For Israel & Palestine
Against Injustice and Violence

We condemn the continuing violence on both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which provokes an endless spiral of retaliatory violence and destroys chances for a peaceful settlement. We mourn the loss of life of innocent Palestinians and Israelis, and call for an immediate end to all armed attacks directed against civilians.

We believe that permanent peace in the Middle East can only be achieved by a historic compromise between the two peoples based on a two-state solution, the end of occupation, a shared Jerusalem, and a just solution for the Palestinian refugees in accordance with international principles. This vision of peace has the support of the majority of Palestinians and Israelis and is embodied in various recent peace initiatives.

The Israeli occupation of the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem, now in its 41st year, contravenes international law and denies fundamental human rights. By preventing the emergence of a peaceful and democratic Palestinian state alongside Israel, it perpetuates the conflict, promotes violence, and fuels instability and anti-American sentiment in the region and beyond.

Despite this broad international consensus, a political solution continues to be held hostage to the exclusionary dreams of extremists on both sides who strive for military solutions, resulting in tragic consequences for the victims and a long-term threat for world peace.

We believe that the time is long past for our political leaders to reassess their failed policies towards this conflict, which have achieved neither security nor acceptance for Israel, nor justice for the Palestinians. We call on them to begin to work seriously for a negotiated settlement that fully respects the legitimate needs and aspirations of both sides in an equitable manner.

As an organization devoted to peace with justice, equality and human rights, we commit ourselves to:

• Inform and educate the Brooklyn community about the fundamental issues in the conflict, and mobilize local action in opposition to the Israeli occupation and in support of a just peace;

• Lobby our congressional representatives to support a human rights-based and even-handed approach to a negotiated solution, including termination of US military and economic aid that supports the Israeli occupation;

• Participate in interfaith dialogues and other activities organized by groups seeking to promote mutual understanding, reconciliation and peace between Palestinians and Israelis.