[WCUSP] Fw: [jvp-philadelphia] December 2

[Libby or Mort Frank]

(Okay, here's one for our side! -- Libby.  Susan isn't a WILPF member but I'm working on her.)
Appearing in the Philadelphia Inquirer, Saturday, December 2, 2006 

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Jews for peace

As an American Jew, I care about the impact actions of our government have on U.S. citizens and the global community. I care about how the U.S.-Israeli alliance affects Jews and Arabs in the Middle East.

The almost 40-year-old illegal Israeli military occupation of the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem is emotional ground zero for other Middle East conflicts. This offends me as a Jew because this is being done in my name. As a U.S. taxpayer, I am helping to fund it. Recent events in Gaza are part of this larger history of the occupation, which makes life unlivable for Palestinians. The unilateral disengagement of 2005 sealed Gaza off from the outside world while Israel maintains control over air space, territorial waters, trade, and movement in and out of Gaza.

U.S. tax aid to Israel is military aid. Gaza has been hammered by Israeli air strikes and military incursions. Israel has the right to defend itself, not the right to target innocent civilians or their infrastructure.

Today, a coalition of Israeli peace groups join people of all faiths and nationalities worldwide to demand "End the Gaza Siege." The occupation of Palestine must end now.

Susan Landau
Jewish Voice for Peace
Philadelphia Chapter
info at jewishvoiceforpeace.org
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