Misplaced Pages

Jewish Voice for Peace: Difference between revisions

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
Browse history interactively← Previous editContent deleted Content addedVisualWikitext
Revision as of 04:14, 13 August 2024 view sourceBohemian Baltimore (talk | contribs)Autopatrolled, Extended confirmed users116,763 edits removed Category:Anti-Israeli sentiment using HotCatTags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit Advanced mobile edit← Previous edit Latest revision as of 09:11, 27 December 2024 view source FPSalman (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users1,298 edits External linksTag: Manual revert 
(43 intermediate revisions by 25 users not shown)
Line 2: Line 2:
{{pp|small=yes}} {{pp|small=yes}}
{{pp-30-500|small=yes}} {{pp-30-500|small=yes}}
{{multiple issues|
{{POV|date=November 2023}} {{POV|date=November 2023}}
{{shortlead|date=July 2024}} {{shortlead|date=July 2024}}
}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2017}} {{Use mdy dates|date=November 2017}}
{{Infobox organization {{Infobox organization
Line 12: Line 14:
| logo_caption = JVP logo since 2020 | logo_caption = JVP logo since 2020
| type = ] | type = ]
| tax_id = 90-0018359
| status = ] | status = ]
| founded_date = {{Start date and years ago|df=yes|p=y|1996|9}} | founded_date = {{Start date and years ago|df=yes|p=y|1996|9}}
Line 17: Line 20:
| location = United States | location = United States
| origins = | origins =
| focus = ], ] | focus = {{ubl|]|]}}
| method = | method =
| leader_title = Executive director | leader_title = Executive director
Line 34: Line 37:
}} }}


'''Jewish Voice for Peace''' ('''JVP'''; {{Langx|he|קוֹל יְהוּדִי לַשָּׁלוֹם|translit=Qōl Yəhūḏī la-Ššālōm}}) is an American Jewish ] and ] advocacy organization. It is critical of ] of the ], and supports the ] (BDS) campaign against ].
'''Jewish Voice for Peace''' ('''JVP'''; {{Lang-he|קוֹל יְהוּדִי לַשָּׁלוֹם|translit=Qōl Yəhūḏī la-Ššālōm}}) is an American ]<ref name="approach">{{cite web |title=JVP's Approach to Zionism |url=https://www.jewishvoiceforpeace.org/zionism/ |website=Jewish Voice for Peace |access-date=2 August 2023 |quote=We unequivocally oppose Zionism |archive-date=August 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230823190933/https://www.jewishvoiceforpeace.org/zionism/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ]<ref name=foreignpolicy>{{cite news |last1=Al Sheikh |first1=Yaseen |title=Young Americans Are Swinging Toward Palestine's Cause |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/07/20/americans-palestine-israel-public-opinion-right-wing-politics/ |access-date=14 October 2023 |work=Foreign Policy |date=July 20, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=October 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011111435/https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/07/20/americans-palestine-israel-public-opinion-right-wing-politics/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=newsweek>{{cite news |last1=Ballesteros |first1=Carlos |title=Israel Blocks Jewish Activists 'Voice for Peace' and Other Pro-BDS Groups From Entering the Country |url=https://www.newsweek.com/israel-bds-blacklist-activists-barred-entering-country-773257 |access-date=14 October 2023 |work=Newsweek |date=January 7, 2018 |language=en |archive-date=October 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231019112918/https://www.newsweek.com/israel-bds-blacklist-activists-barred-entering-country-773257 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=haaretz>{{cite news |last1=Kaplan Sommer |first1=Allison |title=The Jewish Voice at the Heart of the Boycott Israel Movement |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2017-03-29/ty-article/the-jewish-voice-at-the-heart-of-the-boycott-israel-movement/0000017f-e111-df7c-a5ff-e37b41e40000 |access-date=12 October 2023 |work=Haaretz |date=March 29, 2017 |language=en |archive-date=September 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913123637/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2017-03-29/ty-article/the-jewish-voice-at-the-heart-of-the-boycott-israel-movement/0000017f-e111-df7c-a5ff-e37b41e40000 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Fox |first1=Mira |title=Palestinian advocacy groups drew tens of thousands of new followers on social media. But can they move that support offline? |url=https://forward.com/culture/471343/instagram-growth-pro-palestinian-jewish-groups-ifnotnow-jvp/ |access-date=12 October 2023 |work=The Forward |date=14 June 2021 |language=en |archive-date=October 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014220844/https://forward.com/culture/471343/instagram-growth-pro-palestinian-jewish-groups-ifnotnow-jvp/ |url-status=live }}</ref> advocacy organization that is critical of ], and supports the ] (BDS) campaign against ].<ref>{{Cite book|last=Waxman|first=Dov|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/942755120|title=Trouble in the tribe: the American Jewish conflict over Israel|date=2016|isbn=978-1-4008-8035-5|location=Princeton, New Jersey|oclc=942755120|access-date=May 25, 2021|archive-date=May 10, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510035012/https://search.worldcat.org/title/942755120|url-status=live}}</ref>{{sfn|Sasson|2016|p=250}}


