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Brit Tzedek v'Shalom
Jewish Alliance for Justice and Peace
Chapter Activities
Boston, Massachusetts
| To add your name to our Boston chapter mailing list and for more information about our activities and committees, please email us. |
Boston Chapter Winter Newsletter
| Table of Contents
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| Upcoming Events | Past Events |
| Local Press Coverage | Chapter Newsletters |
Sunday, November 22, 2009
10:00AM
Temple Reyim
1860 Washington St., Newton, MA
"Israel-US Relations: A View from Washington" Featuring Israeli Ambassador Michael B. Oren.
This event is not only an occasion to hear Ambassador Oren's perspective on the
current situation, but it is a valuable opportunity to let him -- as Israel's
highest representative in the United States -- as well as the community at large
hear the voices of Boston-area Jews who strongly support movement toward a two-state
solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
SPONSORED BY BOSTON AREA BRIT TZEDEK V'SHALOM
"Bridging Gaza and Israel: A Palestinian Physician's Quest to Heal Israeli-Palestinian Relations." talk by 2010 Nobel Peace Prize Nominee, Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish. For more information please email us.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
8:00 pm
Temple Beth Abraham, Canton
1301 Washington Street, Canton
http://tbacanton.ning.com/page/directions-1
Friday, October 23, 2009
during evening services, starting 6pm
Temple Ohabei Shalom
1187 Beacon Street, Brookline
http://www.ohabei.org/ohabei/directions.php
Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish MD, MPH, a Gazan physician, is a passionate and eloquent proponent of peace between Palestinians and Israelis who has devoted his life to medicine and the search for reconciliation in the Middle East. He has been an important figure in Palestinian-Israeli relations for years; treating Palestinian and Israeli patients and working in Israeli hospitals and is a committed advocate of forgiveness and healing as engines in the peace journey.
On January 16th, Dr. Abuelaish tragically lost three of his daughters and a niece when Israeli tank shells shattered his house in the Jabalya camp. The drama was broadcast live on Israeli television, capturing for the first time the lethal toll that the battle was taking on Gaza's civilian population and conveying it right into the living rooms of Israelis and others around the world.
For a moving tribute by Dr. Abuelaish to his daughters, see:
http://www.daughtersforlife.com/
In the face of this horrific personal tragedy, Dr. Abuelaish has continued to advocate for peace and harmonious coexistence between Palestinians and Israelis. Indeed, Dr. Abuelaish continues to live up to the description bestowed upon him by an Israeli colleague: a magical, secret bridge between Israelis and Palestinians.
An international foundation, inspired by Dr. Abuelaish's vision and commitment to peace and reconciliation, is being created, with headquarters in Toronto and Gaza. The foundation will develop programs promoting education, health and leadership for the women and girls throughout Gaza and the Middle East.
Educated at Harvard (Master's of Public Health), Dr. Abuelaish is currently associate professor at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto, Canada. Dr. Abuelaish is a nominee for the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize.
These talks are co-sponsored by the hosting synagogues and the Boston Chapter of Brit Tzedek v'Shalom.
Thursday, September 24
7 - 9 pm
Temple Israel (Youth Room - Lower Level), 477 Longwood Ave., Boston
http://www.tisrael.org/about_us/directions.php
An Evening with Israeli Consul General Nadav Tamir
Please join us for our first Brit Tzedek chapter gathering of the year, for an evening of thoughtful and stimulating discussion with Israeli Consul General to New England Nadav Tamir. For more information please email us.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
7:30 - 9:00 pm
Temple Emunah
9 Piper Road
Lexington, MA
http://templeemunah.org/directions
Security, Nuclear Proliferation and Energy Independence: An Evening with Congressman Ed Markey; Co-author of the American Clean Energy and Security Act.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
4 to 6 pm
Newton, MA
Email for location
This year's Brit Tzedek spring chapter picnic will be held at the home of one of our chapter activists in Newton. You'll have the opportunity to hear from Brit Tzedek Executive Director Diane Balser about Brit Tzedek's new national pledge campaign, and there will be an update on Boston Chapter activities. We'll supply the falafel and drinks -- you are encouraged to bring fruit, a dessert, or Israeli dips and salads. Please let us know what you are bringing so that we can coordinate. Please RSVP by May 25 to-- we'll give you the street address. For more information please contact us by email.
Monday March 30, 2009
7:30 pm
Temple Isaiah
55 Lincoln Road, Lexington
Professor David Matz will be speaking at Temple Isaiah on "The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: Short-Term Realities, Long-Term Prospects." David Matz has been active in the conflict resolution field for over 20 years mediating, training and teaching. He has served as Director of the Graduate Program in Dispute Resolution at the University of Massachusetts/Boston since 1986 and on the faculty as a law professor since 1973. For more information please contact us by email.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
1:30-3:30 pm
Congregation Kehillath Israel
384 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA
Professor Marc Gopin will be speaking on "What's a nice Orthodox rabbi doing in a place like this?" Jewish citizen diplomacy in Syria and the Middle East" Professor Gopin, an internationally renowned expert on conflict resolution, has trained thousands of people worldwide in peacemaking strategies for complex conflicts in which religion and culture play a role. For more information please contact us by email.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Temple Beth Israel
25 Harvard Street, Waltham, MA 02453
“The Psychology of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict,” a presentation exploring the contribution of basic human psychology to the continuation of the conflict and suggesting practical ways of getting past these obstacles to achieve a lasting peace.
Brit Tzedek is hosting national board member Aaron Ahuvia, a professor of marketing at the University of Michigan-Dearborn who also teaches social marketing at the Ross School of Business, for a series of talks. For more information contact us by email.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Workmen’s Circle, 1762 Beacon Street
Brookline, MA
“Talking Peace”
Brit Tzedek is hosting national board member Aaron Ahuvia, a professor of marketing at the University of Michigan-Dearborn who also teaches social marketing at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, for a series of talks. For more information contact us by email.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
At the home of a Brit Tzedek Member
Newton Centre, MA
Discussion on “Persuasive Communication for Peace Advocates.” Brit Tzedek is hosting national board member Aaron Ahuvia, a professor of marketing at the University of Michigan-Dearborn who also teaches social marketing at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, for a series of talks. For more information contact us by email.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
7:30PM
Temple Ohabei Shalom,1187 Beacon Street, Brookline
"The Democratic Jewish State and Prospects for Peace”-- Talk by Gershom Gorenberg, noted Israeli journalist and author, winner of the National Jewish Book Award. For more information contact us by email.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
10:00AM
Temple Hillel B'nai Torah
120 Corey Street, West Roxbury
"Time to Choose Peace: A New Administration, A New Congress, A New Opportunity" -- Talk by David Matz, Brit Tzedek National Board Member. For more information contact us by email.
Wednesday, January 7, 2008
7:30PM
Congregation Eitz Chayim
136 Magazine Street, Cambridge, MA
The Bostom Chapter will be holding their next meeting. Discussion items include the current situation in Gaza and what we in the Boston area can do.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
6:00 PM
Ghaith Al-Omari and Steve Masters
Temple Sinai, 50 Sewall Ave. (map)
Brookline, MA
Presenter(s): Steve Masters, President, Brit Tzedek v'Shalom and Ghaith Al-Omari, Senior Research Fellow at the New America Foundation ; Advocacy Director for the American Task Force on Palestine
Workshop title: Israeli/Palestinian Peacemaking on Day One: What our New President Should Do to Resolve the Israeli/Palestinian Conflict and What American Jews Need to Do to Put Peacemaking on the President's Agenda
Thursday October 30
7:00 PM
"Election '08: The Presidential Candidates' Vision of U.S. Foreign Policy": Talk by 52 Mt. Auburn Street
Cambridge, MA
A forum featuring Kerry Healey as surrogate for Senator John McCain and Alan Solomont as surrogate for Senator Barack Obama. The forum – which will address foreign policy issues, with an emphasis on the Middle East.
Sunday, September 14
3:00-5:00 PM
Cambridge
People have been asking about the postponed Brit Tzedek chapter picnic, and yes, we have rescheduled it!
This time we are holding it *rain or shine* at the home of a chapter member in
Cambridge (RSVP to boston@btvshalom.org for the location).
We hope you will come and join other Boston-area Brit Tzedek supporters and enjoy
Israeli food, good conversation, and one another's company. We'll also update you on what's coming up for Brit Tzedek in the fall, and members of the Boston Advocacy
Days delegation will also informally share their experiences.
