A group of Palestinians launched a moderate, Islamic movement calling for negotiated agreement with Israel and a democratic society. The movement’s founder, Professor Mohammed Dajani (pictured), talked to the San Francisco Chronicle:
“Wasatia is a term from the Quran which means ‘centrism,’ ‘balance’ or ‘moderation,’ ” Dajani said. “The new party will foster a culture of moderation and attract Palestinian voters who are moderate in their religious beliefs. The existing Palestinian Islamic parties breed radicalism and fundamentalism.”
Dajani said that Wasatia will spend the next year building itself as a movement, undertaking voluntary work, creating new jobs and economic opportunities.
“Charity and voluntarism — this is Islam,” he said. “The creation of new jobs does not have to be related to arms and violence.”
Can Wassatia prevail? Is this too good to be true?
