Brit Tzedek v'Shalom
Jewish Alliance for Justice and Peace
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about
Brit Tzedek v'Shalom:
1. Principles and Policies
- What is the relationship between Brit Tzedek's founding principles and the proposals put forth during the last peace negotiations?
[answer] - How can Israel return to peace negotiations under the current conditions?
[answer] - Why should Israel trust the Palestinians as negotiating partners, especially when they refused Prime Minister Barak's generous offer?
[answer] - What is Brit Tzedek's position on the fate of the Israeli settlements in the West Bank and Gaza?
[answer] - Why don't Brit Tzedek principles demand anything from the Palestinians? Why do you only make demands of the Israelis?
[answer] - What is Brit Tzedek's position on Palestinian refugees and their right of return?
[answer] - What is Brit Tzedek's position on the future of Jerusalem?
[answer] - How can the security of the Israeli people be assured with a Palestinian state on its border?
[answer] - Do we as American Jews have the right to voice our dissent against Israeli government policies?
[answer] - Doesn't dissent exacerbate anti-Semitism?
[answer] - What can the U.S. government do to bring about peace between Israel and the Palestinians?
[answer] - Why is it important to have an alternative voice in the American Jewish community?
[answer]
- What is Brit Tzedek v'Shalom?
[answer] - What are the founding principles of Brit Tzedek?
[answer] - Why join Brit Tzedek?
[answer] - What is Brit Tzedek's position on Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state?
[answer] - Why is Brit Tzedek necessary when there are other national Jewish peace organizations?
[answer] - How does Brit Tzedek relate to other Jewish peace organizations?
[answer] - How do I become a member?
[answer] - How is Brit Tzedek structured?
[answer] - Is there a local chapter I can join?
[answer] - How can I join a national Brit Tzedek committee?
[answer] - Can non-Jews become members of Brit Tzedek v'Shalom?
[answer] - How can I become a member of Brit Tzedek?
[answer]
| • What is the relationship between Brit Tzedek's founding principles and the proposals put forth during the last peace negotiations? |
answer: Brit Tzedek's principles are similar to the "Clinton proposals" that were put forth following Camp David peace talks in 2000 and that formed the basis of the negotiations at Taba in 2001. The substance of these principles was largely accepted by Israeli and Palestinian negotiators, the European Union, most of the Arab nations, and the international community.
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| • How can Israel return to peace negotiations under the current conditions? |
answer: Negotiations are the only way towards a secure and long-lasting resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Along with many in Israel's Labor Party and Meretz, Brit Tzedek believes that Israel must be willing to enter into negotiations with no preconditions, because only an active diplomatic process can generate the hope necessary to stop the cycle of violence.
Demanding a ceasefire before negotiations can begin allows the most extreme elements in Palestinian society to control the situation. Active negotiations dealing with the final resolution of the conflict will put the spotlight of leadership on the negotiators, not the terrorists.
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| • Why should Israel trust the Palestinians as negotiating partners, especially when they refused Prime Minister Barak's generous offer? |
answer:It is true that Ehud Barak offered more to the Palestinians than any Prime Minister who preceded him, followed by a breakdown in negotiations. It is also true that the Palestinian use of terrorist violence as part of their resistance to the Israeli occupation has led many Israelis and Diaspora Jews to conclude that the Palestinians do not really want a Palestinian state alongside the state of Israel, but rather want to destroy Israel altogether. However, although there is a minority of Palestinians for whom this is true (Hamas and the Islamic Jihad), this conclusion is contradicted by the facts.
The Palestinians officially affirmed their acceptance of Israel's right to exist in 1988, and reaffirmed it in 1993. In 2000, the Palestinian leadership and Yassir Arafat officially accepted the Clinton bridging proposals, which were based on a two-state solution and which took into consideration the reasons for the Palestinian rejection of the Barak offer at Camp David. These official declarations have never been rescinded. Quite the contrary, many leaders of the Palestinian Authority and leading members of the Fatah movement have reaffirmed Israel's right to exist in op-ed pieces published in the Washington Post, the International Herald Tribune, the New York Times, Haaretz, Yediot Achronot, as well as in the Arabic press.
Similarly, the majority of the Palestinian people in poll after poll affirms its desire for a two-state solution. More important, approximately 80% of Palestinians polled on August 28, 2002, (Search for Common Ground) say they support non-violent means of resistance to the Israeli occupation. This does not mean that all Palestinians accept the moral legitimacy of a Jewish state, but it does mean that they are pragmatic and willing to live in peace in a viable state of their own.