Hope you can come! Please RSVP to boston@btvshalom.org by Wednesday September 10.
Thursday, September 11
7:00 - 9:00 PM
“Covering Israel: An Inside View” : Talk by Journalist Linda Gradstein
Temple Beth Zion, 1566 Beacon Street, Brookline
Linda Gradstein, renowned journalist who has been covering major stories in Israel
for 20 years, most notably for NPR, interviewing hundreds of Israelis, Palestinians,
and their political leaders, will speak on “Covering Israel: An Inside View.”
Sunday, June 15
4:30-6:30 pm
Herter Park
1175A Soldier's Field Road
Brighton
Brit Tzedek Chapter Gathering and "Israel at 60" Picnic
Join fellow supporters of Brit Tzedek at our potluck picnic. Enjoy Israeli food,music, and one another's company. Brit Tzedek members who have recently been to Israel will share some reflections on their experiences.
Bring your children!
Please RSVP by June 8 to boston@btvshalom.org.
Wednesday, April 30
8pm
Temple Emanuel
385 Ward Street, Newton
For directions: http://www.templeemanuel.com/directions.htm
"What Does Being Pro-Israel Mean Today?" - Talk by Leonard Fein. This talk is sponsored by the Temple Emanuel Israel Action Forum and is open to the public. For more information please email us.
Sunday, March 30
"2008: A Turning Point for Israeli/Palestinian Peace?": A conversation with Steve Masters, President of Brit Tzedek v'Shalom
Congregation Eitz Chayim
136 Magazine Street, Cambridge
For directions: http://www.eitz.org/aboutEitzChayim/directions.php
Presentation and Discussion: 3pm-5pm
Pizza and Conversation: 5pm-6 pm
(RSVP required for dinner portion of evening only - to boston@btvshalom.org - $7
donation requested)
To RSVP for the dinner portion of the evening, or for any other information, please contact us by email
March 1 - March 16
Breaking the Silence Exhibit: Israeli Soldiers Talk About the Occupied Territories
Harvard Hillel, Beren Hall, Second Floor,
52 Mt. Auburn Street near Plympton St.
Cambridge
March 3
1:15-2:10pm. Hebrew College, Room 105, 160 Herrick Rd, Newton Center
Israel/Palestine Center for Research and Development (IPCRI) tour with Gerson Baskin and Hanna Siniora
For more information or to RSVP, please email
7:30pm, Temple Israel, 477 Longwood Avenue, Boston
Israel/Palestine Center for Research and Development (IPCRI) tour with Gerson Baskin and Hanna Siniora
For more information, contact the Boston Chapter by email
March 3, 2008
7:00 PM
Temple Israel
"After the Annapolis Peace Meeting: What Now? -- An Israeli and a Palestinian Analyst Speak"
Talk by Dr. Gershon Baskin and Mr. Hanna Siniora of the Jerusalem-based Israel Palestine Centre for Research and Information (IPCRI)
For more information please contact the Boston Chapter or call 617-230-6439
March 2
7:30pm, Boston University, Boston Kenmore Classroom Building, 565 Commonwealth Ave. Room 101
Israel/Palestine Center for Research and Development (IPCRI) tour with Gerson Baskin and Hanna Siniora
Sponsor: Boston Chapter of Brit Tzedek v'Shalom
Co-sponsor: Students for Peace and the Palestinain Israeli Peace alliance at Boston University
For more information, contact Yoni Vendriger by email
February 13, 2008
7:30 PM
Workmen’s Circle Building, 1762 Beacon Street, Brookline
Talk by Nadav Tamir and Diane Balser: Annapolis: What Happens Next?
For more information please contact the Boston Chapter.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Chapter Gathering
7:00PM-9:00PM
(light dinner at 6:30 -- RSVPs required -- $7)
Temple Sinai
50 Sewall Avenue in Brookline (get directions)
A chance to meet and visit with other Brit Tzedek members, participate in an engaging discussion, and get a chapter update!
Featuring talk by noted Middle East political analyst Mara Rudman: "Serious Diplomacy: Why a Mideast Summit Matters, How to Make It Happen"
Rudman is Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress in
Washington, DC and
President of Quorum Strategies, an international strategic consulting
firm. She
served as Deputy National Security Advisor to President Clinton and
National
Security Council Chief of Staff, 1997-2001; and Chief Counsel to the
House Foreign
Affairs Committee under Chairman Lee Hamilton, 1993-1997.
http://www.americanprogress.org/experts/RudmanMara.html
Friday, October 12, 2007
Beth El Temple Center
2 Concord Ave
Belmont, MA 02478
June 2, 2007
Cambridge Peace Commission's Peace Day celebration -- Brit Tzedek will have a table -- please stop by!
Cambridge City Hall
795 Massachusetts Ave. Celebration to recognize the 25th anniversary of the Peace Commission, the Cambridge City Council declared Cambridge as a "City of Peace" in the year 2007. The resolution is an invitation to all of Cambridge- community groups, civic institutions, businesses, families, faith communities - to make connections to peace building. Help promote peace building all year long.
Performances - music, poetry, dance, spoken word, and theater. (Delisile, Jeff Robinson, AfroDZAk, CRLS Jazz Band, Senior Center Chorus, CRLS Haitian Club)
May 10, 2007
Senior Fellow and Director of Middle East Initiatives at the Centrury Foundation and New America Foundation, Daniel Levy and Executive Director of the American Task Force on Palestine, Rafi Dajani will present: “Israeli-Palestinian Peace: Forget It, or Not Just Yet?” At Temple Beth Zion, 1566 Beacon St. in Brookline Visit here for directions. For more information, click here, or call 617-230-6439.
Thursday April 19, 2007 - 7:00 (Pizza Dinner at 6:30)
"Let's Talk: Building Our Movement by Learning to Build Relationships in Our Community"
Talk and training by Brit Tzedek activists Steve Vogel and Jonathan Jacoby
Congregation Eitz Chayim
136 Magazine Street
Cambridge
Click here for directions.
Two Brit Tzedek activists, Steve Vogel and Jonathan Jacoby, who are also involved in the very successful Greater Boston Interfaith Organization (GBIO) organizing initiative will talk about their organizing experiences with GBIO, particularly about the use of one-on-one and small-group outreach techniques. There will be discussion about how these techniques can be applied to Brit Tzedek's work, and training on how to do them effectively.
Send us an e-mail to RSVP or for more information about this event. Dinner suggestion donation is $7.
Meeting with Consul General of Israel to New England
March 7, 2007, 7:30 PM
Temple Shalom in Newton
175 Temple Street, West Newton
This is the latest in the ongoing series of Town Hall Meetings sponsored by the Jewish Community Relations Council's Israel Action Center. Nadav Tamir, the Consul General of Israel to New England will brief attendees on the Israeli government's assessment of the situation in the Middle East and strategic threats to the region. After the briefing, members of the audience will be given the opportunity to share their thoughts and concerns in an open community discussion.
Please come prepared to make comments and ask thought-provoking questions, and to have respectful, intelligent dialogue with other members of the audience. For more information or to RSVP click here or call 617-457-8650. We would also appreciate your rsvp with Brit Tzedek v'Shalom by e-mail.
Thursday February 8, 2007, 7:30-9:30 PM
Talk with Diane Balser
Nehar Shalom Community Synagogue 43 Lochstead Avenue
Jamaica Plain
For Directions: Click Here
Diane Balser will present thoughts on promoting dialogue in the Middle East and among ourselves, and will facilitate an opportunity to share feelings and perspectives.
Diane Balser is National Chair of Advocacy and past Executive Director for Brit Tzedek v' Shalom. She teaches women's studies at Boston University and has been a long-time women's and Jewish activist in the Boston area.
Sunday February 4, 2007, 10:00-12:00 AM
Talk by Beth Wasserman:
The Role of American Jews in Post-Election U.S. Policy towards Israel" Congregation Congregation Eitz Chayim
136 Magazine Street, Cambridge Click Here for directions
In the past two years, there have been drastic changes in leadership in Israel and in the Palestinian Authority; unilateral action by Israel soared in popularity and then lost favor; Israel endured a war with Hezbollah in Lebanon with troubling results; and the United States 110th Congress just took office. Given recent developments, what paths can Israel take to best achieve peace and security? And what is the role for the American Jewish community in this context?
