Obama's Speech: A Historic Moment?
Does the speech mark a historic turning point in the Israel/palestine conflict. Post your thoughts here.
Read Uri Avnery: "The Speech was Right"
Upcoming IJV Events
June 16th: Eric Hobsbawm in conversation with Donald Sassoon
Nationalism and Other Identities: Jews, Zionists and Israelis
- chair Lynne Segal
- June 16th, 6.30
- Clore Lecture Theatre, Birkbeck College,
- 25-27 Torrington Square, WC1
- supported by School of Psychosocial. Studies, Birkbeck
-
Cost: £12 (£9 students
July 1st: An Evening with Zoe Wanamaker
- at 7.30
At Hampstead Town Hall,
Haverstock Hill,
NW3
Cost £10 (£7 students)
***************************************************
Who We Are
We are a network of Jews in Britain who share a commitment to certain principles, especially with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in mind: putting human rights first, rejecting all forms of racism, and giving equal priority to Palestinians and Israelis in their quest for a peaceful and secure future. We believe that these principles, rather than group loyalty, should determine the parameters of legitimate debate.
Read the Declaration Sign the Declaration List of Signatories
**************************************************
A Time to Speak Out
"Fascinating and controversial", Jewish Chronicle (19/9/08)
"A time to speak out", a compilation of essays, is published by Verso Books. It will be available in bookshops or direct from IJV, with a reduction:
IJV offer: £8.75 (including post and packing). Order more than one book and extra copies will be just £6.50 each.
*************************************************
Opposing the Carnage in Gaza
Please find below the IJV statement, and a variety of viewpoints and analysis. Please feel free to contribute your views in our discussion section.
"IJV stands for the application of the principles of human rights and international law to the resolution of the Middle East conflict..."
"Representing Israel" by Brian Klug
"It's not the 'liberal left' but some Jewish groups who find it difficult to separate the notion of Jews and Israel."Comment is Free.
A Crisis in Judaism by Brian Klug
"For many Jews today, Israel is not a normal state – it is a cause or ideal, and therein lies the problem..."
An Open Letter to David Miliband
"We are writing as concerned Jews who are utterly dismayed by Israel’s actions against the Palestinians...". The letter was published in the New Statesman on 15th January 2009 as an advert. Click through for the 200+ signatories.
Gaza: A Moral Maze by Tony Klug
"When I was young, I learned about the quintessential Jewish values of justice, peace and truth from the distinguished rabbis that taught me..."
Not in My Name by Brian Klug
"In the midst of the carnage in Gaza, it defies belief that my synagogue has asked me to march in solid support of Israel..."
Jewish Voices Against Israeli Attacks by Lynne Segal
"...significant numbers of Jewish people, inside and outside Israel, are devastated..."
Neither F16 Fighters nor Qassam Rockets will Bring Peace by Henry Stewart
"Last year in Lebanon Israel invaded and bombed
And made Hizbollah stronger..."
Trafalgar Square Counter Demonstration, 11th January
"Our signatories confirm that a visible Jewish/Israeli presence at anti-war demonstrations is proving a powerful tool ..."
Articles and useful sites on Gaza
And check out the Discussion Area. A recent post:
I've been on the left and on demonstrations all my life (Earliest photgraphed appearance age 3). Never before have strangers on a demo wept to see me, told me I was brave or wanted to photograph my placard. One man sent a picture of me on his mobile phone to his aunt in Ramallah. We clearly affected the people we marched with. We just have to hope that Brown, Obama etc were also affected by the size and diversity of the demonstrations across the world. JaneB
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink"
(Proverbs 25:21)
Wanted: An Israeli Peace Initiative
15th December: Article by Tony Klug in Comment is Free, the Guardian's online forum.
Tony challenges the Israeli ambassador to "declare that a just peace is its strategic option as well" and state its principles for a peace deal. Read the full article and post your comments.
*************************************************
IJV Advert Published in the Times, 19th November 2008
"We, Jews in Britain, affirm our opposition to the continuing occupation and call upon the British government to use its influence in Washington and the Middle East to bring the occupation to a rapid end."
Click through for the full text and list of signatories
The advert will also be published in the Jewish Chronicle on 21st November, but without the signatures.
************************************************
Jewish Chronicle Readers Won't Buy from Settlements
An online vote at the Jewish Chronicle's web-site indicates that mainstream British Jews will not buy goods made under the occupation:
Are you prepared to buy goods made in the settlements?
Yes: 31%
No: 69%
Based on 478 votes. This wasan audience that the previous week voted 90% for Kadima and Likud when asked who should be the next Israeli Prime Minister. See poll
************************************************
Professor Irene Bruegel - A Tribute
We are sad to have to announce the death of Irene Bruegel, who started Jewsfor Justice for Palestinians. Irene was in her early sixties and has disappeared long before her time and will be greatly missed. Click through for a full appreciation.
******************************************************
IJV Adverts in the Jewish Chronicle
Independent Jewish Voices is publsihing a series of adverts, initially in the Jewish Chronicle. To read the advert in full, click through here: Adverts
*******************************************************
5th June: Israel 60th Anniversary Debate:
Comment is Free
Brian Klug of IJV discusses with Carlo Strenger and Stephen Rose. Read the exchange and join the debate
******************************************************************
How Peace Broke Out in the Middle East:
A Short History of the Future
by IJV Steering Group member Tony Klug
This essay, published by the Fabian Society, sets out a scenario for how peace could be reached between Israelis and Palestinians. For full details and to download the full publication,click here.
""A brilliant idea and a dream that is not beyond reach. The conditions are ripe - what is lacking is the political will and leadership." "
Professor Shlomo Ben-Ami, Former Israeli Foreign Minister
"Tony Klug offers us a tantalizing vision of what could be. It may not happen but, if it does, this is how it will unfold" "
Dr Ahmad Samih Khalidi, Former Palestinian negotiator and Senior Associate Member, St Antonys College, Oxford
*******************************************************