Do not commit injustice in our name. We wish to go from pain to hope.
We the undersigned, as American Jews, Israeli Jews, and as members of other Jewish communities, believe that we, the Jewish people, are more than just a tribe but are held together by core values, that each of us interprets, including
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Universal Rights: We believe in the sanctity of life, freedom, justice, and peace; in the complete equality of social and political rights irrespective of religion, race or gender; in due process and equal treatment under the law for everyone; and we believe in Democracy.
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Safety without Oppression: The need for safety and security does not justify injustice, or the suppression of free speech and open debate.
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Identity and State: We believe that Jewish identity does not require support for any political belief or movement, including support or opposition to Zionism. Criticizing Zionism is not the same as antisemitism. We recognize that there are many definitions of Zionism.
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A Moral Imperative to Speak: We will not be silenced in speaking out about oppression, violence and injustice regardless of the perpetrator.
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Civilian Protection: We call for protection of all civilians whether in Israel, Palestine, or in conflicts anywhere worldwide.
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Reject Racism: We reject antisemitism and other Jew-hatred, Islamophobia, anti-Arab racism, and all racism and prejudice.
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Jewish Ethics & Traditions: We draw inspiration from long-standing Jewish ethical traditions of tzedek (justice), b’tzelem Elohim (the inherent dignity of every human being, created in the image of God), chesed (loving-kindness), pikuach nefesh (preservation of life), bikur cholim (care for the sick), and shalom (peace). These traditions call us to protect human life and human dignity, resist injustice, care for others, and pursue peace.
Signed,
(if you have some disagreement or commentary, add it in the margins, the commentary as you sign)