Beth Wasserman is a national board member of Brit Tzedek v'Shalom and past Chair of the Boston chapter. She has been a leader in local advocacy work, coordinating city council resolution efforts and home district lobbying. She is currently the community liaison of the Boston chapter and represents Brit Tzedek on the board of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Greater Boston and sits on the JCRC's Israel Advocacy Center Advisory Board.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006, 7:00 PM
Leonard Fein Talks at Temple Shalom
Temple Shalom
175 Temple Street, West Newton
Longtime Jewish teacher, writer and analyst Leonard Fein will address the topic "What Now? Candid Thoughts on the Middle East," Wednesday, Dec. 3, 7-9 PM, at Temple Shalom, 175 Temple St., West Newton. He will share his thinking on what implications the recent events in Gaza and Lebanon have for those who care deeply about Israel. Sponsored by Brit Tzedek v'Shalom. Co-sponsored by Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston. For directions, click here. For more information e-mail boston@btvshalom.org or call 617-230-6439.
October 16, 2006
An Evening Public Talk by Marcia Freedman
Join the Boston chapter of Brit Tzedek v'Shalom on October 16, 2006 at the Workmen's Circle building for An Evening with Marcia Freedman, President of Brit Tzedek. This event will be a "chapter gathering" and food will be served. For more information, please email us.
September 30, 2006
Brit Tzedek Tabling at Watertown's Faire on the Square
Join the Boston chapter of Brit Tzedek v'Shalom for tabling at Watertown's annual Faire on the Square (http://www.faireonthesquare.org/). If you're interested in helping out, please email Elizabeth, and let us know what time slot you can fill. This will be a great opportunity to meet other Brit Tzedek members and for Brit Tzedek to have some visibility and reach out to more of our Jewish friends and neighbors. You get a free Brit Tzedek t-shirt too!
August 21, 2006
Barbecue and Report-Back on Brit Tzedek Advocacy & the Impact of the Current Crisis
A member of the Brit Tzedek Boston Steering Committee has opened her house in Somerville for a barbecue and report-back from the members of Brit Tzedek's delegation to National Advocacy Days in Washington, DC, particularly their meetings at the offices of Senators Kennedy and Kerry, and Representatives Frank and Capuano.
In addition, we will spend some time discussing our concerns and fears about the current situation, in an open and mutually respectful manner, and what can be done to help. This will be an opportunity to meet other people involved with Brit Tzedek. If you cannot attend, but would like to hear more about our current work and how you can get involved, please email us.
August 15, 2006
Perspectives: Young Adults Conversation on "Israel, Hezbollah and the United States: The Role of America in the Current Middle East Crisis"
7:00pm at Grendel's Den, 89 Winthrop Street, Harvard Square. Please join Brit Tzedek v'Shalom Boston Young Adults (20s and 30s) for a conversation on "Israel, Hezbollah and the United States: The Role of America in the Current Middle East Crisis." We hope that this conversation will be the beginning of a series about current events as they relate to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the region. This is a chance for Jewish young adults in the Boston area to meet each other, share thoughts and learn more about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and our role in helping to bring peace to the region.
The first round of drinks is free! For more information and to RSVP please email us.
July 20, 2006
Brit Tzedek Chapter Meeting and Open Discussion on the Crisis
7:00 PM at Congregation Eitz Chayim, 136 Magazine Street, Cambridge. Brit Tzedek is having a meeting to give people an opportunity to talk about the current crisis in the Middle East, as well as to discuss Brit Tzedek's response. Congregation Eitz Chayim has been kind enough to open their doors to us on short notice. Directions to Eitz Chayim. You can park on Magazine St. that night - we are arranging for Cambridge resident parking rules to be suspended. If you cannot attend, but would be interested in organizing a discussion group in your congregation, please email us.
July 18, 2006 Press Coverage
Bring Brit Tzedek?s Message to the JCRC Rally for Israel Congregation Kehillath Israel, 384 Harvard Street, Brookline. The Jewish Community Relations Council is holding a Rally for Israel at 6:00 pm in front of Congregation Kehillath Israel in Brookline. It is important that we make clear that Brit Tzedek is part of the community in its concern and care for Israel?s safety and security, and that we believe that U.S. action to rapidly broker a cease-fire is crucial to Israel?s safety and security, and for the well-being of all civilian populations in the region that are affected by the current crisis. We would like to put together a group to attend with signs such as: ?Cease Fire On All Sides Now?. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING, PLEASE RSVP and we will send you information on where and when to meet, about preparing signs, etc. If you cannot attend, but would like to be involved with our outreach efforts in the Boston Jewish community, please email us.
April 24, 2006
Chapter Gathering on Congressional Advocacy with Diane Balser and Rob Levy - Congregation Eitz Chayim, 136 Magazine Street, Cambridge. Learn how Brit Tzedek is advocating for its positions to Congres, and how you can help.
6:30-7:00: Pizza and schmoozing (A donation of $7 and an RSVP are required for the dinner portion of the evening)
7:00-7:15: Chapter welcome and update
7:15-9:00: Rob Levy, Brit Tzedek’s Washington representative for our national advocacy efforts, and Diane Balser, Brit Tzedek’s Executive Director and CEO, will speak on Brit Tzedek’s advocacy campaigns and provide advocacy training. Meet our advocacy leaders for several Massachusetts Congressional districts, and hear about what we're doing on both the national and local level.
April 2, 2006
SYNAGOGUE OUTREACH COMMITTEE MEETING - We will be meeting to continue talking about how to support our congregation members in opening up discussion on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. If you would like to attend, please email us and we will send you the time and location when they are finalized.
March 27, 2006
ISRAEL DECIDES: A TOWN HALL MEETING - Temple Beth Shalom, 8 Tremont Street, Cambridge. Sponsored by the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC). Brit Tzedek v’Shalom joins a variety of local Jewish organizations and congregations in co-sponsoring this event, which will provide an opportunity for community discussion on the current situation facing Israel today. Featured Speaker: Gil Tamary, Washington Correspondent for Israeli TV’s Channel 10. We URGE YOUR PARTICIPATION in this important community event: This program is an open forum for community dialogue on Israel. The evening will begin with a talk by Gil Tamary, followed by an opportunity for audience members to offer their comments or questions. Please come prepared to make comments and ask thought-provoking questions, and to have respectful, intelligent dialogue with other members of the audience. We will bring Brit Tzedek buttons with us and will hand them out to all who want them.
February 7, 2006
CHAPTER MEETING - 7:00 ? 9:00 PM. A chance to meet and visit with other Brit Tzedek members, participate in an engaging discussion, and get a chapter update! There will be a light dinner served at 6:30 pm, RSVP is required, the price is $7. Speaker: Debra DeLee, CEO and President, Americans for Peace Now. To RSVP for dinner, please email us.
December 6, 2005
Workmen’s Circle Building (1762 Beacon Street, Brookline) – A chance to meet and visit with other Brit Tzedek members, participate in an engaging discussion, and get a chapter update! If you are able to join us for dinner, please email us by December 5, so we will know how much food to order. 7:00 - 8:45 PM (light dinner at 6:30).
November 16, 2005
"Why Isn’t There Peace When Most Israelis and Palestinians Want It?"
Professor Shai Feldman and Dr. Khalil Shikaki, two leading social scientists who are committed to reconciliation and a negotiated two-state solution to the conflict, will appear together to discuss the current situation, its potential, and its evident challenges. Join us in one of the rare occasions that Israeli and Palestinian experts have come together to address the Boston Jewish community in a public event.
Professor Shai Feldman, former director of the Jaffee Center for Strategic Studies at Tel Aviv University, currently directs the Crown Center for Middle East Studies at Brandeis University. At Brandeis, he is dedicated to developing a center that will be known for its scholarly independence, focused on non-political research about the Middle East.
Dr. Khalil Shikaki directs the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research (PSR) and is currently a senior research fellow at the Crown Center. PSR is an independent nonprofit institution engaged in policy analysis and academic research. It seeks to advance scholarship and knowledge on issues of immediate concern to Palestinians in both domestic politics and foreign policy. PSR is also widely known for its public opinion polls and survey research.
This event is sponsored by Brit Tzedek v’Shalom. A partial list of co-sponsors includes the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston, Congregation Dorshei Tzedek (Newton), Temple Beth Avodah (Newton), Temple Beth David of the South Shore (Canton), Temple Ohabei Shalom (Brookline), Temple Reyim (Newton), Temple Shalom (Newton), Temple Sinai Israel Action/Education Committee (Brookline),Temple Sinai (Sharon), and Boston Workmen’s Circle.
