Invest In Peace

I am a human being, an American and a Jew. In all three of these identities, I am ashamed of the treatment of Palestinians by the Israeli government. I am sad that other Jews defend this treatment, it seems
because of their own fears. I understand the desire of Methodists of conscience to disavow anything that might hint of anti-Semitism, and I appreciate that impulse. To me it is not anti-Semitism to condemn specific militarist policies. If your church endorses selective divestment, you will be sending a message that things must change. By making it selective, you will also say loud and clear that you are not opposing the people of Israel, simply the militarism that makes everyone in that part of the world less safe.I have two little boys, who are already starting to ask me whether they are Jewish, and what it means to be Jewish. I dread the moment when I will have to explain that people who were mistreated for centuries-who still suffer from hatred-have become oppressors ourselves. I am a member of Jewish Voice for Peace because I need to affirm that people can develop rational and humane ways to resolve conflicts. Yes, Hillel said “If I am not for myself, who will be for me?” but he went on to say “If I am for myself alone, what am I?”

Please stand with us by voting for selective divestment from companies that benefit from the occupation. It is the most powerful, nonviolent way American have to pressure the Israeli government to end its occupation. Only through ending the occupation will we have a chance for a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

Tova Perlmutter

Detroit, MI