operates in the following areas:
Based on the lessons of the 2005 disengagement, BWF is preparing a detailed national plan for the absorption of about 100,000 settlers who would relocate from their homes. BWF receives support in this effort from world-class academic experts and professionals. The plan will offer practical alternatives designed to achieve this objective. A preliminary report has been drafted and will be published soon.
Legislation: (The Israeli Disengagement program from 2005).
The movement is working in support of a voluntary evacuation and compensation law. The goal is to ensure appropriate compensation for those settlers wishing to relocate regardless of whether an agreement or a government decision regarding relocation is reached. This law will allow settlers who recognize the inevitability of relocation to do so of their own accord.
- Discourse: (Pariahas to Pioneers – full article)
- BWF sees the settlers as true partners in an equitable discourse, and intends to emphasize to the public the personal and communal price they will pay in abandoning their objective of settling the Jewish homeland. Changing the discourse will increase public support for a two-state solution. It is our hope the public will see relocation as a unifying move designed to strengthen our society rather than as the desertion of an important segment of Israeli society. A change in discourse will also demonstrate to the government the ability of Israeli society to cope with the complex challenge of evacuation and relocation.
Projects:
BWF has initiated a number of projects. For example, one project involves meetings of young leaders who reside within Israel together with young settler leaders. Other projects include parlor meetings, mostly in settlements and leadership courses designed to explain and expand the spirit and values of the BWF movement. This is being done and will continue to be done through seminars and conferences in cooperation with student unions and other organizations
More Articles of Interest by the people behind "Blue White Future":
Embracing the Settlers / Orni Petrushka
A regional Hope? / Gilead Sher
Painful Path Toward Relocating Settlers/ Gary Rosenblatt
Voluntary Settler Return Law/ Ami Ayalon
What are we waiting for?/ Mati Gill
What you can do:
We need your voice, and if possible, your support.
To voice your interest: Spread the word and join us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and view our people on our Youtube Channel.
- Write a short article (about 250 words) or even shoot a video on the public importance of “Blue White Future” at this critical time in Israel’s history – and send to us at bluewhitefuture@gmail.com with your name and some info for your introduction (Articles will be uploaded to this site as well as our Facebook page and Youtube page).
- To support Blue White Future: For U.S. citizens, tax-deductible donations is available via the generous services of the Middle East Peace Dialogue Network. You can direct your donations through the MEPDN Donate-PayPal page. In the Designated Recipient box enter: Blue White Future.