Congressional News Conference: Middle East Peace Process
October 25, 2001
On Thursday, October 25, 2001, Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney hosted a
historic press conference with Mr. Uri Avnery, former Knesset Member and
founder of Gush Shalom, Israel's preeminent peace organization. Joining
Congresswoman McKinney and Mr. and Mrs. Avnery were Congressman Mel Watt of
North Carolina and several American Jewish peace organizations from around
the country. Following are the prepared statements made by Congresswoman
McKinney and the participating organizations.
- Uri Avnery of Gush Shalom statement available on C-Span ID#166943
- Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney
- Jews Against the Occupation statement read by Heidi Altman
- Boston Women in Black statement read by Nicole Sorger
- Jewish Women for Justice in Israel and Palestine statement read by Karen
- Orenstein
- Not in My Name - Chicago, Illinois statement read by Charles Lenchner
- "Break the Silence " statement read by Ariana Silverman
- Jews for Peace in Palestine and Israel statement read by Joshua Ruebner
- A Jewish Voice for Peace - Berkeley, California statement
- Congressman John Conyers
- Congressman John Dingell
- Jewish Mobilization for a Just Peace
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1.
STATEMENT BY REP. CYNTHIA MCKINNEY AT PRESS CONFERENCE WITH JEWISH PEACE
GROUPS
House Triangle-October 25, 2001
I would like to welcome Mr. Uri Avnery to Capitol Hill, and I would like to
take this time to commend him and his organization, Gush Shalom, for their
tireless efforts in the pursuit of a true and lasting peace for Palestinians
and Israelis.
I would also like to welcome and recognize the organizations that are
present, representing the affiliates of the JUNITY coalition, led by Jews for
Peace in Palestine and Israel, Jewish Women for Justice in Israel and
Palestine, Jewish Voice for Peace, Boston Women in Black, Jews Against the
Occupation and Not In My Name offer opinions and insight into growing
sentiment in the American Jewish community today.
I think the sentiments offered by President Bush and Secretary of State
Powell on the Administration's support for a viable Palestinian state are
important, and signal the right step toward a just and lasting peace in the
Middle East. As Secretary Powell said yesterday, "Lets try not to let this
cycle of violence become even more intense than it has been in recent days."
These organizations represent a new and vital voice that must be heard. I am
pleased to stand with them today for peace and security for all in the Middle
East.
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2.
Jews for Peace in Palestine and Israel (JPPI)
www.jppi.org
Contact: Joshua Ruebner, Executive Director, 202-423-7666
CAPITOL HILL PRESS CONFERENCE
Jews for Peace in Palestine and Israel (JPPI), a Washington, DC based
organization, on behalf of Jews United for a Just Peace (Junity), a national
network of Jewish organizations working for a just peace for both
Palestinians and Israelis, warmly welcome to Washington, Uri and Rahel
Avnery, the founders of the Israeli peace organization Gush Shalom (Peace
Bloc).
JPPI and Junity applaud the ongoing efforts of the Avnery's and of Gush
Shalom to work for a just, comprehensive and lasting peace for Israel and
Palestine. During the past year of the intifadah, the Palestinian uprising
against Israel's brutal military
occupation of the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem, some Israeli
peace organizations have become silent and ineffective. Not so with Gush
Shalom which has been steadfast in its words and actions and has not wavered
in its principled commitment to the cause of attaining a just peace for both
Palestine and Israel.
Along with Gush Shalom, JPPI and Junity are extremely concerned about the
latest Israeli reoccupation of Palestinian cities, a flagrant violation of
previously signed agreements which has led to the death of dozens of
Palestinian civilians over the past few days. We call upon the government of
the United States, both the Bush Administration and the Congress, to exercise
its influence with Israel to end this latest round of aggression and to bring
the parties back to the negotiating table.
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3.
