US Jews Pro-peace

Jerusalem Post

November 28 , 2007

Sir, - While Hilary Kreiger's portrayal of the almost complete silence on the part of the American Jewish organizational establishment regarding the upcoming Annapolis peace conference is accurate, she misses the mark by calling them "mainstream," implying that they represent the prevailing sentiment among American Jews ("US Jewish groups unusually mum amid summit skepticism," November 23).

In fact, polls have consistently demonstrated that the overwhelming majority of American Jews agree with the aims of the Annapolis conference. Most recently, a survey in June 2007 found that 87 percent of American Jews support a two-state solution, while 68% are more likely to support a presidential candidate who promises to take an active role in the peace process.

While the Jewish establishment seems to be suffering from a case of laryngitis on Annapolis, the pro-Israel, pro-peace majority has been getting our message across loud and clear. Last week, following intensive outreach to congressional offices by thousands of activists across the country, 135 members of Congress, including more than a third of the Jewish delegation, signed a letter to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice urging her to seize and build on the opportunity to revive peace negotiations created by Annapolis. The letter was backed by the Union of Reform Judaism and AIPAC, among others. Support for Annapolis was echoed by a Rabbinic Call to American Jews issued by Brit Tzedek v'Shalom and signed by over 500 rabbis and cantors nationwide.

It is high time that our community had leaders who realize that history has shown that Israel's security can only be brought about through successful peace negotiations.

STEVE MASTERS
President
Brit Tzedek v'Shalom
Philadelphia