TUCUMAN, Argentina — Daniel Barenboim, the noted Israeli musician, is no stranger to controversy. By recently accepting Palestinian nationality, although in itself only a symbolic act, he will only fuel the controversy about his role in the Middle East process.

Barenboim joins other courageous Israelis such as Uri Avnery, Gideon Levy, the Women in Black and many others, who are able to see the conflict in its wider context.

Unlike many Israelis who see those Palestinians resisting Israeli occupation of their land as an enemy that should be crushed at all costs, Barenboim recognizes their basic human rights.