While it may be true that the average American probably will not vote based on a candidate s Middle East policy, elected officials listen to people who consistently volunteer and vote for their campaigns. They also heed petitions signed by voters within their constituencies. Smile at the anticipated success and get energized to help in every way you can. As the pro-Israel effort continues unchallenged in defining the Palestine problem in the mind of the U.S. public, one has to remain constantly vigilant to avoid falling under its spell. For example, when comparing lost Palestinian property to the Nazi holocaust victims Swiss bank deposits, it is important to use the word restitution instead of compensation when referring to the return of the lost asset, bank deposits.
Compensation indicates a financial payment for an asset.
Restitution calls for the just return of the assets themselves Swiss bank deposits and stolen Palestinian property to their rightful owners. By calling for restitution, we place the emphasis on returning the property to its rightful owner. Oftentimes, compensation gives the impression of opportunistic money grubbing. Using compensation for restitution when referring specifically to plundered Palestinian property is detrimental because it implies approval and acceptance of the concept of selling the Palestinian patrimony. While Israel today, with its superpower patron, is in virtual command of the terms of its relationship with the Palestinians, thus far it has been unable to abrogate the Palestinians title to their property in Palestine.