September 28, 2005
Land of the Settlers: Video Diary of a Worried Israeli Journalist
With Chaim Yavin, Israeli Journalist, Filmmaker and Creator of the Documentary Series, In the Land of the Settlers at Congregation B’nai Jeshurun, 7:30-9:30 PM at Temple Beth Zion, 1566 Beacon Street, Brookline. Co-sponsored by Brit Tzedek v'Shalom, Boston Chapter, Workmen’s Circle, the Tikkun Community, Americans for Peace Now, Temple B’nai Brith (Somerville), Congregation Dorshei Tzedek (West Newton), and Temple Hillel Bnai Torah (West Roxbury).
September 13, 2005
Cheshbon HaNefesh: Rabbis Reflect on Israel at a Time of Decision at
Tremont Street Shul (Temple Beth Shalom)
The rabbis of two Boston-area congregations will share their thoughts about Israel, peace, and Jewish tradition as the High Holidays approach. Rabbi Toba Spitzer is rabbi of Congregation Dorshei Tzedek, West Newton. Rabbi Norman Janis works at Harvard Hillel as rabbinic advisor to its Worship and Study congregation and as director of its intergenerational programs.
August 10, 2005
A Brit Tzedek delegation coordinated by Donna Spiegelman and Diane Balser met with Thomas Crohan, Congressional Aide to Senator Edward M. Kennedy in the Senators offices at the JFK Federal Building in downtown Boston. The delegation consisted of representatives of Brit Tzedek from different parts of Massachusetts. The meeting was a great first step. Sen. Kennedy´s aide was much impressed with our numbers and our work and we look forward to a meeting with Sen. Kennedy in the future.
July 27, 2005
Please join us for a chapter gathering at Congregation Eitz Chayim 136 Magazine Street, Cambridge, 7:15 - 8:45 PM (light dinner at 6:30). A chance to meet and visit with other Brit Tzedek members, participatein an engaging discussion with Herb Kelman, and get a chapter update! Professor Kelman will present an address: "Gaza Disengagement and the Prospects for Peace."
June 21, 2005
Perspectives on Disengagement: A Community Briefing at 7:30 PM at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel (near the Arlington T-stop).
The panel included: Brig. Gen. (ret.) Shlomo Brom, Senior ResearchAssociate, The Jaffee Center, and Dr. Nimrod Hurvitz, Former Chair ofthe Chaim Herzog Center for Middle East Studies and Diplomacy. The discussion was moderated by Nancy K. Kaufman, ExecutiveDirector, Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston.
June 19, 2005
Walk, Talk, and Rock for Israel -- Boston Celebrates Israel organized by Combined Jewish Philanthropies and supported by numerous Jewish organizations and congregations.
April 12, 2005
Plan to join us for a Member Gathering on Tuesday evening. The evening will start with an opportunity to share a bite and schmooze with other members. A brief update on chapter activities will be followed by a presentation by David Matz, Professor of Dispute Resolution at UMass and on the Brit Tzedek National Board. He will make a short presentation on the settlements and the ways in which they pose an obstacle to the peace process, followed by open discussion.
March 20, 2005
Boston Brit Tzedek Potluck Brunch: Celebrating Purim and Brit Tzedek’s 3rd anniversary, 11:00am - 1:00 PM.
December 9, 2004
Boston Chapter Meeting at 7:30 PM,Workmen’s Circle: 1762 Beacon Street, Brookline. Come hear more about exciting possibilities for Brit Tzedek work withinthe Boston Jewish community. This is an opportunity to get involved andhave input in upcoming Brit Tzedek projects.
The chapter meeting will have two parts:
1) The New Situation: Arafat’s Death, Bush's Possible Movement — Opportunities? Join us for an informal talk on changes in leadership at home and in the Mid-East. This is an opportunity to engage in discussion on currentevents and the effect they may have on prospects for peace.
2) Exciting New Proposal for Consideration: City Council Resolutions
* Proposal to submit resolutions promoting US involvement in re-startingnegotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority
* We will be exploring the possibility of working on resolutions withinlocal cities and towns and begin the process of researching thefeasibility of such actions.For questions, please email us.
December 5, 2004
Organizers' Workshop with Marshall Ganz
“Making A Difference” — An Intensive Grassroots Organizing Workshop with Kennedy School of Government Professor Marshall Ganz. 11:00am - 4:00 PM at the Brookline JCC, 50 Sutherland Road, Brookline.
Marshall will work with us in an intensive, goals-oriented workshop designed to help strengthen our chapter to make a difference. We will learn to become better organizers and more effective advocates for a negotiated settlement to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, working right here in our community. Marshall, a rabbi’s son, left Harvard College in 1964 to volunteer as a civil rights organizer in Mississippi. In 1965, he joined Cesar Chavez and the Farm Workers and spent the next 28 years of his life in union, community, and political organizing. He now shares his wealth of experience, as a member of the KSG faculty and as a grassroots organizing trainer in the U.S., Israel, and elsewhere in the world. Please join us and activists from our New Haven, New York City, and Western MA chapters for this unparalleled opportunity. For more information, or to reserve your seat, please email us. Admission is free.
August 11, 2004
7:30 PM at Temple Sinai - 25 Canton Street, Sharon, MA
Two members of the "Parents Circle - Families Forum" — Robi Damelin, a bereaved Israeli mother, and Nadwa Sarandah, a bereaved Palestinian sister — spoke together of reconciliation, dialogue and tolerance. The Parents Circle, a group of Israeli and Palestinian bereaved families, was founded in 1995. The members have all lost a close relative due to the ongoing violence in the Middle East. Robi and Nadwa spoke and then answered questions from 7:30-9:00. There was an opportunity for informal interaction with them afterwards at a reception in the Temple social hall.
This event was co-sponsored by the Sharon Interfaith Action Alliance (SIFAA).
July 14, 2004
Brit Tzedek v’Shalom and Boston Workmen’s Circle Middle East Working Group co-sponsored an evening with IDF pilot Yonatan Shapira at Temple Beth Zion in Brookline, MA. In October 2003, Shapira was one of 27 pilots who signed the “Pilots’ Letter.” He discussed his courageous decision to refuse and explained how the occupation is hurting Israel's security and democracy. 7PM, Temple Beth Zion's Community Hall, 1566 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA. C-Line T.
[PDF of flyer for event]
Listen here to radio show about the event on The Connection WBUR-AM in Boston which aired July 16, 2004.
May 20, 2004
Brit Tzedek v'Shalom proudly presented Naomi Chazan, who spoke on “The Future of Israel as a Jewish and Democratic State: Prospects for Peace.” 7:00PM, Temple Israel, Boston (477 Longwood Avenue, at the Riverway)
Former Deputy Speaker of the Knesset Naomi Chazan is a peace activist, women'srights advocate, and university professor. Her 30-year career in Israeli publiclife has intersected the spheres of government, civil society, and academia.She has been a prominent advocate for the Geneva Accord. This event is co-sponsoredby the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), Temple Beth Zion, CongregationDorshei Tzedek, Hillel B'nai Torah,Temple Shalom, and Temple Sinai.
Spring, Summer, and Autumn 2003
Through these months, teams of 4-8 members went to street corners in heavily Jewish neighborhoods during hours of heavy pedestrian traffic, and asked passers-by to sign the Call.
Teams also worked at several town festivals and the Boston Jewish Film Festival.
October 8, 2003
The Current Situation In The Middle East: What Can U.S. Jews Be Doing?
A joint program with Americans for Peace Now. Rabbi Gold, Director Emeritus of Harvard Hillel and a valued friend of the Chapter, opened our work with lucid analysis and extremely thoughtful consideration of the future. He spoke of the impact of Israeli actions on the self-concepts of Jews everywhere, and urged reflection and action.
Diane Balser, then Chapter co-chair and National Chair for Advocacy (presently National Vice-President and National Chair for Advocacy), and Mark Rosenblum, a Founder and Policy Director of Americans for Peace Now, spoke to the current situation. Diane emphasized the pressures and opportunities at the grass-roots level, mark at the level of high government officials. Both urged mobilization behind the shared goal of a negotiated two-state solution and reduction of the settlement presence.
A quite large audience turned out. By the end of presentations, the audience was restive and agitated. Intense question-and-answer time followed. Temple Beth Zion, Brookline.
