stan van houcke: Jewish Voice for Peace 2

dinsdag 23 oktober 2012

Jewish Voice for Peace 2

Dear Stan,This month, 15 prominent American Christian leaders called on Congress to treat Israel like any other country by making sure U.S. military aid to Israel is consistent with US law. (1)
Amazingly, a number of Jewish organizations suggested the call was rooted in anti-Jewish bigotry. They even cancelled a major Jewish-Christian gathering in protest.
Unless we let these courageous Christian leaders know we have their backs, other prominent voices will be less likely to question unconditional aid to Israel. Can you sign our petition to thank them?
Click here: http://tinyurl.com/ChristianLeaderPetition
Rabbis from Jewish Voice for Peace’s Rabbinical Council joined me in issuing a statement expressing our dismay at this unwarranted attack on leaders from various denominations. (2)
Now our goal is to make sure they hear from 18,000 of you. Please sign the petition of support and forward this email to everyone you know. Click here: http://tinyurl.com/ChristianLeaderPetition
It is hardly outrageous to ask that Israel, which recieves billions a year in military assistance, to follow our nation’s laws and policies. The U.S. Foreign Assistance Act and the U.S. Arms Export Control Act specifically prohibit assistance to any country which engages in a consistent pattern of human rights violations.
We agree with those who think Israel should be treated no differently from any other country. But not subjecting Israel’s aid to review required of other countries would be singling out Israel for preferential treatment. Simply put, military aid should be conditioned on adherence to these laws.
Please stand with me in support of the Christian leaders who understand that unconditional military aid to Israel is a key obstacle to a lasting and just peace.
Thanks,