Making Room For Justice

Palestinian Bid for Statehood:

Faith communities and leaders speak out

We commit to re-visioning “homeland” to make room for justice.

We seek breathing room and dignity for all people.

We are committed to the struggle. We are the struggle.

From The Young Jewish Declaration

Young, Jewish, and Proud--- Jewish Voice for Peace

The speeches have been given and the world is waiting. I have gathered reflections, statements, letters, and action alerts from the faithful throughout the world for you to see what is being said, how people are weighing in. Their is unanimous support for the Palestinian bid.

Let us take our cues from the Young, Jewish, and Proud activists from Jewish Voices for Peace and recognize that we not only need to re-vision the kind of world we want based on justice and peace, but we must commit ourselves to the struggle for its liberation or as the youth so boldly invite us, we must recognize that “We are the struggle.”  So raise your voice, sign a petition, call. Silence is complicity.

Faith Coalitions or Organizations

From the Sabeel  Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center Statement

Dilemas and Opportunities Facing the Palestinian People

Sabeel as a liberation theology movement working basically for justice, peace, and reconciliation prophetically offers the following suggestions:

1.  If Israel refuses to comply with the UN decision, the UN can ask all member states to use the whole range of nonviolent methods of resistance including boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) to make it comply.  It will take time, but it is a start.  There are other options that the UN has at its disposal.  If there is an international will to force the government of Israel to conform with and submit to the demands of the international community, it can be done.   We have seen the UN in action when other countries have not complied with UN resolutions.

2. Whereas the Israeli settlements on the West Bank and in and around Jerusalem are considered illegal according to international law, and thus illegitimate, then all the settlements become automatically an integral part of the Palestinian state.  And whereas the Palestinians aspire for a civil democratic state irrespective of race, ethnicity, or religion, there will be no objection if some Jewish people choose to live in Palestine peacefully under Palestinian Jurisdiction.

3.  The government of Israel must recognize its responsibility for the displacement of the Palestinian refugees between 1947- 49.  Israel has consistently refused to implement UN Resolution 194, on which basis it was allowed to become a member of the UN.  The Right of Return is an international right, as well as an individual inalienable right.  Once Israel accepts that this right applies to the Palestinians, then its implementation would be negotiated

http://epfnational.org/PIN/sabeel-statement-dilemmas-and-opportunities-facing-the-palestinian-people/

from Jerusalem Heads of Churches statement On UN Vote

Looking ahead to the upcoming General Assembly of the United Nations in this September 2011 and the bid for Palestinian statehood, the Heads of Christian Churches in Jerusalem feel the need to intensify the prayers and diplomatic efforts for peace between Palestinians and Israelis, see this as the most appropriate time for such an opportunity, and thus wish to reiterate the following principles upon which we agree: 1.       A two-state solution serves the cause of peace and justice. 2.       Israelis and Palestinians must live each in their own independent states with peace,security and justice, respecting human rights, according to international law. 3.       Negotiations are the best way to resolve all outstanding problems between the two sides. 4.       Palestinians and Israelis should exercise restraint, whatever the outcome of the vote at the United Nations. 5.       Jerusalem is a Holy City to the followers of all three Abrahamic faiths, in which all people should be able to live in peace and tranquility, a city to be shared by the two peoples and the three faiths. Thus, we call upon decision makers and people of good will, to do their utmost to achieve the long awaited justice, peace and reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians so that the prophecy of Prophet David is lived again: "Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other.”(Ps. 85: 10)

From U.S. Christian Leaders Response to the Heads of Christian Churches in Jerusalem

On the Palestinian Application to be a Member State of the United Nations

As Christian leaders in the United States, we are dismayed that the Obama administration

Palestinian conflict through appeal to the United Nations. We recall that it was this body

which proposed the partition in 1947 that led to the creation of the state of Israel the nextyear. This body has also been the focus for decisions which the United States has either

initiated or been an affirming party. We are concerned U.S. opposition to Palestinian

efforts at the United Nations will be perceived as a callous rejection of the Palestinian

right of self-determination, further damaging relationships at all levels in the Middle East

and around the world, and leading to further conflict and strife.

Together with you, we will continue to advocate to our respective governments and

engage the international community in multilateral efforts, such as those undertaken

through the United Nations or at Madrid in 1991, to work for peace between Israel and

Palestine as well as with other nations in the region.

“Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering,

for he who has promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23)

http://blogs.elca.org/peacenotwalls/files/2011/10/2011.09.30-Response-to-Communique-
from-the-Heads.pdf

From the World Council of Churches: Statement by the WCC General Secretary

This request must be considered in the light of numerous resolutions passed at the UN Security Council and General Assembly, supporting a two-state solution. They are the basis for a peace not yet established in a conflict which is also constantly influencing other conflicts in the world. It is now a unique opportunity for the UN to take important decisions to fulfil its role and mandate according to the UN Charter, to make peace with justice prevail between Israelis and Palestinians, and with their neighbours.

