American Jews for Peace

[savemefromdumbya]

I received this email today

In this sad moment for peace in the Middle East, we would like to urge
your urgent support of a petition organized by Jewish Voice for Peace,
which in our view is extremely balanced, fair and rational.
You can sign on-line at:

http://www.democracyinaction.org/dia/organizationsORG/jvfp/petition.jsp?petition_KEY=323

The full text of the petition is copied below.

Much useful further information about the current conflict can be found
on the JVfP website at http://www.jewishvoiceforpeace.org/

In solidarity,

Alan Sokal
Bruce Robbins


*** TEXT OF JEWISH VOICE FOR PEACE CALL TO ACTION ***

On July 6, in a full-page ad in The Times of London, 300 British Jews
cried out against the collective punishment of the people of Gaza with
the anguished question, "What Is Israel Doing?" Several weeks later,
as the Middle East sinks deeper into chaos, that question is ever more
urgent.

Hezbollah's attack on an IDF outpost was a violation of international law.
And after Israel attacked Lebanon, Hezbollah fired missiles at Israeli
cities, killing and injuring civilians. This is not morally acceptable,
whatever the provocation.

But Israel's response -- an explosion of violence and collective
punishment directed against airports, bridges and populated neighborhoods
of Lebanon -- is an even greater crime. And now Lebanon, like Gaza,
is on the brink of a humanitarian disaster.

In the face of so much violence and suffering, the United States' vetoes
of UN Security Council resolutions calling for a cease fire are immoral
and irresponsible.

We call upon U.S. Jews and others to join us in support of Israeli
peace groups who write: "The only way to guarantee a different future
of peace and security is by ending the occupation and establishing a
relationship of equality and respect between Israelis and Palestinians
and between Israelis and the neighboring nations."

We call upon the U.S. government to use its influence with Israel
to stop the collective punishment of the people of Gaza and Lebanon;
to work with the international community to impose a cease-fire and
prevent any further loss of civilian life; and to work for the
immediate start of direct, good-faith negotiations.

Israel's ongoing occupation of Palestinian territories and massive
human rights abuses against the Palestinian and Lebanese peoples are
opposed by many Jews in Israel, the U.S., and throughout the world.

Attacks on civilians will not bring peace, security or justice to
Palestinians, Israelis, or Jews anywhere.

[stepnw1f]

1. Very Encouraging

[originalpckelly]

3. It is beautiful to see people...

condemn such an action, when so many people support it. It takes courage, and these activists should be encouraged. Thank God for sane people!!!! :woohoo: But :cry: that they have to say it at all.

[stepnw1f]

6. I Know...

it is sad...

[Mandate My Ass]

2. that sounds reasonable to me

especially since Hezbollah has announced it would accept the EU peace plan. Get all parties to the table and talk it out.

[originalpckelly]

4. I know, I was so excited when I heard that...

wouldn't it be an amazing future if people in Hezbollah and people in Israel could live side-by-side in peace? It can happen. Hatred has tried to extinguish hope in that part of the world, but maybe the tide will turn. Unfortunately, there is still a possibility for a new group to form, look at what happened with the PLO.

[Mandate My Ass]

5. that is what I don't understand

Hezbollah was born from the last invasion. So how do they expect a different outcome this time? Unless, ridding Lebanon of Hezbollah is not their actual aim.

[vogonjiltz]

7. That'll never happen...

Hezbollah is dedicated to the destruction of Israel. This is the same Hezbollah that killed our Marines in Beirut and destroyed our embassy. Hezbollah is a finger puppet of Iran. Perhaps if the government of Lebanon where to control Hezbollah's provocations, Lebanon would not be in this mess.

[savemefromdumbya]

11. in accepting the EU peace plan...............

somebody is forcing Israel's hand here

[Totally Committed]

8. What so many people DON'T know about Isarel is that there is a HUGE

anti-war/pro-peace movement there. I have several friends in it. Not all Jews want this bloodshed, just like not all Americans want the bloodshed in Iraq... and nearly in the same proportions.

There are good people and bad people in every nationality, and we should remember that before a blanket condemnation of any country's people.

That having been said, Israel needs to agree to a ceasefire, even if only on humanitarian grounds. They must.

TC

[pberq]

9. Huge anti-war/pro peace movent - Yes!

Just like here in this country - more than half the population is opposed to the Iraq war, but you would never know it from the MSM.

[savemefromdumbya]

10. I think the US govt is pushing Israel into it

[earth mom]

12. I'm happy to see this. Thanks for posting. Recommended. nt

[EFerrari]

13. kick