MEDIA ALERT
For Immediate Release
Thursday, November 25, 2001
Not In My Name
PUB #206
2859 Central St.
Evanston, Illinois 60201
312-409-4845
www.nimn.org
Contacts:
Cindy Levitt: 847-830-7480
Steven Feuerstein 773.454.8397
Chicago-area Jews Call on Israel to Stop Escalating, Start Negotiating
Not In My Name, a Chicago-based organization of Jews seeking a just peace for
Palestinians and Israelis, strongly supports the work of Uri Avnery and Gush
Shalom. Not in My Name has grave concerns over Israel's escalation of
violence in the last seven days, including the deaths of more than thirty
Palestinians, including at least six youth, the injuring of more 150 more
Palestinians and the invasion and reoccupation of 8 Palestinian cities.
Israel took this action in retaliation for the assassination of Rehavam
Ze'evi, the first Israeli Cabinet minister ever to be killed by Palestinians.
Ze'evi was, in turn, targeted as a direct response to the August Israeli
assassination of Abu Ali Mustafa Zibri, a high-level Palestinian political
leader.
Not In My Name calls on Israel to immediately resume negotiations without any
pre-conditions with the Palestinian Authority in order to end the cycle of
violence and escalations which has already claimed more than 900 lives, the
vast majority of them Palestinian.
Not In My Name further calls on Israel to end its brutal occupation of the
West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem (the longest continuous military
occupation in modern history) and its illegal policies of assassinations,
targeting civilians, and ongoing land confiscation.
"Israel has a choice," states Steven Feuerstein, spokesperson for Not In My
Name. "It can continue to commit widespread, indiscriminate violence against
the entire Palestinian population and build Jewish-only settlements on
Palestinian land. Or it can enter into honest negotiations with the
Palestinian Authority to ensure a viable Palestinian state and a secure
Israel. This is a choice between war and peace and, to date, Ariel Sharon has
chosen to wage war. It is up to Americans, and particularly American Jews, to
compel Israel to choose instead the path of peace."
Not In My Name believes that our humanity does not end at the borders of our
religion. The brutal occupation of the Palestinian people is not our Judaism.
Confiscating Palestinian land and destroying Palestinians' livelihood is not
our Judaism. Terrorizing and killing them is not our Judaism. Intentionally
seeking the path of war, rather than the path of peace, is not our Judaism.
We can allow none of these things to be done in our name.
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4.
A Jewish Voice for Peace
P.O. Box 13286
Berkeley, CA 94712
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
American Jewish Groups, Congressional Leaders Join Israeli Peace Activist
in Condemning the Escalation of the Middle East Conflict
Contacts: Adam Gutride (415) 271-6469
Lincoln Shlensky (510) 841-5967
Mitchell Plitnick (510) 526-7913
San Francisco, Oct. 25 - A coalition of American Jewish peace organizations
and Congressional representatives met today with veteran Israeli peace
activist Uri Avnery, who is in the U.S. to advocate a stronger U.S. role in
forcing Israel and the Palestinian Authority back to the negotiating table.
Avnery, an Israeli war hero, former member of the Israeli Knesset
(parliament) and leader of the Israeli peace group, Gush Shalom, is currently
touring several major U.S. cities. He joined the American Jewish groups and
Congressional leaders today in condemning new Israeli invasions of
Palestinian self-rule areas that have led to an escalation of the conflict.
Mr. Avnery has long called for Israel to end its occupation of West Bank and
Gaza and establish an independent and sovereign state of Palestine in the
territories occupied by Israel since 1967. He and his wife, Rachel, were
recently awarded the Right Livelihood Award, commonly known as the
"alternative Nobel Prize," for their efforts on behalf of a just peace for
Israelis and Palestinians.
The meeting was organized by a Washington-based group, Jews for Peace in
Palestine and Israel. Other groups represented included A Jewish Voice for
Peace and the Coalition of Jews for Justice, of the San Francisco Bay Area;
Not In My Name, of Chicago; and JUNITY, an international network of Jewish
peace activists.