October 2003
Hosting Brit Tzedek’s Second National Convention
The Chapter worked intensely through the autumn to gear up to be hosts of the Convention. Our Volunteer Coordinator (who wishes to be anonymous) recruited, scheduled, and deployed a very large group of volunteers; her savvy and their intelligence and energy gave us a Convention that ran smoothly and predictably. Many chapter members hellped lead workshops and worship sessons. The very hard work of the National Staff and the National Planning Committee produced a menu of extraordinary intellectual richness and importance.
July 16, 2003
Professor Herbert Ch. Kelman, distinguished social psychologist, pioneer and steadfast explorer in setting up private meetings between mid-level Palestinian and Israeli officials, spoke informally with us about lessons he has learned in 30 years of action research. Herb’s work helped set the stage for the Oslo negotiations and continues to be influential. Copies of one of his major papers were circulated to members before the meeting.
Turnout (at Harvard Hillel) was heavy, members and guests were highly attentive, discussion was lively. It was a rare treat, greatly appreciated, to hear the thoughts of a major social scientist-activist. Professor Kelman has been very active with our chapter and is on the national Advisory Board.
April 2003
Brit Tzedek’s national tour, “Selective Refusal: Towards a More Secure and Democratic Israel,” began on March 31 in Houston, Texas. Ishai Menuchin, founder of Israel's first refuser organization — Yesh Gvul (There is a Limit) — spoke at Brit Tzedek sponsored events in Houston, Madison, Chicago, Boston, and Washington, DC.
Menuchin is the recipient of the 2003 Oscar Romero Award for Commitment to Truth and Freedom from the Rothko Chapel in Houston, Texas. In Jerusalem, he works as a lecturer at Hebrew University and as director of organizational development for Shatil Empowerment and Training Center for Social Change Organizations in Israel.
November 2002:
Boston Chapter Forum in Brookline, MA
Local chapter and Executive Committee member, Danielle Luttenberg, talks about how she found a home for herself in Brit Tzedek as an observant Jew.[read transcript]
Brit Tzedek President, Marcia Freedman, gives an overview of the situation in Israel and describes Brit Tzedek's role in ending the conflict. [read transcript]
Q&A between Boston-area Brit Tzedek members and Marcia [read Q & A transcript]
Local Press Coverage
- The New York Times
September 15, 2009
Letters to the Editor: Considering Mideast Peace
By James Adler
Yossi Alpher may be right that “for many Israelis, the peace with Egypt and Jordan has not appeared sufficiently beneficial.” But Israelis take this peace for granted. [Read More] - Wicked Local
March 10, 2009
Israel/Palestine conflict is subject of upcoming lecture
Professor David Matz, director of Graduate Programs in Dispute Resolution at UMass/Boston and national Board member of Brit Tzedek v’Shalom, the Jewish Alliance for Justice and Peace, will speak on “The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: Short-Term Realities, Long-Term Prospects” at Temple Isaiah, 55 Lincoln Road, Monday, March 30 at 7:30 p.m. [Read More] - North Andover Eagle-Tribune
January 11, 2009
Op-ed: Israel and Gaza: Where the solution does not lie
By Rabbi Ira L. Korinow, Boston Chapter
The current war being waged in Gaza and southern Israel has, as one might expect, given rise to criticism of Israel. The criticism, in turn, has caused supporters of Israel to become defensive and outraged. And if it hasn't, it should. But not in the way one might expect. [Read More] - International Herald Tribune
January 6, 2009
Letter to the Editor: Israel and its enemies
By James Adler
Regarding "Why Israel feels threatened" by Benny Morris (Views, Dec. 30): The writer claims Israel may be doomed by the nuclearization of Iran, the radicalization of the whole Middle East, and higher Israeli-Arab birth rates. [Read More] - The Jerusalem Post
December 5, 2008
Letter to the Editor: ... Could be amazing
By James Adler , Boston Chapter
Sir, - In his book Old/New Land, Theodor Herzl envisioned an Arab prime minister and a Jewish president. I believe Israel's election of a first Arab prime minister would be even more helpful and historic for Israel than Barack Obama's as president already promises to be for America. How could it fail to transform Jewish-Arab, Israeli-Arab and even Israeli Iranian relations? [Read More] - The Boston Jewish Advocate
November 28, 2008
Letter to the Editor: Debating reality
By Stan Fleischman
In his letter "Enthusiasm vs. reality" (Nov. 21), Rick Blumsack of Cambridge, in responding to Sidney Topol's editorial ("The Time for Peace is Now," Nov. 14), claims that the reality in the middle east is that "...Arab leaders have never agreed to, or even proposed a genuine two-state peace." [Read More] - Winchester Star
November 21, 2008
Winchester Rabbi sends message to President-elect
Winchester rabbi Rim Meirowitz joined 92 rabbis, cantors, and rabbinical students from across the Boston area, and more than 700 from across the country, to call on President-elect Barack Obama to make vigilant U.S. leadership in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict a top priority of his administration, reversing eight years of diplomatic neglect. [Read More] - The Boston Jewish Advocate
November 21, 2008
Editorial: The time for peace is now
By Sidney Topol
I have written before to urge American Jews to not be discouraged and to continue to support the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. With the election of Barack Obama and a new prime minister soon to be elected in Israel, I once more affirm that this is a time for great hope. [Read More] - Canton Journal and Patriot Ledger
November 18, 2008
Canton rabbi joins others in message to President Elect
Canton rabbi Allison Berry joined 98 rabbis, cantors, and rabbinical students in the Boston area, and more than 800 from across the country to call on President-Elect Obama to make vigilant U.S. leadership in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict a top priority of his administration, reversing eight years of diplomatic neglect. [Read More] - Marblehead Reporter
November 18, 2008
Local rabbis join plea to Obama to resolve Israeli-Palestinian conflict
In a rabbinic open letter initiated by Brit Tzedek v’Shalom, the country’s largest grassroots Jewish grassroots peace movement, and sent initially to both presidential candidates, the signers pledged to mobilize support within the American Jewish community to the principle that “an American president who dedicates himself to the establishment of a durable Israeli-Palestinian peace acts in the best interests of Israel and the United States.” [Read More] - Cambridge Chronicle
November 12, 2008
Cambridge rabbis urge Obama to focus on resolving Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Three Cambridge rabbis joined 92 rabbis, cantors and rabbinical students in the Boston area, and almost 750 from across the country in calling on President-Elect Barack Obama to make vigilant U.S. leadership in resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict a top priority of his administration, reversing eight years of diplomatic neglect. [Read More] - The Jewish Advocate
November 7, 2008
Activists to discuss ideas for the next administration
Two leading American peace activists, one Jewish and one Palestinian, will talk to the Boston Chapter of Brit Tzedek v'Shalom, about mobilizing American Jews to advocate for a pro-Israel, pro-peace agenda for the next congress and administration. [Read More] - Harvard University Gazette
November 6, 2008
Spirited discussion brings some clarity to Obama’s strategy on Middle East
By Ruth Walker
In the final days before the U.S. presidential election, the two leading candidates were too busy dashing from one rally to the next in a few battleground states to make it to the reliably blue Bay State in person. [Read More] - The Jewish Advocate
October 29, 2008
Harvard Hillel, Brit Tzedek Hold 'Election 08' Forum
Harvard Hillel was the site of "Election '08: The Presidential Candidates' Vision of U.S. Foreign Policy," a forum featuring Kerry Healey as surrogate for Senator John McCain and Steve Grossman as surrogate for Senator Barack Obama. [Read More] - The Belmont Citizen-Herald
October 3, 2008
Jacoby, others advocate for resolution to Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Jonathan Jacoby joined a delegation of 12 Boston area activists who traveled to Capitol Hill recently to advocate for vigorous U.S. engagement in facilitating a negotiated, two-state resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. [Read More] - Ameinu
September 14, 2008
Op-ed: Resist Being Discouraged
By Sidney Topol
Last fall, I wrote in these pages that the time was ripe for American Jews to follow the lead of two unprecedented, bipartisan resolutions of the House of Representatives and the Senate in support of the Israeli-Palestinian peace talks about to be re-launched in Annapolis, Maryland. [Read More] - The Jewish Advocate
September 12, 2008
Op-ed: Politics as usual hurts Israel
By Jeremy Ben-Ami