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| • What is Brit Tzedek's position on the fate of the Israeli settlements in the West Bank and Gaza? |
answer: Founding Principle #6 calls for an evacuation of all settlements based on agreed-upon borders between Israel and the new state of Palestine, except for those settlements included in a mutually agreed-upon exchange of territory. Depending on the final borders negotiated by Israel and Palestine, settlements will be evacuated or incorporated into the state of Israel. Practically speaking, most settlements will have to be evacuated, though the largest settlements and most densely settled areas may well remain due to adjustments in the 1967 borders. The Clinton proposals enabled Israel to incorporate 65% of the settlers in the larger settlements which are grouped in blocs closest to the 1967 border, comprising just 5% of the West Bank.
Although some justify the settlements on the grounds that they enhance Israel's security, many senior Israeli military experts believe that the 210,000 Jewish settlers living among the 3.5 million Palestinians on the West Bank and Gaza compromise Israeli security by providing visible, accessible targets for terrorist actions and by siphoning off large numbers of soldiers, who are assigned to protect small and isolated settlements instead of being deployed to protect Israel's borders.
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| • Why don't Brit Tzedek principles demand anything from the Palestinians? Why do you only make demands of the Israelis? |
answer: Founding Principle #4 explicitly does not recognize the Palestinian "right of return," and thus implicitly calls on the Palestinians to considerably moderate their maximimalist position on the right of return. Principle #5 denounces Palestinian violence and thus implicitly calls upon the Palestinians to renounce the use of violent resistance to the occupation. Brit Tzedek supports the "roadmap" of the Madrid Quartet (the U.S., the U.N., the European Union and Russia) as a starting point for the resumption of negotiations, and the roadmap calls on the Palestinians to enact political and economic reforms.
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| • What is Brit Tzedek's position on Palestinian refugees and their right of return? |
answer: As noted in Founding Principle #4, we believe in a just resolution of the refugee problem, taking into account the needs and aspirations of both Jews and Palestinians. We call on Israel to recognize its share of responsibility in creating the refugee problem and to accept a limited number of Palestinians, who wish to return to their former homes in what is now Israel. We envision that a negotiated solution would include provisions for compensation from an international fund for Palestinians who lost their homes and land in 1948.
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| • What is Brit Tzedek's position on the future of Jerusalem? |
answer: Founding Principle #3 calls for a united Jerusalem that would serve as capital of both Israel and Palestine, with free and open access for all persons to all religious sites, but with two sovereign municipalities: one Israeli, with jurisdiction over the Jewish neighborhoods of Jerusalem, and the other Palestinian, with jurisdiction over the Arab neighborhoods of Jerusalem. We envision a negotiated settlement that would include in Jewish Jerusalem those Jewish neighborhoods built in East Jerusalem after the 1967 war, with exchange of territory to compensate the Palestinians for the land they cede to Israel. Such an arrangement is predicated upon cooperation and collaboration between the governments of the two countries.
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| • How can the security of the Israeli people be assured with a Palestinian state on its border? |
answer: All blueprints for the establishment of a Palestinian state have consistently determined that it would be a demilitarized state. If it should turn out that the newly established Palestinian state remained hostile to Israel and attempted to threaten its existence, steps could and should be taken by Israel and its powerful ally, the United States, to meet this challenge. Ultimately, only if we believe that peaceful coexistence is possible will we get to the point of finding out if it can work.
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| • Do we as American Jews have the right to voice our dissent against Israeli government policies? |
answer: American Jews from all points on the political spectrum have always provided active commentary on Israeli policies and U.S. government policies regarding Israel. In fact, the State of Israel was created in part because of the involvement of Jewish communities throughout the world. Had it not been for the American Jewish voice in 1947, the United States might not have voted in favor of the UN Partition Plan. Historically, there have always been different schools of thought among non-Israeli Jews about what is in Israel's best interest. Precisely because we are fiercely pro-Israel, Brit Tzedek believes it is incumbent upon us to criticize policies that threaten Israel's long-term security and to offer constructive alternatives.
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| • Doesn't dissent exacerbate anti-Semitism? |
answer: Just the opposite seems to be true. Another poll by the Anti-Defamation League (June, 2002) reveals that some of the new anti-Semitism in the United States and elsewhere has been triggered by anti-Israel sentiment and by concern that American Jewry has too much influence over American foreign policy. This has led the American Jewish weekly, The Forward, in an editorial dated November 1, 2002, to ask, "How much of this anti-Israel sentiment is unbending hatred of the Jewish state's existence, and how much rooted in opposition to Israel's policies in the territories?" The Forward editorial writer suggests that, for better or for worse, once there is anti-Israel sentiment that is generating a new form of anti-Semitism, "we are all in it together."