Members of A Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) said that they were urging Congress
to heed the voices of the many Israelis who call for the United States to
intervene in the conflict now. "Our message is simple: 'Just say NO to
escalation; say YES to a negotiated peace,'" Lincoln Shlensky, a JVP member
said. "The U.S. must give the two sides incentive to return to peaceful
negotiation, and threaten sanctions if they do not."
In the wake of the assassination by Palestinian militants last week of
Minister of Tourism Rechavam Ze'evi, Israel has invaded areas under limited
Palestinian self-rule. Over forty Palestinians, including women and children,
have died as a result.
"A Jewish Voice For Peace unequivocally condemns Ze'evi's assassination,"
said Mitchell Plitnick, another JVP spokesperson. "But we condemn equally the
Israeli policy of 'extrajudicial killings' that have contributed to the
cycle of violence and retribution. Furthermore, the assassination of Ze'evi
in no way justifies the overwhelming Israeli response, which has included
killing 40 people and damaging hospitals in Bethlehem and Beit Jala."
"Our government must help achieve Palestinian self-determination and security
for both peoples. A just peace in Israel and Palestine is necessary to
regional stability in other conflict zones, including Afghanistan," added
Adam Gutride, a spokesperson for A Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP).
A Jewish Voice for Peace is a Bay Area grassroots organization dedicated to
the human, civil and economic rights of all peoples in the Middle East. For
further information about A Jewish Voice for Peace, please visit
www.jewishvoiceforpeace.org.
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5.
Women in Black
Boston, Ma.
STATEMENT FOR 10/25
AVNERI-U.S Congress Press Conference
Boston Women in Black is a group of American Jewish women who stand monthly
in a silent vigil on a crowded street corner in a predominantly Jewish
neighborhood of Boston to express our sorrow for all of the loss of life in
Israel and among the Palestinian people though this ongoing conflict. We call
for an end to the Israeli occupation of the West Bank, Gaza Strip and
East Jerusalem which we believe to be the source of so much pain and
suffering. Our call echoes that of the Israeli Women in Black movement, which
has been standing weekly in similar vigils all over Israel since 1988. We
support Uri Avnery, veteran Israeli peace activist, Israeli war veteran, and
child refugee from Hitler's Germany, in his quest for a just, lasting and
viable peace between the Israeli and the Palestinian people. We join him and
the many others in the vibrant Israeli peace movement in urging President
Bush and Secretary of State Powell to do all they can to bring about a full
withdrawal of the Israeli forces from their recent incursion into the
Palestinian villages and towns in the West Bank, and to bring Israel and the
Palestinian Authority back to the negotiating table immediately.
Susan Jacoby and Donna Spiegelman for Boston Women in Black Contact
information: Jacoby 617-720-1717, Spiegelman 617-432-0205
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6.
Break the Silence Campaign
October 25, 2001
Statement for Uri Avnery & U. S. Congress Press Conference
For Zion's sake- I will not be silent. The Break the Silence Campaign
supports the effort of Uri Avnery and Gush Shalom to bring about a just peace
in the Middle East that would include strong support for Israel alongside of
a demilitarized Palestinian state.
The Break the Silence Campaign was initially launched to organize U. S. Jews
to break their silence and speak out against the policies of the Netanyahu
government.We have since placed numerous ads in the New York Times and other press
seekinga just peace in the Middle East that includes a secure Israel alongside a new
Palestinian State. Currently - we are engaged in a new ad campaign, calling on U. S. Jews
and committedothers to once again break their silence and let the U. S. government know
that there are thousands of U. S. Jewish leaders who do not support the policies of the
current Israeli government. The ad calls on Prime Minister Sharon to end the occupation and
to bringIsraeli settlers home and calls on Chairman Aright to put forward a detailed
plan for a demilitarized Palestinian State based on a modified 1967 boundaries.
The Break the Silence Campaign understands that the Israeli peace movement
and keyPalestinian leaders are now calling for outside intervention from the United
States to help break the cycle of violence of this past year. We call on all U. S. Jews and
our allies to let our government know that we want to re-engage in being an honest broker and
help to bring about a just solution to the Middle East conflict.