In a few months, a new U.S. President will face a fundamental foreign policy choice: step up boldly to assert real leadership in achieving peace and lasting security for Israel or push the issue yet again to the back burner, allowing the parties to fend for themselves and violence and suffering to continue. [Read More] - The Jewish Advocate
August 22, 2008
Op-ed: Resist being discouraged
By Sid Topol
Last fall, I wrote in these pages that the time was ripe for American Jews to follow the lead of two unprecedented, bipartisan resolutions of the House of Representatives and the Senate in support of the Israeli-Palestinian peace talks about to be re-launched in Annapolis, Maryland. [Read More] - The Jewish Advocate
August 8, 2008
Op-ed: A true friend of Israel
What is a friend? A friend celebrates your joys, stands by you in times of trouble – and lets you know when you’re hurting yourself. A friend will tell you how others see you, even if it’s unpleasant. [Read More] - Sommerville Journal/News
August 6, 2008
Somerville resident advocates on Capitol Hill for resolution of the Israeli-Palestine conflict
Beth Wasserman of Somerville joined a delegation of twelve Boston area activists who traveled to Capitol Hill last week to advocate for vigorous U.S. engagement in facilitating a negotiated, two-state resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.[Read More] - The Jewish Advocate
July 18, 2008
Letter to the Editor: A Wise And Helpful Parshah
I found Grand Rabbi Korff’s dvar Torah on Parashat Chukas in your July 4 issue, which he titled “Talking to a rock,” extremely enlightening. [Read More] - Ipswich Chronicle
July 10, 2008
Local resident advocates for two-state resolution
Philip Kuhn of Ipswich joined a delegation of twelve Boston area activists who traveled to Capitol Hill last week to advocate for vigorous United States engagement in facilitating a negotiated, two-state resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. [Read More] - The Winchester Star
July 2, 2008
Alpert fights for Israeli-Palestinian conflict resolution
By Donna Spiegelman/Special to the Star
Bonnie Alpert of Winchester joined a delegation of 12 Boston area activists who traveled to Capitol Hill last week to advocate for vigorous U.S. engagement in facilitating a negotiated, two-state resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. [Read More] - The Jewish Advocate
June 26, 2008
Letter to the Editor: No Absolutes In Israel
By David Albert
In his June 13 letter, “Don’t blame Israel first” in response to my May 30
article “Bittersweet reflections,” the Zionist Organization of America’s
Morton Klein took issue with many of the facts that underpin Jewish peace
activism, and the efforts of Brit Tzedek v’Shalom, the national, grassroots
organization of which I am national treasurer. [Read More] - The Jewish Advocate
May 29, 2008
Op-ed: Bittersweet reflections
By David Albert
I suppose the best way to describe my feeling about Israel’s 60th birthday is bittersweet. I remember experiencing the same feeling 10 years ago on Israel’s 50th birthday. At that time, Hillel at my university held a big birthday celebration on campus while Palestinian students held a counter-protest a few feet away.[Read More] - The Boston Globe
May 14, 2008
Letter to the Editor: Mideast talks need greater diligence
By Deborah Katz
Jeff Jacoby ("A triumph of life and hope") and Yousef Munayyer ("For Palestinians, mourning") might seem to speak for the two sides in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict ("Israel at sixty," Op-ed, May 11). But I don't think this is true. [Read More]
- The Boston Globe
April 27, 2008
Letter to the Editor: Mideast talks need greater diligence
By Stan Fleishman
I have been futilely searching the Globe daily for some small ember that would indicate that the flame of hope for Mideast peace, lighted at the Annapolis Conference, has not yet been extinguished. [Read More] - The Jewish Advocate
April 11, 2008
Letter to the Editor: A Sustainable Peace Treaty
By Steve Masters
Rick Blumsack suggested I was unrealistic to call for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, because Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas cannot be trusted. I understand fears, as does anyone who loves Israel, but let us consider the facts. [Read More]
- The Jewish Advocate
April 11, 2008
Op-ed: Peace is still within reach
By Hanna Siniora
As a Palestinian who recently visited your country, I can understand the anger and impatience in some of the letters in this publication, including Rick Blumsack’s letter in the March 21 edition, “No Case for a Cease Fire.” The long-standing conflict between Palestinians and Israelis has been a disaster for Jews and Arabs alike, and of late the level of danger indeed has risen. [Read More]
- The Jewish Advocate
March 31, 2008
Op-ed: Peace is still within reach
By Donna Spiegelman
Gershon Baskin and Hanna Siniora, the Israeli and Palestinian co-directors of the Israel/Palestine Center for Research and Information (IPCRI), recently told an audience of 120 at Temple Israel in Boston that “a framework agreement for the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is within reach.” [Read More]
- Jewish Advocate
March 21, 2008
Op/Ed: The case for a ceasefire
By Steve Masters
Supporters of Israel are living through painful days. With Israeli-Hamas hostilities in Gaza, and the massacre of eight yeshiva students in Jerusalem, many pin their hopes for conflict resolution on Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Palestinian Authority. [Read More] - Jewish Advocate
March 6, 2008
'Breaking the Silence' comes to Harvard Hillel
By Lorne Bell
No military unit is better equipped and trained to protect the Jewish homeland’s borders than the Israel Defense Forces. But guarding against invaders and terrorists from the outside is only part of the mission of Israel’s young soldiers. [Read More] - Jewish Advocate
March 3, 2008
Op/Ed: A Presidential Peacemaker
The upcoming U.S. elections won't affect Israelis and Palestinians as they do American citizens - yet it's undeniable that America's choice for president will have an enormous impact on the lives and struggles of people in the Middle East. We can only hope that American votes will consider our concerns as they cast their ballots. [Read More] - The Jewish Advocate
February 28, 2008
Panel To Explore After Annapolis
By Gershon Baskin
Israel/Palestine Center for Research and Information (IPCRI), a joint Palestinian-Israeli public policy think tank, will speak at Temple Israel on Monday, March 3 at 7:30 p.m. [Read More] - The Jewish Advocate
February 22, 2008
Leaders speak on Annapolis aftermath
By Lorne Bell
Almost three months removed from the Annapolis Conference, the goal of realizing a lasting peace and two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians is still in its infancy. [Read More] - The Brookline Tab Online
February 19, 2008
The future of the Mideast peace process
Gershon Baskin and Hanna Siniora of the Israel/Palestine Center for Research and Information will speak Monday, March 3, 7:30 p.m., at Temple Israel, 477 Longwood Ave., on the Brookline/Boston line. They will discuss whether the peace process is at a dead end, or headed toward success. [Read More] - Jewish Advocate
January 31, 2008
Letter to the Editor: Story Headline Is Misleading
By Deborah Fogel
The headline of your recent article about Barack Obama is a perfect example of the rumor-filled and fear-based messages that have been circulating among Jewish groups online with the intent of undermining support for his candidacy among American Jews. [Read More] - Jewish Advocate
January 24, 2008
Letter to the Editor: Peace Process Must Move On
Paul Sassieni's "Time for a deep breath" (Jan. 11) rightly points out numerous roadblocks on the road to peace. After seven years of inaction and missteps on both sides -- despite Sassieni's insistence that Israel is wholly blameless, and Israel’s neighbors wholly at fault -- it's easy to be skeptical. [Read More] - Jewish Advocate
November 29, 2007
We Must Keep Up Our Support
On behalf of the Boston Chapter of Brit Tzedek v'Shalom, I applaud the Jewish Community Relations Council's recent statement of unequivocal support for the upcoming Mideast peace conference. [Read More] - Jewish Advocate
November 21, 2007
Boston Workmen's Circle calls for support for Annapolis Conference
The Boston chapter of the Workmen’s Circle is at the forefront of a growing call for American Jewry to focus on the Middle East peace process and support the upcoming Annapolis conference, which is set to convene later this month.[Read More] - Brookline Tab
November 8, 2007
Making a Mideast Summit
Mara Rudman will speak Wednesday, November 14 at a Chapter Gathering sponsored by Brit Tzedek v'Shalom that will take place at Temple Sinai, 50 Sewall Ave. in Brookline. [Read More] - Jewish Advocate
October 25, 2007
A Chance for a Resolution
The worsening situation in the Middle East during the past year has paradoxically cracked open a window for real movement toward resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. [Read More] - Newton Tab
October 2, 2007
Newtonites join steering committee of Jewish peace group
Deborah Fogel and Ilana Lescohier of Newton have joined the Steering Committee of the Boston Chapter of Brit Tzedek v'Shalom, the Jewish Alliance for Justice and Peace, as Synagogue Outreach co-chairwoman and secretary, respectively [Read More] - The Jewish Advocate