Yesterday’s announcement in Israel of plans to build 1,100 more housing units on occupied territory is a stark reminder of why sober deliberation, genuine courage and responsible action by the United Nations are necessary. The United Nations is the voice of the international community in this dispute, a voice that has been raised many times to lay out the basis for an equitable peace between two states. 

http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/documents/general-secretary/statements/un-membership-application-of-palestine.html

From American Muslims for Peace

AMP asks US to uphold Cairo promise to support Palestinian statehood

(CHICAGO 09/20/2011) -- The American Muslims for Palestine stands in solidarity with all Palestinians – the millions of refugees in Diaspora and in refugee camps, the Palestinians of Gaza who are besieged almost beyond human endurance, the Palestinians of the West Bank who must fight every day for the simple act of moving freely about in their own country, and the Palestinian citizens of Israel, who are discriminated against and are forced to live as second- and third-class residents in a racist and apartheid state.

All Palestinians have a right to be heard and to determine the course of their future; and Israel must be held to account for its actions. AMP calls on Congress to use our $3 billion in unconditional military aid to pressure Israel to abide by international law and end the siege on the Palestinians of Gaza and the occupation of Palestine. http://www.ampalestine.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1619:amp-asks-us-to-uphold-cairo-promise-to-support-palestinian-statehood-&catid=28:statements&Itemid=558

From Jewish Voice for Peace

No More Vetoes at the UN

It’s time.

We know that the vote is just one step, and only a beginning. It won’t stop the growing pace of Israeli settlement in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. It won’t suddenly mean there is a viable Palestinian state, or freedom for those in Gaza, or a just resolution to the problem of refugees.

But it will recognize the right to Palestinian self-determination, give our movement additional tools in moving toward a truly just resolution, and give fresh hope to all the people of Palestine and Israel who deserve to live in freedom and democracy.

Do we think the US will change and finally do the right thing this time? Probably not. The US will likely again stand alone in the Security Council and once again veto, or vote no with the few allies it can find, like Micronesia and Palau, if the vote goes to the UN General Assembly.

But this time, they can’t do it quietly. We won’t let them. This time– this 42nd time– let's make sure the United States is not what keeps the Palestinians from determining their own future, and of being citizens of the world.

http://jewishvoiceforpeace.org/campaigns/no-more-us-vetoes-at-the-un

From the Chicago Faith Coalition on Middle East Policy

Statement on the Palestinian Bid for Statehood

The Chicago Faith Coalition on Middle East Policy is calling on the United States government not to veto the appeal for admission of the State of Palestine as a full member of the United Nations this month.

Background: Palestinian officials have announced their decision to request full United Nations membership status for a State of Palestine in the West Bank and Gaza when the General Assembly convenes in September. The West Bank and Gaza Strip have been under illegal Israeli occupation since 1967.

The Israeli government which has stripped Palestinians of their civil and national rights for decades opposes the idea and the US administration has indicated it would likely use its veto to block the process in the Security Council and prevent admission of the State of Palestine to the United Nations.

Our administration must not continue to block Palestinian human and national rights. The United States should not veto the Security Council resolution.

We remember President Obama’s pledge in his Cairo speech that:

“The Situation for the Palestinian People is intolerable. America will not turn our backs on the legitimate Palestinian aspiration for dignity, opportunity, and a state of their own.”

See website for more information about the coalition and its work

www.chicagofaithcoalition.org

From Churches for Middle East Peace

Statement on the Palestinian Initiative at the United Nations

It is time to consider how to translate potential actions at the United Nations into the next steps toward peace. Genuine and bold U.S. leadership is necessary to return Israelis and Palestinians to the negotiating table immediately. U.S. reengagement must include a comprehensive approach to all final status issues in the conflict and there must be a realistically short horizon for a political agreement, not open-ended negotiations that provide little incentive for either party to make the sacrifices necessary to resolve this conflict.

For full statement and other resources

http://www.cmep.org/content/cmep-statement-palestinian-initiative-united-nations

Action Alerts

From the United Church of Christ Action Alert

JPANet: A UN Vote for Palestine

Tell Congress and the Administration that rather than working to block a vote at the UN, it should affirm U.S. commitment to a comprehensive peace process that includes not only a recognition of Palestinian statehood but also an end to the occupation, resolution of all outstanding issues (including refugees, borders, Jerusalem, etc.) and way towards a fair and lasting two-state solution.

Sign onto the petition or read the whole alert https://secure3.convio.net/ucc/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=835

From the Action Alert from the Presbyterian Church USA Office of Public Witness

Tell President Obama not to veto Palestine bid for the Un membership

Denying membership in the United Nations denies the right of the Palestinians  to self-determination – a right long affirmed by General Assemblies of the  Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The Palestinians have determined that this is the time to apply for membership. The principle of democratic self-determination by  peoples is fundamental to a just international order.

Membership for Palestine will not solve all the issues related to peace in  the Middle East, but it offers a firmer platform for future resolution than  unequal negotiation. Palestinians have a right to freedom in their own viable  and democratic state that is part of the United Nations.

