Dear friends,
As I am writing this letter to you we have experienced more than 57 days of this awful war. The Israeli government and Hamas completed the deal for the release of Israeli hostages, women, and children, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, women and children, and a temporary pause of the fighting in Gaza. We were all relieved to see that both sides heeded the deal, it was an important step, many people could finally hold and hug their loved ones, but it is not enough. A temporary quiet is not enough, this deal does not amount to a political solution for the people of Palestine and Israel.
Currently, the hostage deal has been completed, but we are all unsure of what will happen next. The Israeli prime minister has declared that the war will resume, and a plan for continuing the fighting has been published. Now, it is more important than ever to say clearly that we want an end to this war. It is important to declare a vision of what type of ending we demand, not one of destruction of the other side, but one of peace.
As a vision for the future, I want to share key points from the Declaration for Peace, written by more than 35 Jewish-Arab organizations of human rights activists. Their powerful words are important, especially now:
We - movements, organizations and activists, Jews and Arabs - write these words out of heavy mourning for the thousands of people killed in recent weeks, and out of terrible anxiety for the safety of the abducted and those who will still be harmed in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank.
Precisely in these terrible days, the simple truth is clearer than ever: the freedom, security, and life of all living in this land depend on each other. In memory of the murdered and for the sake of the living, we must act together - Jews and Arabs - for the release of the kidnapped and captives, for the end of the war, for the end of the occupation and the conflict, for peace.
We have all experienced the rounds of violence. Time and time again it is evident that there is no military solution to this conflict, nor can there ever be one. The only way to stop the bloodshed is a political agreement that will guarantee security, justice, and freedom for both nations. There are no winners in war. Only peace will bring security.
Signed:
Mesarvot; Mothers Against Violence; New Profile; Yesh Gvul; Parents Circle Families Forum; Women in Black; Zochrot; And many more
The long list of organizations who have signed this letter are all our allies in creating a better future for this land, ending this era of blood and revenge, and ushering in a new area of peace and justice. Only together can we bring an end to this war, end the occupation, and bring justice to everyone in Israel/Palestine.
Help us support the struggle against the war by reading and sharing the full declaration:
Sign on as part of the declaration on Zazim’s website at this link
With your help, we can reach more people and end this war.
In solidarity
Mattan Helman
Executive director
Refuser solidarity network