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Dear Members and Supporters,

With the visit of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to the United States imminent, we need to send a clear message to President Bush and Congress.

Lasting peace and reconciliation is possible only through a negotiated settlement between Israel and the Palestinians. Prime Minister Sharon has proposed withdrawing the army and evacuating settlements from the Gaza Strip. We can support this action only if it is carried out in such a way as not to jeopardize possible future negotiations. We invite you to hear more and urge you to respond to this action alert.

L'Shalom,

Steve Masters and Diane Balser
Chair and Co-Chair, Advocacy and Public Policy Committee
Brit Tzedek v'Shalom, the Jewish Alliance for Justice and Peace

Take Action

Lasting peace and reconciliation are possible only through a negotiated settlement between Israel and the Palestinians. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has proposed withdrawing the army and evacuating settlements from the Gaza Strip.We can support this action only if it is carried out in such a way as not to jeopardize possible future negotiations.

Sample Letter to President Bush, your Senator, your Representative, and Secretary Powell:

Subject: Responsible Withdrawal from Gaza Dear President Bush, As an American Jew, I feel that the only way that a peaceful end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will be achieved is through a negotiated two-state solution. The proposed withdrawal from the Gaza Strip put forward by Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon can contribute to that, but only if it is carried out in such a way as not to jeopardize possible future negotiations, namely: The timetable and process of withdrawal must be coordinated with the Palestinian Authority to ensure an orderly transition and prevent the collapse of civil society and the economy. It must include all Israeli settlements in the Gaza Strip. It cannot be linked to U.S. approval of the current route of the security barrier or U.S. recognition of the permanence or legitimacy of the settlements remaining on the Israeli side of the security barrier. Sincerely, [SIGN YOUR NAME]

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Background Information

Lasting peace and reconciliation are possible only through a negotiated settlement between Israel and the Palestinians. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has proposed withdrawing the army and evacuating settlements from the Gaza Strip. We can support this action only if it is carried out in such a way as not to jeopardize possible future negotiations. Specifically, the withdrawal process must adhere to the following:

• The timetable and process of withdrawal must be coordinated with the Palestinian Authority to ensure an orderly transition and prevent the collapse of civil society and the economy.
• It must include all Israeli settlements in the Gaza Strip.
• It cannot be linked to U.S. approval of the current route of the security barrier or U.S. recognition of the permanence or legitimacy of the settlements remaining on the Israeli side of the security barrier.

We urge you to contact your congressional representatives and the White House and ask for their support for this new Israeli proposal but only if these conditions are met.