Carter defends new book

WASHINGTON -- Former President Jimmy Carter, under fire from Jewish leaders for describing Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands as "apartheid," has written an open letter to U.S. Jews to defend and clarify his use of the term. Criticism came over Carter's new book Palestine." Peace Not Apartheid.

In a Dec. 15 letter, Carter defended his use of the term, saying it is based on his travels to the "Holy Land during the past 33 years, especially within the occupied areas." He said the Palestinian people are being "deprived of the necessities of life by economic restrictions imposed on them by Israel and the United States."

Carter also said evangelical Christians are partially to blame for U.S. policies toward Israel and the Palestinian territories.

"The overwhelming bias for Israel comes from among Christians like me who have been taught since childhood to honor and protect God's chosen people from among whom came our own savior, Jesus Christ," Carter said.

--Religion News Service

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