Jews for a Just Peace N.C. : Who we are

Who we are

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.

Most recently, Jews for a Just Peace sponsored and organized a weeklong tour in the Triangle by an Israeli Defense Force Refusenik.

During the past year, we have also:

• Organized a fundraiser for the Israeli Coalition Against House Demolitions;

• Placed a full-page ad in the Durham-Chapel Hill Jewish Federation paper, signed by more than 110 Jews; and two op-ed articles in the Raleigh News & Observer;

• Organized local vigils for a just peace in Israel and Palestine and an end to the Occupation and the killing of innocent civilians;

• Presented slide shows on a recent investigative visit to the West Bank;

• Participated in rallies, including the April 20th rally in Washington, D.C., the January 2002 MLK march in Raleigh, and the October anti-war march in Washington, D.C.

Jews for a Just Peace meets monthly to discuss events in Israel and Palestine, and to plan educational activities bothwithin the Jewish community and for the Triangle community-at-large.

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.