Progressive Jewish Perspectives on Divestment from Israel: Updated April 17, 2005
by Chicago Peace Now President Gidon D. Remba

 

Remarks to the Chicago Presbytery Assembly on
Divestment and Palestinian-Israeli Peace
Gidon D. Remba, April 12, 2005

Americans for Peace Now strongly opposes one sided actions and statements, including divestment, that appear to solely blame Israel for the current conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. These types of initiatives are morally and historically inappropriate and destructive to reconciliation between the Jewish state of Israel and Palestinian statehood. The process of providing Israel with security and the Palestinians with self-determination should be the primary focus of all those who are concerned about the conflict.

Rabbis for Human Rights is the rabbinic voice of conscience in Israel, giving voice to the Jewish tradition of human rights. It promotes justice and freedom, while campaigning against discrimination and inhumane conduct.

Meretz USA: for Israeli Civil Rights and Peace works to support full and genuine peace between the State of Israel and its neighbors in the Middle East, including the Palestinian people. The agency supports full civil and human rights for all who live in the State of Israel, as well as the West Bank, Gaza and the Golan Heights, regardless of in whose political authority they dwell. The Meretz-Yahad Party in Israel is headed by Yossi Beilin, the lead negotiator on the Israeli side for the Geneva Initiative, the unofficial model peace treaty drafted by a group of leading Palestinians and Israelis.

Brit Tzedek v'Shalom believes that American Jews have an important role to play in influencing U.S. foreign policy with regard to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Our work is to mobilize our community in support of a negotiated two-state solution, because we believe that the support of American Jews is essential for movement towards a just peace. Divestment campaigns from corporations doing business with Israel alienate many Jews and divert focus and energy from the shared goals of the Israeli-Palestinian peace movement.

Brit Tzedek v'Shalom believes that there are many ways to support the Palestinian people that contribute positively to the goal of a negotiated solution to the conflict. We support investment in economic support and development projects that have the potential to bring people together rather than driving them apart. Donating to organizations that invest in Palestinian businesses, loan money to development banks involved in micro-lending, help rebuild the infrastructure of the West Bank, invest in promoting dialogue and understanding or provide humanitarian relief for victims of violence are a few examples of how individuals, corporations, organizations and the United States government can support the Palestinian people and activists for a just peace.

The Labor Zionist Alliance works for peace, economic justice and pluralism in Israel and America through a variety of programs and activities and is affiliated with the Labor Party in Israel.