The Campaign to Break the Silence is a loose network of more than 1200
US Jews, including more than 120 rabbis, who have agreed on
about the urgent need to make peace between Israel and an emerging
Palestinian state.
The Campaign's name comes from a growing sense that a majority of US
Jews have remained silent for the last several years about their
commitment to encouraging the Israeli-Palestininan peace process to go
forward -- and that now the crucial moment has come to raise their voices.
Break the Silence, P.O. Box 65780, Washington, D.C. 20035
You can send comments to Tikvanet@aol.com
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7.
Statement from Jewish Women for Justice in Israel and Palestine
Uri Avnery's visit to Boston, MA
by Hilda B. Silverman
hildasil@email.msn.com
As someone who has hosted and co-hosted visits of Israeli peace
activists to the U.S. for almost twenty years--first in Philadelphia, then in
Washington, DC, and for the past ten years in the Boston area--I want to
share something about what was different with the visit here by Uri and Rachel
Avnery on October 11-13, 2001.
Virtually all of us who were involved in planning this visit were totally
unprepared for the positive reception Avnery received from even fairly mainstream Jews. There
seems to be the beginning of a sea-change in U.S. Jewish public opinion that doesn't
show itself on a day-to-day basis but, at least in the Boston area, came out in relation
to the four public events that we scheduled as a part of this tour where almost 1000 people
heard Avnery in person over a three-day period.
The first clue I had that this visit was going to be different was in
the number of telephone calls and e-mails I received in advance of the
Avnerys' arrival from people wanting to hear Uri Avnery speak, interview him,
meet with him or invite him to speak at their campuses and congregations both
within the Greater Boston area and from all over New England. A surprising
number of the communications were from Israeli Jews now living in this
country.
Avnery spoke after Friday night services at a reform synagogue in a wealthy
suburb where neither I nor other local Jewish peace activists had had any
previous involvement that I know of. The rabbi had responded to a mailing
sent out to synagogue contact lists by the local Jewish Community Relations
Council, which co-sponsored the event. The room was full with perhaps 175
people, and the rabbi joked that only about ten people had attended services the
previous week.
Perhaps because Avnery only had 20-30 minutes to speak he was more pointed and
forceful than in some of his other talks and he came out particularly
strongly in terms of what U.S. Jews should and should not do. His wife, Rachel, and I were
sitting in the front at a bit of an angle, where we could see much of the
crowd but found it hard to read the expressions on people's faces. We thus both
almost fell off our chairs when, the moment Ury concluded, the crowd
jumped to its feet and gave him a huge standing ovation. It was as if we were
in attendance at some kind of amazing political opera! During the social hour after the
services people continued an intense conversation with Avnery for a very long time.
The following night we had an event mainly organized and sponsored by
Workmen's Circle, a progressive, secular Jewish organization, and
co-sponsored by four area synagogues. Even though we had moved the event
in the last week to a large hall in one of the co-sponsoring synagogues, we
still had people standing, sitting on the floor, perched on the stage
and crowded into doorways. We had an audience of perhaps 350-400 people and,
once again, a tremendously enthusiastic response to Avnery. This time we
had a very lengthy question and answer period from the floor. People have been
telling me ever since this event that many of those who came had never been
to such a program before, that their eyes were opened to things they had
previously been unwilling to look at, and so forth.
On the first day of the Boston stop Avnery spoke at two universities.
The first talk was at a seminar open to the public which was sponsored by
the Harvard Center for Middle Eastern Studies. I have been attending these
seminars for a decade, and this is the first time that I saw staff, obviously
concerned about violating fire laws, set up a microphone in the room where Avnery was
speaking with speakers in an adjoining room.
Still, there were people sitting on windowsills and the floor, standing in
doorways, etc.--a total of perhaps 150 people. One of the most striking
things about this event was the extent to which some of those who routinely
attend such seminars and ask long, hostile questions were far more succinct,
polite and even deferential with Avnery. He obviously has the experience,
credentials and manner to disarm even the fiercest critics.
