NewsLine Magazine: Theodor Meron’s advice on charging Israeli and Hamas leaders comes at the end of a remarkable and revealing career

10 July: Newsline Magazine

This article examines the life and career of Theodor Meron, a renowned international law scholar and Holocaust survivor, highlighting his evolving views on justice and his role in advising the International Criminal Court (ICC) on the war in Gaza. The article explores the complexities of Meron’s past involvement with the Israeli government, particularly his role in advising on the establishment of settlements in occupied Palestinian territories, and how these experiences shaped his commitment to human rights and his support for the ICC’s pursuit of justice for victims in Israel and Palestine.

Key Points

  • Theodor Meron, a Holocaust survivor, is a leading expert in international law and has been involved in the establishment and work of the ICC.
  • Meron’s early career involved advising the Israeli government, including on the establishment of settlements in occupied Palestinian territories.
  • Meron’s views evolved over time, and he became increasingly critical of Israeli policies towards Palestinians, advocating for human rights and justice for all.
  • His commitment to international law and human rights is reflected in his role advising the ICC on the war in Gaza, where he supported issuing warrants for Hamas and Israeli leaders.
  • Meron’s support for the ICC’s actions emphasizes his belief in individual accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
  • Meron’s experience as a Holocaust survivor, combined with his later experiences in Israeli government service, make him a unique figure in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
  • Meron’s story highlights the importance of examining one’s own beliefs and the possibility of changing one’s mind in the face of new information and experiences.
  • The article also explores the concept of “implicated subjects,” individuals who, while not directly responsible for harm, may contribute to or benefit from a system of oppression.