Look Who's Bragging

These guys:

Our growth into a significant political force was clearly evident last week. Brit Tzedek supporters from across the country, together with those of J Street, made well over 4,000 phone calls requesting inclusion of our pro-Israel, pro-peace message in impending House and Senate resolutions on the Israel-Gaza crisis. Collectively our voices changed the status quo.

Typically AIPAC is the initiating force on Israel-related legislation. In this case Congressional staffers initiated and wrote the resolutions, seeking input from AIPAC and the pro-Israel, pro-peace community.

Both resolutions placed all the blame on Hamas for the current situation and did not mention Israel's blockade as having created a humanitarian crisis. Nevertheless, the demands of the pro-Israel, pro-peace camp were heard and taken seriously.

Brit Tzedek called on Congress to demand an immediate ceasefire, to acknowledge the suffering on both sides, and to demand U.S. leadership in reinvigorating the peace process. All three points were alluded to in both the House and Senate resolutions.

...And finally, 24 Democrats in the House of Representatives, many of whom our chapters have developed close relationships with, wrote a letter to the President and the Israeli Ambassador urging them to take immediate steps to relieve the deplorable humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Please thank them.

The bottom line: We, along with our pro-Israel, pro-peace coalition partners, including J Street, American for Peace Now, and the Israel Policy Forum, are advancing the pro-Israel pro-peace movement. Let's keep moving forward!

BEHIND THE SCENES

Initially, both Sen. Harry Reid (Senate Majority Leader) and Rep. Steny Hoyer (House Majority Leader) had opposed calling for an immediate ceasefire. Nevertheless, the final version calls for "a durable, enforceable, and sustainable ceasefire as soon as possible," as Brit Tzedek requested. Considering the strong resistance to any call for a ceasefire, the final wording is a reflection of a positive development in Congress.

Secondly, we asked Congress to acknowledge the suffering on both sides..

Finally, the resolutions recognize the need for "United States Government efforts to promote a just resolutions of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through a serious and sustained peace process that leads to the creation of a viable and independent Palestinian state living in peace alongside a secure State of Israel." The inclusion of this statement is highly significant because it highlights the only path forward after a ceasefire is reached to reach a sustainable peace resolution.

Erlanger Loved Among the Way-outers

I have been pointedly critical of the entrie thrust of Steve Erlanger's recent reports from Gaza ever since the overthrow.

Seems the far-out Jewish Left agrees, from the other side of the coin:-

With Yom Kippur just behind us, our thoughts turn now to the festival of Sukkot (sometimes known as the Feast of Booths or Tabernacles)...Like these other huts, the sukkot we build today are only temporarily fixed in place, and serve to instill within us a sense of movement and freedom.

It appears, however, that in Israel -- where you can find a sukkah on nearly every porch, in every yard and at every restaurant -- this message of movement and freedom is lost on those making policy decisions for the occupied West Bank...Sukkot is a time when we are to recall our own journey toward freedom and the wandering lives of our ancestors. Can we in good conscience celebrate fully when others are denied their freedom and freedom of movement? We can and should celebrate, but we need to also take special note of what is happening in the Occupied Territories while we celebrate.

Suggestions for Sukkot:

Learn about the restrictions the occupation places on daily life for Palestinians in the occupied territories and discuss them with your friends and family. A recent series of articles on this topic by Stever Erlanger of the New York Times is listed below.
For Gaza’s Young at Play, Fields Can Be Deadly by Steve Erlanger, New York Times, September 26, 2007
Isolation of Gaza Chokes Off Trade by Steve Erlanger, New York Times, September 19, 2007
West Bank Boys Dig a Living in Settler Trash by Steve Erlanger, New York Times, September 2, 2007
A Segregated Road in an Already Divided Land by Steve Erlanger, New York Times, August 11, 2007

This was written by Rabbi Scott B. Weiner, national board member who serves on the Rabbinic Cabinet of Brit Tzedek v'Shalom. He serves as the spiritual leader of the Hebrew Tabernacle Congregation in New York City...Rabbi Weiner co-founded the Running Rabbis, with his chevruta (study) partner, Rabbi Benjamin David. The Running Rabbis run marathons and other races to raise funds and awareness for important charities and causes.

Brit Tzedek v'Shalom, The Jewish Alliance for Justice and Peace
11 E. Adams Street, Suite 707
Chicago, IL 60603
Phone: (312) 341-1205
Fax: (312) 341-1206
info@btvshalom.org
www.btvshalom.org

Study partner.