September 28, 2007
Peace Group Committee Acquires Three
Bonnie Alpert of Winchester and Deborah Fogel and Ilana Lescohier of Newton have joined the Steering Committee of the Boston Chapter of Brit Tzedek v’Shalom, the Jewish Alliance for Justice and Peace, as Advocacy chair, Synagogue Outreach co-chair and secretary. [Read More] - Winchester Star
August 23, 2007
Bay State Senators Reflect Desires of American Jews
Winchester residents work for positive change locally, nationally, and internationally. [Read More] - Newton Tab
August 14, 2007
Proud of our U.S. senators
I write to express support for Senator Kennedy and Kerry's co-sponsorship of the Feinstein-Lugar resolution, the first pro-Israel, pro-peace resolution likely to pass the Senate in years, and which by last week had 36 co-sponsors – over one-third of the Senate. [Read More] - Jewish Advocate
May 18, 2007
A Glimpse of Future Peace
Stan Fleischman
Thank you for your coverage in the May 18 Advocate of "Israeli-Palestinian Peace: Forget It or Not Just Yet?" held at Temple Beth Zion in Brookline, sponsored by Brit Tzedek v'Shalom and the JCRC. [Read More] - Jewish Advocate
May 18, 2007
Reflection on a city divided
Rabbi Toba Spitzer
This week, many in Israel and in the Jewish community celebrated Yom Yerushalayim, Jerusalem Day. [Read More] - Jewish Advocate
May 17, 2007
Experts Paint Grim Picture: Speakers Urge Steps for Peace
Kristin Erekson
In a difficult discussion of Temple Beth Zion in Brookline last week, two experts on the Middle East painted a grim portrait of the situation overseas if a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is not found soon. [Read More] - Jewish Advocate May 9, 2007
- Jewish Advocate March 16, 2007
- Jewish Advocate March 16, 2007
- Jewish Advocate
November 16, 2006
Concern Over Olmert Visit
I am a Jewish American and a supporter of Israel. However, I am concerned about what needs to result from Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert’s visit to Washington. In the past few months, the situation in Gaza has gone from bad to worse to appalling. [read more]
- The Jewish Advocate
August 3, 2006
West Coast Murder Puts Boston Jews on High Alert
The local Jewish community is on high alert and is taking safety precautions following an assault that left one dead and several injured at the Jewish Federation in Seattle near the start of Shabbat last week. - The Boston Globe
August 2, 2006
For Local Jews, Strong Support for Israel but Questions Remain
In the warehouse of the Greater Boston Food Bank, Joshua Rosmarin, recently back from Israel, sorts cereal alongside 30 other American and Israeli teenagers. He'd anticipated a trip to the Jewish homeland since his family started saving in his Milton synagogue's "Passport to Israel" program eight years ago, but he didn't expect to become a witness to history. - The Jewish Advocate
July 27, 2006
Rallying for Israel
On July 18, Jews from the Boston area came together for a community rally to support Israel. As an active member of the Boston Jewish community and Brit Tzedek v'Shalom, the Jewish Alliance for Justice and Peace, a national grassroots organization of more than 34,000 supporters, I participated in the rally. - News Night - Video
July 2006
New England Cable News Interview with Beth Wasserman of Brit Tzedek v'Shalom Boston - The Jewish Advocate
July 20, 2006
Israel Crisis Prompts Cry from Boston Community
As fighting between Israel and Hezbollah intensifies, the Boston Jewish community has reacted to the ongoing crisis in an enormous showing of solidarity with the state of Israel. - Boston Globe
July 19, 2006
Israel Gets Some Local Backing
More than 2,000 Boston-area Jews and other supporters of Israel held a sometimes solemn, sometimes exuberant demonstration of solidarity with the Jewish state outside Congregation Kehillath Israel last night. - Boston Globe
July 8, 2006
Loving Israel
Re Michael Paulson's story on the protests outside the Israeli consulate Wednesday, thanks much for covering this. However, I have a concern — and it's across-the-board regarding the reporting of protests "against Israel." - Boston Globe
May 24, 2006
Bush Backs Olmert on Pullout Plan
President Bush and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert of Israel said yesterday that talks between Israel and the Palestinians remain the best hope for Middle East peace. But Bush gave conditional support to Olmert?s plan to pursue a unilateral separation from the Palestinians if the Hamas-dominated government is unwilling to negotiate a peace agreement. - The Jewish Advocate
May 18, 2006
Hope for the Middle East
When Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert meets with President Bush next week, I hope they will explore ways to engage in proactive diplomatic engagement with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. - The Jewish Advocate
May 5, 2006
Goals Are Not ‘Nefarious’
Pinchas Baram (Letters, April 21) says that Brit Tzedek v’Shalom’s “nefarious core goals” are that “Gaza First cannot be allowed to become Gaza Last; [that] settlement growth must be frozen; [and that] further withdrawal from West Bank settlements is vital.” - The Jewish Advocate
April 20, 2006
Letter to the Editor: Thank You, Janet Tassel
What a relief to read Janet Tassel! She literally cuts through all the politically correct nonsense which left-wing Jews, always spouting “tikkun olam” regardless of the cause, have helped to foist on this country. But notice how after she adroitly makes mincemeat of their arguments, they then play the innocent and cry foul. - The Jewish Advocate
April 13, 2006
Letter to the Editor
Regarding Janet Tassel’s April 6 commentary on the Rabbis’ Letter to President Bush, launched by Brit Tzedek v’Shalom and signed by nearly 400 rabbis: A careful reading of the letter shows the rabbis’ horror at Hamas’s election, and concern that President Bush “maintain determination in the face of those who deny Israel’s right to exist.” Brit Tzedek in no way supports aid to this Palestinian government; the rabbis called for HUMANITARIAN aid. - The Jewish Advocate
April 10, 2006
Pending House and Senate Bills Cut Aid to PA
With legislation now before Congress that would effectively discontinue all U.S. aid to the Palestinian Authority, national and local Jewish leaders are weighing whether the U.S. should completely isolate or maintain some level of assistance to a Palestinian government led by the terrorist group Hamas. - The Jewish Advocate
March 10, 2006
Local Rabbis Sign Letter for Peace
Nearly 50 New England rabbis signed a letter with 400 rabbis across the country urging President George W. Bush to “maintain a cautious approach to the new Palestinian government, so as to preserve the future possibility of bringing Israelis and Palestinians back to the negotiating table, which is the only path to achieve true peace and security for both peoples.” - The Jewish Advocate
February 17, 2006
CAMERA Calls for Brandeis to Investigate Professor
Pro-Israel media watchdog wants college to look into Professor Khalil Shikaki. - The Jewish Advocate
January 27, 2006
New Web Site Voices Doubt over Accuracy in Middle East Deaths
A Boston University professor has established a Web site devoted to challenging the authenticity of media footage of Palestinians being killed by Israeli soldiers. - The Jewish Advocate
January 26, 2006
Brandeis Professor Accused of Terror Ties
A Brandeis professor has come under fire this week for alleged ties to Palestinian Islamic Jihad, bringing the university under intense scrutiny from the Jewish community. - The Ausblick
Fall, 2005
My Words of Tshuvah
The Days of Awe come once more. The past year is reviewed, the book for next year is written and sealed. - International Herald Tribune
August 19, 2005
Leaving Gaza
In the early 1980’s, Amos Oz’s “In the Land of Israel” warned of the growing suspicions of decent people outside the country who had begun to ask whether Jews really wanted only a “strip of land for sanctuary, a homeland, independence, peace and security, as they claimed originally, or are they really cheating, and is their real goal to reconstruct some nationalistic-religious fantasy?” - Newton Tab
August 17, 2005
Barney Frank’s ’Vote for Peace’
“I’m proud of our Rep. Barney Frank for leading 100 members of Congress (including 7 of the Bay State’s 10 reps) to vote for peace in the July 20th Congressional debate on Mideast aid.” - The Boston Globe
August 15, 2005
Beyond the Gaza Disengagement
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s plan to disengage from the Gaza Strip by evacuating Israeli settlements there and withdrawing troops is scheduled to begin today. Advocates of a negotiated Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement, based on a genuine two-state solution, have understandable misgivings about Sharon’s ultimate intentions. - The Jewish Advocate
August 11, 2005
Leaving Gaza, Finding Peace
The planned Israeli pullout from Gaza will finally take place just after Tisha b’Av, a day associated with a sense of loss for the Jewish people. The original date for removing some 9,000 settlers fell during the traditional 21-day mourning period leading up to Tisha b’Av, a time commemorating the destruction of the First and Second Temples. - The Jewish Advocate
