The Jewish Peacemakers Initiative/Rodfei Shalom announces the first North American nonviolent protest delegation to Israel and the Palestinian Territories July 13 – August 25

    American and Canadian Jews are announcing the formation of a delegation to Israel and the Palestinian Territories to participate in nonviolent protest and solidarity activities. We are working in partnership with the Israeli and Palestinian organizations who have been leaders in these efforts for a number of years. This is part of an international response to the ongoing violence, repression, and terror in Israel/Palestine. A variety of groups are planning similar delegations, but as Jews we feel the need to channel our solidarity work back into the North American Jewish community, which desperately needs to change. We are also interested in identifying as Jews because of the need to reclaim our heritage from those who have used it do defend occupation and oppression. Our approach combines a heartfelt desire to do peace work as Jews with an analysis that recognizes the need to change Jewish attitudes towards the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza.

    Many of us have been to the region and even participated in protest activities there in the past. Over the past few years however, organizations such as Rabbis for Human Rights, Bat Shalom, and the Israeli Coalition Against House Demolitions have pioneered the use of nonviolent direct action in the Occupied Territories, in partnership with Palestinians. These actions are not only inspiring, they are also extremely effective. Our goal is to work directly with those Israeli and Palestinian organizations on the ground in expanding the presence of Jews from around the world in opposing the occupation, and in protesting the ongoing human rights violations and violence.

    We owe a great debt to the courageous organizations and individuals who have been engaged in small scale but significant protest activities over the past few years and months. While a majority of Israelis and Palestinians are discouraged at the moment, and violence is used and supported on both sides, certain truths must be acknowledged:

1. The false symmetry between the two sides must be rejected, because the Israeli occupation is the primary deterrent to peace.
2. The nonviolent protest activity of Palestinians, Israelis, and internationals is the most powerful force for change in the region. Attacks on civilians, whether by Israelis or Palestinians, must be condemned.
3. The occupation must end, and it will end, because it is morally wrong and politically unsustainable.

    We are calling on Jews from all walks of life, religious and secular identifications, to join Olive Tree Summer. Organized groups will meet in Israel on July 13^th and August 10^th for nonviolence training and orientation. Participants can attend all or part of Olive Tree Summer, but should plan on starting on one of those dates. Our delegation is made up of people committed to action, but with varying levels of experience. Together, our impact on Israeli and US policy towards the Palestinians will be maximized.

Please join our effort by subscribing to halutzey_shalom-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

Additional Information

The work we do is guided by principles that reflect our beliefs and the need to carry out effective and useful activities:

1. Activities will be carried out together Israeli and Palestinian organizations, specifically those with years of similar work to their credit.
2. We are committed to nonviolence in our actions and in our partners.
3. Our primary audience is made up of Jews in the United States and Israel, because these are the two groups who currently wield the most power over Israel’s actions.
4. We support an end to the occupation and the application of international human rights law and principles to a just resolution of the Palestinian – Israeli conflict.
5. Our group is inclusive of diverse political and religious views.

Post Summer Activities

It is vital that the experiences we have in Israel/Palestine be used to educate the American public upon our return. We will help to organize speaking events, media coverage and lobbying efforts.

Some of us seek to remain in the region for a longer time, perhaps as part of a long-term presence in a Palestinian area. This kind of work has been pioneered by the cpt (www.cpt.org) in Hebron. The Jewish Peacemakers Initiative is working to provide the logistics and support for this as well.

Committee Members and Endorsers (organizations for identification only)

Rabbi Arik Asherman – Rabbis for Human Rights, Cherie Brown – National Coalition Building Institute, Steven Feuerstein – Not In My Name, JUNITY, Adam Gutride – JUNITY, Jeff Halper – Israeli Coalition Against Home Demolitions, Nitzan Horowitz, Doug Hostetter – Fellowship of Reconciliation, Maxine Kaufman-Lacusta – Jews for a Just Peace, Judith Kolokoff - Northwest Coalition for a Just Peace in Israel/Palestine, Charles Lenchner – Friends of the Earth Middle East, Mark LeVine, Founder, Foundation for Ethics and Meaning, Elana Levy, Andy Mager, Sarah Anne Minkin – SUSTAIN, Amit Perelson – Reut-Sadaka, Sarah Rosenberg – Jews for Peace in Palestine and Israel, Sara Simon – Jews for Peace in Palestine and Israel, Rabbi Arthur Waskow – Shalom Center

How you can help:

Distribute this announcement widely. If you or someone you know is traveling to Israel/Palestine, suggest that they participate in our delegation. Help with donations and fundraising. Place copies of this announcement on your synagogue/Hillel/university bulletin boards. Forward your name and organization as an endorser.

For more information: contact Charles Lenchner, clenchner@foe.org

Example of nonviolent action carried out by our allies: http://www.indymedia.org.il/imc/israel/webcast/display.php3?article_id=3287