[ ]J Street [ ]
Friend --

I’m writing to you from the South Hebron Hills, just a few miles away from
Masafer Yatta in the occupied West Bank.

I’m here in the region as part of a week-long delegation for Members of
Congress and J Street leaders to Israel and the Palestinian Territory to
learn about the realities facing both peoples, about those on both sides
struggling for a better future, and about what the US government can and
must do to help.

Today, our delegation came to the South Hebron Hills to see conditions on
the ground, meet with local residents, and speak with courageous Israeli
and Palestinian peace activists. We heard how this area has been ground
zero for a spate of violent settler attacks over recent years -- and is
now facing one of the largest mass demolition projects in decades.

An Israeli High Court decision early this year greenlighted the mass
eviction of over 1,000 Palestinians living in the area. Authorities’
current plan to displace and demolish communities in Masafer Yatta,
championed by the right-wing settlement movement, would leave these
Palestinian families homeless. And it would strike yet another blow to
hopes for a peaceful two-state solution -- the only outcome that can
possibly safeguard the rights and aspirations of both peoples.

As we heard today from heartbroken local activists, some demolitions have
already taken place. But it’s not too late to stop this disastrous plan
from going forward.

We’re here because we believe it’s vital that US lawmakers see this
painful reality for themselves -- and because it’s vital that our
government act to push back against the settlement movement, protect these
communities, and preserve Israel’s future as a democratic homeland for the
Jewish people.

[ [link removed] ]Tell the Biden Administration:
Act to Prevent Demolitions in Masafer Yatta
[ [link removed] ]✍️ Add your name

As Israel’s strongest partner and a global superpower, the US has critical
influence when it comes to making the situation better -- or enabling it
to get worse.

That’s why some of the Israeli activists we’ve met have called on Members
of Congress and the Biden administration to voice stronger, clearer
opposition to harmful settlement expansion and demolition projects.

They know that strong American leadership and influence has the capacity
to truly impact conditions on the ground, protect families and disrupt the
cycle of endless conflict and deepening occupation. Determined US action
is one of the few factors that’s proven to stop or slow demolitions and
settlements -- I’ve seen that impact myself.

Eighty-three Members of Congress have already publicly urged the Biden
administration to act on Masafer Yatta -- but we’re still waiting to see
the decisive action that’s needed.

That’s why we’re asking for your support to call on President Biden and
his administration to meaningfully push back against the demolitions in
Masafer Yatta.

[ [link removed] ]Tell the Biden Administration:
Act to Prevent Demolitions in Masafer Yatta
[ [link removed] ]✍️ Add your name

For well over a decade, our movement has brought Members of Congress to
Israel and the West Bank on balanced, in-depth trips designed to offer
first-hand exposure to the challenging realities and systemic problems at
the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

I’m so proud of this work. So proud of all that we do to elevate the
voices of the Israelis and Palestinians who deserve a better future. So
proud of our advocacy for US leadership that advances our democratic
values and hopes for peace.

We couldn’t do it without your support, so thank you, sincerely, for being
a part of this movement -- and for taking action.

Yours,

Jeremy Ben Ami
President, J Street

[ [link removed] ]Register here for the J Street 2022 National Conference. Early bird
pricing available through August 31


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J Street is the political home for pro-Israel, pro-peace Americans who want
Israel to be secure, democratic and the national home of the Jewish people.
Working in American politics and the Jewish community, we advocate policies that
advance shared US and Israeli interests as well as Jewish and democratic values,
leading to a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.



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