Sign onto the petition or read more Presbyterian Washington Office of Public Witness <ga_washington_office@pcusa.org>

Letters and Statements

From the Joint Statement of the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), the Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL), and the Quaker United Nations Office in New York (QUNO)

Palestinian U.N. Bid: U.S. Should Press for Peace, Not Punishment

We are gravely concerned that the response of the Obama administration and Congress to the Palestinian quest for statehood recognition at the United Nations will further fuel violent conflict in the Middle East. Rather than punish Palestinians for pursuing an international forum for addressing their right to self-determination, the United States should welcome this nonviolent approach and use its diplomatic influence and resources to leverage the political opening toward securing a comprehensive and lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Recommendations for the Obama administration:

•                Use U.S. voice and vote at the U.N. to welcome the use of nonviolent approaches rooted in international law to resolve conflict. A lone U.S. veto in the Security Council would be a sharp rebuke to Palestinian nonviolence and would undermine the rising forces of democracy and nonviolence throughout the Middle East.

•                Call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint in the aftermath of the deliberations at the U.N. on Palestine.

•                Invest in high-level diplomatic energy to press for comprehensive negotiations in good faith between Israel and a unified Palestinian government, encouraging rather than impending Palestinian reconciliation efforts.

•                Sign onto their online petition or read the whole letter

•                http://fcnl.org/issues/middle_east/joint_quaker_statement_on_palestinian_

 From Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson of Evangelical Lutheran Church of the USA

The objective of the initiative at the United Nations is to achieve a two-state solution, an objective we share with your administration. We agree with your statement to the UN last year that those who seek such a solution “... should reach for what's best within ourselves. If we do, when we come back here next year, we can have an agreement that will lead to a new member of the United Nations -- an independent, sovereign state of Palestine, living in peace with Israel.” Even so, in the absence of direct negotiations, it is reasonable that the Palestinians and others are turning to the international forum of the UN in an effort to finally realize the goal of an independent Palestinian state.

http://blogs.elca.org/peacenotwalls/files/2011/09/11septhansonletterunstatehood.pdf

From Unitarian Universalists for Justice in the Middle East: Statement on U.N> Palestinian Statehood Vote 

*

While UUJME has not taken a position on the merits of the statehood initiative itself, we believe Palestinians have the right to take their case to the UN for consideration by the international community, and we oppose the US government’s intention to block or punish their efforts. 

*

As peoples throughout the Middle East mobilize to take control of their own destinies, the United States must not continue to stand in the way of Palestinians’ efforts to control theirs.

*

UUJME remains steadfast in our belief that, whatever the outcome of the UN vote, the obligation to uphold international law and respect the human rights of all peoples involved, including the refugees, remains as integral and vital as ever to the prospects for a just and lasting peace.

*

From Stassen and Gushee: An Open Letter to Christian Zionists

We have come to believe that Christian Zionism underwrites theft of Palestinian land and oppresses Palestinian people, helps create the conditions for an explosion of violence, and pushes US policy in a destructive direction that violates our nation’s commitment to universal human rights.

We write as evangelical Christians committed to Israel’s security. We worry about your support for policies that violate biblical warnings about injustice and may lead to the destruction of Israel.

http://blog.sojo.net/2011/09/20/stassen-and-gushee-an-open-letter-to-christian-zionists/

From Palestinian Christian Rev. Alex Awad

Western Christians Should Support a Palestinian Statehood

Those who pray for “the peace of Jerusalem” need, at the same time, to support the immediate creation of a Palestinian state. Christians tarnish their testimony in the world when they continue to endorse or be passive about the lingering injustice in Palestine.

It is not that Palestinians are against negotiations, but rather, they are exhausted by two decades of fruitless and painful wrangling with Israeli leaders.  It is our Christian duty to become aware of what is going on in political circles and on the ground and then to take a stand with the truth. Christians are not called to be morally passive and politically indifferent but rather to be active in promoting solutions that will bring about reconciliation and an end to the suffering of both Israelis and Palestinians.

http://blog.sojo.net/2011/09/26/western-christians-should-support-a-palestinian-statehood/

Things You Can Do Right Now

Tell the Administration and Congress Not to Veto Palestinian State

1.    Call your representative and senators.  Call 202 224-3121 to be connected to the Capitol Switchboard and ask to be connected to your representative and ask them not to support a veto and to reject cuts to U.S. development and humanitarian aid for Palestinians, like H.R. 2829, The United Nations Transparency, Accountability, and Reform Act of 2011 introduced by Representative Ros-Lehtinen, which unjustly punishes not only Palestinians, but the entire U.N. system and all those around the world who benefit from its life-saving programs

2.    Call Secretary of State Hilary Clinton at 202 647 5291 and tell her and Susan Rice to not veto or obstruct the Palestinian bid for statehood.

3.    Sign one or more of the online petitions

4.    For more information on obstructive Congressional bills on Palestinian state and what you can do:   wwww.endtheoccupation.org

5.    Learn more about U.S. military aid to Israel at www.TwopeoplesOneFuture.org