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Support Presbyterian Initiative
The Presbyterian Church in the United States recently decided to investigate divestment from companies who profit from the harming of innocent people, whether Palestinian or Israeli. They also issued a statement saying that Israel's "separation wall" being built through occupied Palestinian territory is illegal and should be removed. These decisions have brought severe attacks on the Presbyterian Church, USA.
Pro-occupation forces in the United States are mobilizing to flood the PCUSA with messages condemning their actions. We need to be equally quick to show them our support. Use the form included here to add your name to the letter to the Presbyterian Church applauding their courageous action.
| Sample Letter for Campaign |
Subject: Thank you for taking a stand against Israel's wall
Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,
Rev. Victor Makari, Coordinator for the Middle East
Rev. Jay Rock, Coordinator for Interfaith Relations
Rev Dr. Clifton Kirkpatrick, Clerk of General Assembly
Mr John J. Dettrick, Executive Director
We salute you and the Presbyterian Church, USA for your courageous stance for a just peace in the Middle East. Your judgment in condemning the route of Israel's wall through the occupied West Bank puts you squarely on the side of international law, as confirmed by the UN and by the International Court of Justice.
We know that by taking this stance, your church has opened itself to criticism, perhaps even accusations of being anti-Jewish. As supporters of Jewish Voice for Peace, we know that your work for peace and justice is beneficial for Israeli Jews as well as Palestinian Arabs.
Please know you have the support of many Americans of all faiths in your courageous stance for a just peace in Israel and Palestine. We know you will hear from the vocal minority that supports the occupation and denies that Israel's wall, deviating from the Green Line, is causing massive and unnecessary hardship on the Palestinians. But most of us support justice and peace. Please continue working for justice for all.
Signed by:
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Campaign Launched:
August 04, 2004
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JVP statement on PCUSA's decision:
National Jewish Group Applauds Presbyterian Church’s
Historic Stand Against Israel’s Occupation
“Working to end the Israeli occupation is the best way to help the Jewish people build a future free from terror and anti-Semitism.”
San Francisco, CA – Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP), the largest grassroots Jewish peace group of its kind in the United States, applauds the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) for its recent vote to explore divesting from companies who profit from the harming of “innocent people, Palestinian or Israeli.” Far from being an attack on Jews, the PCUSA decision to investigate selective divestment as a way to end Israel’s 37-year occupation is in the best Judeo-Christian tradition of supporting universal human rights and justice.
JVP supports PCUSA’s decision because we believe that the US government has failed to be an honest broker for peace, and that targeted economic efforts by citizens’ groups are therefore necessary to reach a lasting peace in the region.
JVP asserts that working to end the Israeli occupation, which is illegal according to international law, is the best way to help the Jewish people build a future free from terror and anti-Semitism. We believe that people who care deeply about the welfare of Jews, Israelis and Palestinians should take a similar stand against a military occupation which is harmful to all parties. Further, we deplore attempts to dismiss as anti-Semitic any legitimate criticism of the policies of the state of Israel.
Responsible investment by institutions, including churches, governments, corporations and individuals, is a vital tool in bringing a just peace to the troubled region of Israel-Palestine. When a 3-million member institution with the fiscal clout and moral credibility of PCUSA takes a stand, others will soon follow.
In the same spirit, JVP’s campaign to persuade the Caterpillar Corporation to stop providing Israel with US-funded specialized bulldozers for destroying Palestinian homes is supported by groups like Amnesty International and the United Nations. Strong economies on both sides enhance the prospects for peace. Investment in Israel’s occupation, in its illegal separation wall and its settlements can only harm both Israelis and Palestinians in the long run.
See the PCUSA statements here
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