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

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IJV Adverts in the Jewish Chronicle

Independent Jewish Voices is publsihing a series of adverts, initially in the Jewish Chronicle,

If you would like to comment on the advert, or suggest content for future ones, click through here. Here's the first advert, appearing on 6th June:

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What is Jerusalem?

The Israeli government has just announced plans to build nearly 900 new housing units for Jewish residency in East Jerusalem. But what is Jerusalem. Following the 1967 war, Israel annexed not just the 6 sq km of East Jerusalem but an area 10 times that size - an additional 64 sq km including numerous outlying Palestinian villages.

Ever since, Israel has defined these West Bank hilltops as part of Jerusalem. To the rest of the world, the announcement by the Israeli government sends a clear message: relentless expansion in defiance of the Road Map freeze on settlement building. 

Is this the way to pursue peace?
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We are not looking for signatories, as it is not a full page advert. The idea is a series of small, affordable adverts like those published by Gush Shalom in the Ha'aretz newspaper in Israel. However being able to continue depends on donations:

Please help to pay for this and future advertisements by sending a cheque to 'Independent Jewish Voices', PO Box 56912, London N10 3WW or by direct bank transfer to LloydsTSB, Sort Code: 30-94-24, Acct. No. 00655956.

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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

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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