The second university event was in a lecture hall at Brandeis
University, with students attending from Tufts, Brown, Boston College
and other universities as well as Brandeis. Once again there was an overflow
crowd--of perhaps 225 to 275 people--with individuals sitting in the aisles
and on the stairs, standing in the back of the room, etc. This event,
also, included a very lengthy question and answer period.
All in all, the public programs for the Avnery Boston stop were a
resounding success. In addition, while here Avnery had a productive meeting
with activists, a meeting with editorial board members at the Boston Globe and a
telephone interview with local public radio station.
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8.
Jews Against the Occupation - New York City
Statement at Capitol Press Conference
25 October 2001
Given by Heidi Altman
Good afternoon.
My name is Heidi Altman and I am an activist with Jews Against the Occupation
New York City, otherwise referred to as JATO. I am honored to stand here
with the esteemed and courageous representative from Georgia, Cynthia
McKinney, other Members of Congress, and the internationally honored Israeli
peace activist Uri Avnery of Gush Shalom at this historic press conference.
Jews Against the Occupation is an organization of progressive, secular, and
religious Jews of all ages throughout the New York City area that is actively
organizing and advocating around issues of peace and justice for Palestine
and Israel. I stand here with representatives of other progressive Jewish
organizations as proof that the Jewish community does not have one monolithic
voice of unconditional support for the Israeli government. Rather, there is
a growing national movement of American Jews who oppose the Israeli military
occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip and support the creation of a
viable independent Palestinian state.
Dozens of Palestinians have been killed since last Thursday in the bloody
Israeli reoccupation of six Palestinian West Bank towns. This comes after
more than a year of Israel's use of excessive force in response to the 2nd
Intifada. Since September 29, 2000 over 700 Palestinians and 175 Israelis
have been left dead. Far too often those who died were victims of US made
Apache attack helicopters and F16 fighter jets. Since the occupation of the
West Bank and Gaza in 1976, Israeli forces have been responsible for
egregious violations of international human rights and humanitarian law
against Palestinian civilians.
President Bush recently indicated his support for an independent Palestinian
state. While we applaud this brave pronouncement, realizing such a state
requires a reevaluation of United States foreign policy and a balanced
approach toward Israel and Palestine. Such an approach must include a
suspension of US military aid in order to encourage a viable and just peace
based upon the following tenets:
* a complete and immediate Israeli military withdrawal from occupied West
Bank and Gaza
* dismantling of the Jewish settlements
* a recognition of the Palestinian right of return.
The only lasting peace is one based on justice.
Thank You.
I will be available for additional comments after the conclusion of this
press conference.
Feel free to quote from this statement.
Contact Information for Jews Against the Occupation:
(917) 744-5101 (on site)
(212) 539-6683
www.angelcities.com/members/jato/
E-Mail: jatonys@yahoo.com
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Conyers Statement
Mr. Avnery's visit to Washington DC is particularly timely considering the
violence in Israel over the last few days. His visit today underscores the
voice of those Israelis who support an immediate return to the peace process.
Uri Avnery has long been accustomed to controversy. For over 50 years he has
called for the creation of a Palestinian state. His books have been both
boycotted and enjoyed best seller status. His magazine Haolem Hazeh has left
an indelible mark on Israeli journalism. He used Haolem Hazeh to fight for the
separation of religion and state, the rights of the Arab minority, equality
for Jews regardless of descent, women's rights, civil rights, and human rights.
In 1965, Mr. Avnery started a political party in the same name as his
publication, Haolem Hazeh, and rocked the establishment by winning a seat in
the Knesset. He used his position as a member of the Knesset to advocate for a
peaceful existence with the Palestinians. And in 1974, he secretly met with
senior PLO officials. These meetings culminated in his historic crossing of
battle lines in Beirut in July 1982 to publicly meet with PLO Chairman Yasser
Arafat.