It would seem that a balancing voice of dissent from Israel's policies in the occupied territories would be a counterweight and not a contributor to growing anti-Semitism.
Brit Tzedek believes that lively debate among American Jewry, which mirrors the debate within Israel, is beneficial to all Jews, in the U.S. and in Israel. Engaging our minds to think about how to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict expresses our loyalty to our people. Squashing that conversation makes us more vulnerable to anti-Semitism. We do not deny that the conflict is sometimes used as an excuse for anti-Semitism and that some Jews are swayed by these arguments, but this is all the more reason to open up the conversation so that real anti-Semitism can be exposed and challenged.
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| • What can the U.S. government do to bring about peace between Israel and the Palestinians? |
answer: The U.S. government , which is Israel's main ally, can exert great influence on the Israeli government to return to the negotiating table with the Palestinians as quickly as possible. The United States is the dominant power in the region and provides billions of dollars in aid annually, most of it military aid, which Israel depends on receiving. The U.S. is also the home to the world's largest population of Jews many of whom are politically active.
Brit Tzedek believes that international intervention by the Madrid Quartet (the U.S., the U.N., the European Union and Russia) is necessary to resolve the conflict in the Middle East. Of these players, the U.S. is the dominant voice with regard to the Middle East. In addition, the U.S. can bring significant indirect pressure to bear on the Palestinian Authority through intervention with Arab governments in the Middle East.
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| • Why is it important to have an alternative voice in the American Jewish community? |
answer: An alternative voice in the American Jewish community that is heard in the halls of Congress as well as by Bush Administration officials is vitally important. They have been hearing, almost exclusively, only the voice of those who support the Sharon government's policies, which has been represented as being the view of the entire American Jewish community. This means that many of us, and perhaps even a silent majority, are not being heard and our views are discounted. An alternative voice is also crucial within the U.S. Jewish community, to keep alive a venerable communal tradition of critical thinking and discussion and debate that has been suppressed in the last two years in the name of unity and solidarity with Israel. It is important to say, loudly and clearly, that there is more than one way to stand in solidarity with Israel.
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Answers to Organization and Membership
| • What is Brit Tzedek v'Shalom? |
answer: Brit Tzedek v'Shalom, the Jewish Alliance for Justice and Peace, is a national membership organization of American Jews deeply committed to Israel's well-being through the achievement of a negotiated settlement to the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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| • What are the founding principles of Brit Tzedek? |
answer:
- The evacuation of Israeli settlements in the Occupied Territories. These settlements are a major obstacle to peace, a tremendous financial burden to Israel and do little, if anything, to enhance Israel's security. The settlements constantly expose to danger the settlers themselves and the Israeli soldiers sent to defend them, and they bring grave harm to the Palestinians living under Occupation. We call for bringing safely home to Israel the settlers from all settlements except those included as part of a negotiated and mutually agreed upon exchange of territories between Israel and Palestine in determining the final borders of both states.
- The termination of terrorism and state-initiated violence against all individuals with special care being taken to avoid harming civilians. We seek to build a future in which both peoples use non-violent means to resolve social and political inequities.
- A complete end to the Israeli military occupation of the territories occupied since 1967 in the West Bank, the Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem with border adjustments agreeable to both parties.
- The establishment of a viable Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 borders alongside Israel with both states guaranteed the ability to maintain secure and recognized boundaries free from threats or acts of force.
- The establishment and recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of both states. Such recognition must also insure unfettered access to all religious sites in Israel and in the future Palestinian state to all Jews, Muslims and Christians, regardless of the nationality or sovereignty of the sites.
- A just resolution of the Palestinian refugee problem that takes into account the needs and aspirations of both peoples. Such a resolution is crucial to achieving a just peace, and therefore must acknowledge Israel's share of responsibility for the plight of Palestinian refugees while also respecting the special relationship between the State of Israel and the Jewish people.
