J-Link, the international progressive Jewish network where Ameinu President Kenneth Bob serves on the Coordinating Committee, organized the letter below signed by 32 organizations from around the world. It is being delivered to communal leaders and government offices, stressing the critical importance of working towards a hostage deal that is linked to a ceasefire and the beginning of a rebuilding process in Gaza.
|
Ceasefire, return of hostages and
diplomatic action now! |
We, the undersigned international Jewish organizations, call for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza and the release of the Israeli hostages followed by diplomatic action to reach comprehensive regional peace and security. |
Following the brutal attack on communities in Southern Israel conducted by Hamas forces on 7th October 2023, the State of Israel launched a massive military offensive in Gaza. The stated objectives were to dismantle Hamas' military power and free the captured hostages.
Over a year later the IDF is still heavily engaged in Gaza, tens of thousands of Gazans are dead and many more are wounded and permanently maimed. Damage from bombing and shelling has destroyed essential infrastructure and made Gaza almost uninhabitable for the survivors. Although Hamas’s military capabilities have been degraded, the organization retains significant control of Gaza and continues to hold 101 Israeli hostages, with the actual numbers of living or dead unknown.
While we fully support Israel’s right to defend itself, the events of the past year and the tragic toll being paid by both sides stand as proof that there is no military solution. The only way to meet the original objectives is by securing an immediate agreement on a ceasefire and hostage release, a significant surge in humanitarian assistance and a multilateral framework for negotiations for the future reconstruction and governance of Gaza.
We therefore call on the Government of Israel to agree to end the war, withdraw all Israeli forces from Gaza, and press for a security arrangement in exchange for a return of all the hostages. We also call on the international community to engage in a comprehensive diplomatic process to create a secure future for all Israelis and Palestinians based on the right of self-determination for both peoples in two sovereign states. |
Signed,
The J-Link Coordinating Committee, J Street, JSpaceCanada, Ameinu, U.S.A., JDI, South Africa, J Call Europe, Policy Working Group, Israel, J Amlat Argentina-Chile-Brasil-Mexico-Uruguay, T’ruah, Ameinu Brasil, New Israel Fund, New Israel Fund of Canada, New Israel Fund Australia, New Israel Fund Switzerland, New Israel Fund Deutschland, Ameinu Canada, Americans for Peace Now, J Call Italy, J Call Switzerland, J Call Barcelona, J Call France, Agrupación Judía Max Nordau, Amigos Brasileiros Do Paz Agora, Centro Progresista Judio CHILE, Agrupación judía chilena Diana Aron, New York Jewish Agenda, Argentinos Amigos de Paz Ahora, Judias e judeus pela democracia São Paulo, Casa de Cultura Mordejai Anilevich, Mujeres activan por la paz, Asociación Cultural Israelita
|
About J-Link J-Link is an international network of progressive Jewish organizations. We share a love of Israel and a commitment to democracy, human rights, religious pluralism, and a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We believe in the values enshrined in Israel’s Declaration of Independence, which promise “complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants irrespective of religion, race or sex.” For more information visit our website.
|
|
|
|
|
