Brit Tzedek v'Shalom
Jewish Alliance for Justice and Peace
Washington Jewish Week
To the Editor,
Jewish tradition teaches us the important value of dialogue and debate. In the Torah study discussions that I attend in my Havurah on Shabbat, I cherish the open discussions and the diversity of opinions that we encourage. Why is it so hard for us as a community to extend this same cherished openness to discussions about Israel? Wouldn't we be a stronger community if we welcomed the range of views from all of those who love Israel?
I grew up in a Zionist home; I am passionately committed to Israel. I believe deeply that the current policies of the Sharon government endanger the future of Israel.
This past year, an important new organization was founded in the United States, Brit Tzedek v'Shalom: The Jewish Alliance for Justice and Peace. Brit Tzedek v' Shalom is a grass roots membership organization of thousands of American Jews who love Israel and believe that the occupation needs to end.
In just one short year, Brit Tzedek has launched chapters in 20 cities. This past week, we launched a new initiative, a Call to Bring the Settlers Home to Israel. In this petition campaign, we acknowledge a recent poll in Israel that revealed that a majority of settlers are prepared to accept withdrawal from the settlements in exchange for suitable financial compensation.
We call upon the U.S. government to urge the Israeli government to reverse its longstanding inducements to Israeli settlers in the West Bank and Gaza Strip and instead, to redirect these funds to settlers who are now willing to return to Israel proper.
This petition campaign can be an important step to open up new dialogue in the American Jewish Community. To achieve successful negotiations in this next period between the Israelis and the Palestinians, a fresh range of creative ideas will be necessary. The Call to Bring the Settlers Home is one way to release creative new thinking about Israel and peaceful solutions to the conflict.
Cherie R.Brown
Vice President, Brit Tzedek V'Shalom