- The recognition that as Jews and U.S. citizens, we have a special responsibility to urge our government to pursue policies consistent with the requirements of a just peace for Israel and the Palestinian people.
| • Why join Brit Tzedek? |
answer: Joining Brit Tzedek is key to building a grassroots, mass-membership organization that provides a strong, new national voice. Together, we can show U.S. officials and policymakers they have the required public backing to seek alternatives to the policies of the current Israeli government. We are creating an alternative vision of what it means to be pro-Israel, an alternative to the uncritical platform that AIPAC (American Israel Public affairs Committee) currently supports. We enable American Jews to articulate their belief that the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict threatens Israel's security, severely damages its economy, and erodes the values that underlie a democratic society. Your membership, in itself, is a political act adding to the power of our numbers. Members can also get involved in local chapter and national activities to help bring about a just peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
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| • What is Brit Tzedek's position on Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state? |
answer: As a pro-Israel organization Brit Tzedek unequivocally supports the existence of the State of Israel as a Jewish state, a position affirmed in our seven principles. The organization frames its work to open up dialogue within the Jewish community and to ensure inclusivity as we work for a negotiated settlement to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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| • Why is Brit Tzedek necessary when there are other national Jewish peace organizations? |
answer: Brit Tzedek fills a unique role as a pro-Israel, American Jewish mass membership organization. Through our chapters, we are engaged in local organizing and advocacy efforts across the country. As a new pro-Israel and anti-occupation voice in the U.S., our values and approach are shaped by the unique perspective of American Jews. In turn, we also support the efforts of Israeli and Palestinian peace groups that work within the parameters of our principles.
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| • How does Brit Tzedek relate to other Jewish peace organizations? |
Brit Tzedek has much in common with existing Jewish peace groups that support Israel and oppose the occupation, such as Americans for Peace Now and Meretz USA, as well as interdenominational peace efforts like the Middle East Project of the Tikkun Community. Our goal is to work for a just peace cooperatively and in coalition with diverse, national, Middle East peace initiatives.
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| • How do I become a member? |
answer: To join Brit Tzedek v'Shalom, please send your name, complete street address, phone number and e-mail address, along with a check for $35 or more ($18 for students and low-income members) to: Brit Tzedek v'Shalom, P.O. Box 180175, Chicago, IL 60618-0175. Tax-deductible checks should be made out to "Am Kolel" and marked "for Brit Tzedek". Alternatively, go to the Brit Tzedek website, www.btvshalom.org and pay by credit card through a secure online tax-deductible donation.
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| • How is Brit Tzedek structured? |
answer: As a grassroots organization, Brit Tzedek activities are focused around more than twenty local chapters in metropolitan areas. Each chapter has local elected leaders and various committees to plan and implement activities. In areas without a local chapter, the national Brit Tzedek office will help interested individuals start one.
At the national level, the 24-person [board of directors] elected by the membership is responsible for policy and strategic direction of the organization. The Board has eleven national committees that correspond to many of the chapter task forces. Day-to-day operations and management are handled by staff and the Executive Committee of the board.
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| • Is there a local chapter I can join? |
answer: New members automatically receive information about local Brit Tzedek chapter activities in their area. Chapters currently exist in: [click here to go to the chapters section]
- Albany, NY
- Ann Arbor, MI
- Atlanta, GA
- Austin, TX
- Bloomington, IN
- Boston, MA
- Chapel Hill/Durham, NC
- Chicago, IL
- Houston, TX
- Los Angeles, CA
- Louisville, KY
- Madison, WI
- Martha's Vineyard, MA
- Minnesota
- New Haven, CT
- New York City, NY
- Northern NJ
- Philadelphia, PA
- Portland, OR
- Sacramento, CA
- San Francisco Bay Area, CA
- Seattle, WA
- South Florida
- Vermont
- Washington, DC
- Western Massachusetts
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| • How can I join a national Brit Tzedek committee? |
answer: In addition to local chapter committees, Brit Tzedek has eleven national committees for members in good standing with expertise in a particular area. Most national committees require a commitment of five hours per month and typically meet by email or conference call. Please email committee@btvshalom.org and put in the subject line the committee to which you would like your email directed. The committee chair will then receive your email and get in touch with you to discuss your interest and experience.
- Advocacy & Public Policy
- Campus Outreach
- Delegations (educational trips)
- Education
- Finance
- Fundraising
- Israeli Peace Groups Support
- Media
- Membership
- Training
- Wired (Internet and related technology)
| • Can non-Jews become members of Brit Tzedek v'Shalom? |
answer: Allies from all backgrounds are welcome to join Brit Tzedek. However, as an American Jewish organization, our voice reflects the views of our community.
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| • How can I become a member of Brit Tzedek? |
answer: You can register on line or download registration form you can print and mail.
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