Brit Tzedek v'Shalom

Jewish Alliance for Justice and Peace

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 9, 2004
Contact: Jessica Rosenblum [email]
Tel: 312 341-1205 or 773 750-7873

Jewish Group Drafts Alternative Resolution Concerning Israeli-Palestinian Conflict To Be Considered Tonight

[Somerville, MA] — Alderman Bill White will introduce a resolution to the Somerville Board of Aldermen tonight that was drafted by the local chapter of Brit Tzedek v’Shalom, the Jewish Alliance for Justice and Peace, to put forth a constructive alternative to the divisive issues which have recently engaged the board concerning Somerville’s relationship to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

In the spirit of Somerville’s “diverse community that honors the equality of all people,” Brit Tzedek’s proposal recommends that “The Somerville Board of Aldermen call upon the U.S. Government..to use its influence to bring about an immediate halt to violence and to draw Israeli and Palestinian leaders into renewed negotiations aimed at preserving a secure, democratic Jewish state of Israel and establishing a secure, democratic, and economically viable Palestinian state.” The full text of the proposed resolution follows.

Brit Tzedek members sent their proposed resolution to each of the members of the board’s Legislative Matters committee, whereupon it was recommended by Alderman White that it be passed on for the consideration of the entire board tonight.

Brit Tzedek v'Shalom, the Jewish Alliance for Justice and Peace, is a national organization of American Jews deeply committed to Israel’s well-being through the achievement of a negotiated settlement to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Brit Tzedek has 23,000 members and supporters and 30 chapters in cities across the country, including Boston, which is its largest chapter, with 1700 members and supporters.

“Polls consistently show that the majority of American Jews support a negotiated two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict,“ says Boston chapter leader and Somerville resident, Beth Wasserman, ”We believe our proposal is constructive insofar as it offers a means to bring the two peoples back together at the negotiating table.”

For more information, or to arrange an interview with one of the authors of this resolution, please contact Beth Wasserman at (617)764-1663 (h)/ or (617)480-9838.

The full text of Brit Tzedek’s proposed resolution:

Whereas the City of Somerville is a diverse community that honors the equality of all people and supports the principles of dialogue and mutual respect between all people; and

Whereas the prolonged, violent conflict between the Israeli and Palestinian communities is a tragedy for both peoples; injury, death, and grief haunt far too many families; and the struggle poses direct or indirect dangers to other societies, including the United States; and

Whereas, in the past, the United States has played a very important role in brokering peace agreements between Israel, Egypt, Jordan, and the Palestinians;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that:

The Somerville Board of Aldermen calls upon the US Government, in the pursuit of justice, in the defense of humanity, and in the interest of the people of the United States, to use its influence to bring about an immediate halt to violence and to draw Israeli and Palestinian leaders into renewed negotiations aimed at preserving a secure, democratic, Jewish state of Israel and establishing a secure, democratic, and economically viable Palestinian state. This goal, we believe, can be achieved by an American effort that is honest, energetic, persevering, and creative. We urge our Government to that task.

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that:

The Massachusetts Congressional Delegation and the President of the United States be informed of this Resolution.