People often like to note that many of the most courageous and brilliant campaigners in the West for a fair and peaceful future in Israel/Palestine are Jewish. I have pointed this out myself, and it's true. We note Jewish dissent regarding Israel as if it were remarkable, and often it is. Yet one must also note the long and illustrious traditions of radical Jewish thought in Europe, and say that today's campaigners are the inheritors of that work. Judith Butler has gone so far as to say that Jewish dissent - the dissidence of Jewish dissent, to adapt Burke - might be the greatest expression of that complex and rich culture.
So I welcome the initiative of my comrades highlighted below, while recognising that sooner or later, it was something they would have had to do anyway. They have a tremendous vision, even as they stand on the shoulders of giants.
Conor
Jewish Voice for Just Peace launched today, on
first day of Hanukah
A new pro-Palestinian group of Jewish people in Ireland has launched today,
the first day of the Jewish festival of Hanukah.
The statement says:
“We are Jewish people in Ireland who support the Palestinian struggle for
human rights and justice – a struggle that resonates with the Irish journey
towards peace. We share a commitment to human rights and justice for all.
As Jewish people, we oppose the cynical deployment of the anti-Semitic label, and the history of the oppression of the Jewish people, to silence those who legitimately criticise Israel. We are part of a long historical Jewish tradition of fighting oppression and standing up for peace and justice for all.
As Jewish people, we oppose the cynical deployment of the anti-Semitic label, and the history of the oppression of the Jewish people, to silence those who legitimately criticise Israel. We are part of a long historical Jewish tradition of fighting oppression and standing up for peace and justice for all.
The ongoing occupation of Palestinian land, the siege of Gaza, brutal military repression and violence, the rejection of meaningful peace, and the growth of far-right racism and fundamentalism in Israel have led to the formation of pro-peace and pro-justice Jewish groups throughout the world.
Our
group is proud to be part of this pro-Palestinian Jewish community, and to join
the global movement that supports the Palestinian struggle for their human
rights and for justice.
We support the application of the norms of international law and human
rights to Israel/Palestine. We also support those groups that are working to
create a just and lasting peace in Palestine.
The State of Israel does not represent the Jewish people. We have an
obligation to speak out when Israel claims its actions against the Palestinian
people are taken on behalf of the Jewish people.
Not in our name! ”
Founder signatories include Jo Bird (Derry), Laurence Davis (Cork), David
Landy (Dublin), Aisling McGeown (Belfast) and Sue Pentel (Belfast).
For up to date information, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jewish-Voice-For-Just-Peace-Ireland/697552513686018