Mr. Avnery's heroic efforts have been dedicated to a lasting peace for both
Israel and Palestine. Returning to the Mitchell Peace Process is a commitment
that both governments have stated they wish to undertake. The only way to
establish that peace is by beginning immediately to implement the Mitchell
Plan and returning to the peace table. Through his advocacy for the peace process,
Mr. Avnery has set a strong example for Israelis, Palestinians, and American's to follow."
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Dingell Statement
Attached is a statement I made this morning on the House floor in support of a
resolution I, along with 29 of my colleagues, introduced which expressed
Congress's strong support for the Mitchell Committee Report. It is strongly
supported by the Bush Administration. I need not expand beyond this
statement.
As Mr. Avnery well knows, violence in Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza
Strip only begets more violence, all of it senseless and counterproductive.
Bloodshed does not serve the interests of the Palestinian Authority, Israel, or the
United States. It must cease, and peace must prevail.
I do want to thank Uri Avnery for visiting us at this critical time. It is
always good to see friends, and it is particularly appreciated now. Uri
Avnery is carrying with him an important message: peace. It takes courage to carry
this message , and I want to express my appreciation for these efforts.
I would also like to thank my colleague, Cynthia McKinney, for holding this
event. Finally, I would like to thank Jews for Peace in Palestine for all the
efforts they have made on behalf of peace.
I would note the Mitchell Committee Report Resolution that was introduced this
morning is important. This resolution sends a clear message that U.S.
leadership in the peace process is vital not only because it will end the
suffering of innocent Israelis and Palestinians, but because it is in
America's interest that a just and lasting peace that benefits Israelis and Palestinians
alike prevail. I urge all my colleagues to support this balanced resolution
and send a positive message from this body.
Over the past year Congressional message to the Middle East have been heavily
biased. Congress has placed the blame for the current situation solely on the
Palestinian Authority, and placed the onus for stopping the violence on the
person of Yasser Arafat. There has also been a concerted effort to exacerbate
the already tense situation in Lebanon. Perhaps most troubling is the ongoing
effort to put a wedge in the U.S.-Egyptian relationship, which has been a
cornerstone of U.S. peacemaking efforts in the Middle East since Camp David.
Such efforts are dangerous and counterproductive. We also have learned that
apathy and disengagement is not a viable option. Today, at this critical
time, active and objective America involvement in the peace process is vital.
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OCTOBER 25 FLOOR STATEMENT
"Endorse the Mitchell Committee Report Resolution: Support American Interests
by Working Toward a Just, Lasting Peace Between Israelis and Palestinians."
October 25, 2001
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of myself and the 29 colleagues who have joined me as
original cosponsors, I rise today to announce the introduction of an important
concurrent resolution pertaining to the ongoing violence in Israel, West Bank,
and the Gaza Strip. As we all know, this violence not only endangers
Israelis, Palestinians, and their neighbors, but it threatens the interests of the
United States at this most critical time.
In introducing this resolution - which is strongly supported by the
Administration - my colleagues and I are sending a clear message that violence
in this troubled region is unacceptable and serves no one's long-term
interests.
It stresses that the Mitchell Committee Report offers the best road map toward
ending the current cycle of violence and restarting the peace process in the
Middle East. It notes that U.S. leadership is vitla to creating and
implementing a just and lasting peace. Finally, it highlights the fact that
peace between Israel and the Palestinian Authority is America's best interest
now and in the future.
In the past week we have seen violence beget violence. Assassinations do not
serve the interests of the Palestinians. Unjust, aggressive acts do not serve
the interests of Israel. Most importantly these acts do not serve American
interests, particularly at a time when we are engaged in war and the delicate
diplomacy of coalition building. These acts harm our ability to effectively
meet and beat the forces of evil that we are fighting in Afghanistan.
I would note that while neither party is beyond reproach, I am troubled by
what is taking place in Bethlehem, Beit Rima, and elsewhere. I am deeply troubled
that when we shared our concerns with the government of Israel and asked that
they refrain from escalating violence by occupying additional Palestinian
lands, they refused.