August 5, 2005
U.S. Envoy Needed in Israel
The last decade has been very emotional for Israel’s supporters. The hope for peace has been raised, only to be unfulfilled, too many times. - Cambridge Chronicle
August 4, 2005
Balser named CEO of Brit Tzedek
Diane Balser of Cambridge was recently appointed CEO of Brit Tzedek v’Shalom, a national grassroots organization of American Jews committed to promoting a peaceful, negotiated settlement to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. A professor of women’s studies at Boston University, Balser has a long track record of liberal Jewish activism as well as advocacy on women’s issues; she helped found Brit Tzedek in 2002. - Brookline Tab
August 4, 2005
Our Rep Leads for peace
I’m proud of our Rep. Barney Frank for leading 100 members of congress (including 7 of the Bay State’s 10 reps) to vote for peace in last week’s congressional debate on Mideast aid. These wise 100 representatives understood that in regard to the Israel-Palestine conflict, American and Israeli interests are both served by supporting Palestinian moderates. In the case of the vote Barney bravely led, this meant trying to give the President approval to administer an agreed-on aid amount to the Palestinian Authority on a schedule he determines will be most effective. - Somerville Journal
August 3, 2005
On the Gaza Withdrawal
We should thank Rep. Michael Capuano for joining 100 members of Congress (including 7 of the Bay State’s 10 reps) in voting for peace in last week’s congressional debate on Mideast aid. This vote reflects an understanding that both American and Israeli interests are best served by supporting Palestinian moderates. In the case of last week’s vote, this meant trying to give the President approval to administer an agreed-on aid amount to the Palestinian Authority on a schedule he determines will be most effective. - The Jewish Advocate
September 30, 2005
Israel as light unto the world
The Days of Awe come once more. The past year is reviewed, the book for next year is written and sealed. - The Jewish Advocate
July 28, 2005
Abbas must be supported in Gaza disengagement
My fellow American Jews and I mourn the loss of life and the shedding of blood caused by last week’s terrorist attack in Netanya, Israel. This horrific event demonstrates that the Palestinian use of terror as a political strategy is futile and counterproductive. - Cambridge Chronicle
July 28, 2005
American Jews Condemn Violence
My fellow American Jews and I mourn the loss of life and the shedding of blood caused by last week's terrorist attack in Netanya, Israel. This horrific event demonstrates that the Palestinian use of terror as a political strategy is futile and counterproductive. - The Jewish Advocate
June 3-9, 2005
Fulfilling the Dream of Peace
Only two weeks ago, Israel celebrated the 57th anniversary of its independence. As American Jews, we joined Israelis in celebrating the amazing achievements of the Jewish State. - The Jewish Advocate
June 3-9, 2005
Memorial Day Campaign Launched
Brit Tzedek v’Shalom launched a new campaign this week, meeting with local politicians across the country to convey its national platform. - The Jewish Advocate
April 22-28, 2005
Boston's Far Left-Wing Jews Are Determined not to Be Left Out
As Cambridge residents join an international day of action against Caterpillar and the Somerville Divestment Campaign heats up, the Jewish Advocate asks: what motivates the Jewish left wing? - The Jewish Advocate
October 29, 2004
Forum Respected Divergent Opinions on Israel
I wish to applaud our Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston and Temple Israel for hosting upwards of 700 people who came to listen to former Ambassador Dennis Ross on Oct. 11. - The Jewish Advocate
October 22, 2004
On Eve of Gaza Exit Vote, Peres Visits Boston
Shimon Peres may be feeling a bit lonely these days. Although it is nearly impossible to imagine the Labor Party without Peres, he has spoken out against his party in favor of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s controversial Gaza withdrawal plan, which Peres views as a pragmatic, if far from perfect, step toward peace. - The Jewish Advocate
April 2, 2004
Town Meetings Essential for American Jews
Kudos to the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston, the American Jewish Committee, the Combined Jewish Philanthropies and Temple Shalom in West Newton for last week’s open forum promoting dialogue about the prospects for peace in Israel. - The Jewish Advocate
April 2, 2004
An Open Forum on Geneva Accords Is Needed
The Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston, the American Jewish Committee, the Combined Jewish Philanthropies and Temple Shalom of Newton should be sincerely thanked and congratulated for their open town hall meeting on “Prospects for Peace in Israel,” which gathered together hundreds of concerned Jews from the Boston area to have a serious, respectful, public discussion that let a wide range of opinions be expressed. - The Jewish Advocate
April 2, 2004
Town Meeting Was a Truly Wonderful Event
I am writing to communicate my appreciation and congratulations to the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston for putting on the town hall meeting on the “Prospects for Peace in Israel” at Temple Israel in Newton. - The Jewish Advocate
November 7, 2003
Peace, Peace, but There Is No Peace
BOSTON - An unexpected promise of peace between Israel and the Palestinians blended with an enthusiastic appetite for political action at a national conference, sponsored by the Chicago-based Brit Tzedek v’Shalom, the Jewish Alliance for Justice and Peace, held Oct. 31 - Nov. 2 at Boston's Park Plaza Hotel. - Brookline TAB
November 6, 2003
Competing Middle East Stances Confuse and Clarify
Brookline was well represented last weekend at Boston’s Park Plaza Hotel, where activists from Brit Tzedek v'Shalom (Jewish Alliance for Justice and Peace) organized for a peaceful future between Israel and a State of Palestine. Many conventioneers were mystified, though, when members of the New England Committee to Defend Palestine (NECDP) gathered across the street to denounce the meeting. Indeed, some on both sides wondered what the two groups disagreed about. - The Boston Globe
October 26, 2003
A New US Movement for Middle East Peace
With Israeli-Palestinian violence, including the horrible phenomenon of suicide bombing, raging since September 2000, it is often said that the Israeli peace movement has been shattered and reduced to a small coterie of diehards. Recently, though, there has been a modest revival of the Israeli peace camp, including the letter from Israeli pilots who refuse to bomb civilian population centers, the letters of protest from Avrum Burg, former speaker of the Knesset, and now the Geneva Accord reached between remnants of the Israeli left and a group of Palestinian officials and intellectuals. - Brookline TAB
November 21, 2002
Justice, Peace, and Amer Jubran (Again)
“This Sunday the national organization Brit Tzedek v'Shalom — the Jewish Alliance for Justice and Peace — meets in Brookline for the founding meeting of its Boston chapter...”
New Context for Peace
Rafi Dajani and Daniel Levy
Israel just marked its 59th birthday and like a typical baby boomer, she tends to vent her frustration at dreams not realized. [Read More]
Pro-Peace and Pro-Security
Letter to the Editor by James Adler
Let us be clear: We must be morally unambiguous even during conflicts. [Read More]
Textbooks Only a Symptom
Letter to the Editor by Donna Spiegelman and Beth Wasserman
We would like to clarify some misunderstanding about the positions of Brit Tzedek v'Shalom, a Jewish pro-Israel, pro-peace organization as expressed in a recent column...[Read More]
PRESS RELEASE
Washington, DC, June 26: On June 20, Foreign Policy and Legislative aides to Senators Edward M. Kennedy and John Kerry met in their Washington offices with members of the Boston Chapter of Brit Tzedek v'Shalom, America's largest pro-Israel, pro-Peace Jewish grassroots organization. The ten-strong Massachusetts delegation also talked with Representative Barney Frank (Newton) at his office and met Representative Michael Capuano (Somerville) as he entered on their meeting with his aide. The Capitol Hill visits took place during Brit Tzedek's National Advocacy Days, held June 18-20, when almost 100 Brit Tzedek activists held meetings in congressional offices representing 24 states. [Read more]
Chapter Newsletters
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Washington, DC, June 26: On June 20, Foreign Policy and Legislative aides to Senators Edward M. Kennedy and John Kerry met in their Washington offices with members of the Boston Chapter of Brit Tzedek v'Shalom, America's largest pro-Israel, pro-Peace Jewish grassroots organization. The ten-strong Massachusetts delegation also talked with Representative Barney Frank (Newton) at his office and met Representative Michael Capuano (Somerville) as he entered on their meeting with his aide. The Capitol Hill visits took place during Brit Tzedek's National Advocacy Days, held June 18-20, when almost 100 Brit Tzedek activists held meetings in congressional offices representing 24 states. [Read more]
Chapter Newsletters
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