Who we are

In late 2001, twenty-five North Carolina Jews from Durham, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro came together to discuss their frustration, anger and fear regarding the continuing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Those present at the meeting decided that a new organization was needed in the Research Triangle in order to actively oppose the Israeli occupation of the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem, and to work, as Jews, for a just resolution of the conflict.

Since that time, we have both sponsored a variety of forums and events and collaborated and provided support to other organizations that are concerned about these issues.

JFAJP-NC Mission Statement

As American Jews we are deeply committed to a peaceful and just resolution to the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, a resolution that will provide safety, security and freedom for Jews and Palestinians and all others living in the region. We believe that such a peace can only be achieved when Israel withdraws from its settlements, ends the occupation of the Palestinian territories and addresses the legitimate national and human rights of the Palestinian people.

We do not accept that Jewish survival depends upon unconditional support for the Israeli government and its policies; rather, we believe that the future safety and survival of our people rests on our ability to live in peace with our neighbors and to work to ensure justice and security for all people.

More information

In the past, we have attempted to maintain links to organizations and websites that provide information about Israeli-Palestinian issues. However, rather than duplicate work that others do better, we refer you to the American Jews for a Just Peace website, The organization was founded in 2008 in Boston and they maintain excellent bibliography and weblinks pages.

We also recommend MERIP's (Middle East Research and Information Project) Primer (pdf or html) for those who want a well-researched history of the conflict, although it only covers through 2000.