Mr. Speaker, as we wage war on terrorism, we must be careful to remember that
while we have many allies, we must not allow any single country to use this
conflict to justify any and all actions they take in their national interests.
American interests overlap with the interests of other countries on many
points, but they are not identical. American interests must be our priority and must
prevail.
The Israel-Palestinian conflict has left thousands dead since 1948, and
hundreds dead in the last year. This conflict must be resolved. Both sides have
suffered, are suffering, and will continue to suffer if nothing is done. It
is in the interest of our nation to encourage these parties to halt the violence
and make peace.
The Mitchell Committee was created by the mutual agreement of the United
Sates, Israel, the Palestinian Authority, Egypt, Jordan, the United Nations, and the
European Union at the conclusion of the Sharm el-Sheik Middle East Peace
Summit on October 17, 2000. The Mitchell Committee studied the ongoing violence over
a period of months, and the report they submitted included objective findings
and constructive recommendations as to how to end the violence and rebuild
confidence that will enable the parties to return to the negotiating table.
The United States, the UN, Israel, and the Palestinian Authority endorsed the
Mitchell Committee Report because it is the best blueprint as to how to get
the peace process back on track. It was accepted because it is a fair and
balanced report that highlights the fact that both parties are responsible for starting
and perpetuating violence, and both parties are responsible for stopping it.
Mr. Speaker, the resolution I have introduced is balanced and fair, and merely
expresses this body's support for the Mitchell Committee Report. Passing this
resolution will send a message to both Israelis and Palestinians that the
United States is a true partner for peace, and will work toward creating a just,
lasting peace that will protect the interests of all parties.
This resolution enjoys the strong support of the Bush Administration, and I
submit a copy of an October 5, 2001 letter of support from the State
Department.
This letter notes the following:
"Passage of this resolution, without amendment, would make a positive and
welcome contribution to the Administration's work with the parties to end the
violence, implement the Mitchell Committee recommendations, and return to
substantive negotiations."
Mr. Speaker, violence between the Israelis and the Palestinians only begets
more violence. This needless bloodshed runs counter to the interests of all
parties, including the United States. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution
and demonstrate their support for peace and the Administration's efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinians conflict in a just, balanced manner.
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JEWISH MOBILIZATION FOR A JUST PEACE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Israeli Peace Activist Uri Avnery Denounces Heightening Violence between
Israelis and Palestinians
Congressional Leaders and American Jewish Organizations Join in Support
Jewish Mobilization for a Just Peace (JMJP), a Philadelphia-based
grassroots organization, supports the work of Israeli peace activist and
former Knesset member Uri Avnery. Avnery, a prolific writer and courageous
journalist, has been working for a just peace between Israelis and
Palestinians for over fifty years. He is a founding member of the Israeli
peace organization Gush Shalom, and he is frequently on the front lines of
demonstrations against Israeli policies. On December 7, Avnery, his wife
Rachel, and Gush Shalom will receive the Right Livelihood Award
("Alternative Nobel Prize") in Sweden.
With last week's assassination of Minister of Tourism Rechavam Ze'evi,
violence between Israelis and Palestinians has continued to escalate. JMJP
deplores any type of armed action directed against civilians and urges both
sides to return to negotiations. Ze'evi's death illustrates the bitter
costs of Israel's pursuit of occupation and militarization. For
Palestinians, this has created a major catastrophe of dispossession and
oppression. For Jewish Israelis, it has created a life of permanent fear,
permanent war, and permanent endangerment.
"There is no denying that both Palestinians and Israelis have suffered in
the 34-year occupation," JMJP member Andrea Jacobs states. "But the choice
to end the occupation lies exclusively with the Israeli government. It has
chosen to continue the occupation, leading to an endless cycle of hatred,
violence, and suffering."
JMJP holds that the only viable solution to ending the violence is to end the Israeli occupation of the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem.
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