The group was formed in 1996 and as of 2024 had grown to 23,000 members. Its chapters at ] and ] universities were suspended in 2024.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://time.com/7061772/jewish-voice-for-peace-oct-7-anniversary-essay/ |title=I Run Jewish Voice for Peace. These Are My Reflections on a Year of Unthinkable Horror|date=October 8, 2024 |publisher=Time Magazine}}</ref>
==Founding and advisory board==

JVP was formed in 1996 by Julie Iny, Rachel Eisner and Julia Caplan,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://hac.bard.edu/amor-mundi/american-jewish-peace-archive-julie-iny-2024-03-10|title=American Jewish Peace Archive: Julie Iny|first=The Hannah Arendt|last=Center|website=hac.bard.edu|access-date=April 12, 2024|archive-date=March 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240317165419/https://hac.bard.edu/amor-mundi/american-jewish-peace-archive-julie-iny-2024-03-10|url-status=live}}</ref> undergraduate students at ].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hurowitz |first1=Noah |title=Why Jewish Voice for Peace Says 'Not in Our Name' |url=https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2023/11/why-jewish-voice-for-peace-is-against-israels-war-in-gaza.html |access-date=12 April 2024 |work=Intelligencer |date=27 November 2023 |language=en |archive-date=March 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240301200712/https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2023/11/why-jewish-voice-for-peace-is-against-israels-war-in-gaza.html |url-status=live }}</ref> {{as of|2016|07|post=,}} the members of the advisory board were ], ], Buz Bogage, ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], Michael Shimkin, ], Cecilie Surasky, and Laurie Zimmerman, with mention of deceased members ], ], ], and ].<ref>{{cite web |title=JVP organizers |url=https://www.jewishvoiceforpeace.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/JVP-Newsletter-2014-Fall.pdf |access-date=5 June 2024 |work=JVP News |publisher=Jewish Voice for Peace |date=November 2014 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="jvp-staff">{{cite web|url=https://jewishvoiceforpeace.org/people|title=JVP Staff|publisher=Jewish Voice for Peace|access-date=July 31, 2016|archive-date=August 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160806023912/https://jewishvoiceforpeace.org/people/|url-status=live}}</ref>{{update inline|date=June 2024}}
==History==
JVP was formed in 1996 by Julie Iny, Rachel Eisner and Julia Caplan,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://hac.bard.edu/amor-mundi/american-jewish-peace-archive-julie-iny-2024-03-10|title=American Jewish Peace Archive: Julie Iny|first=The Hannah Arendt|last=Center|website=hac.bard.edu|access-date=April 12, 2024|archive-date=March 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240317165419/https://hac.bard.edu/amor-mundi/american-jewish-peace-archive-julie-iny-2024-03-10|url-status=live}}</ref> undergraduate students at ].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hurowitz |first1=Noah |title=Why Jewish Voice for Peace Says 'Not in Our Name' |url=https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2023/11/why-jewish-voice-for-peace-is-against-israels-war-in-gaza.html |access-date=12 April 2024 |work=Intelligencer |date=27 November 2023 |language=en |archive-date=March 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240301200712/https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2023/11/why-jewish-voice-for-peace-is-against-israels-war-in-gaza.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Waxman2017" />

In 2011, the group claimed to have 600 dues-paying members, which had risen to 9,000 by 2015<ref name="Serpick" /> and more than 23,000 by 2024.<ref name="NYTBarkan">{{cite news |last1=Barkan |first1=Ross |title=How the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Drove a Wedge Into the Democratic Party |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/07/magazine/israel-october-7-democrats.html |access-date=19 September 2024 |work=] |date=2024-02-07 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240210181041/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/07/magazine/israel-october-7-democrats.html |archive-date=2024-02-10}}</ref>


==Funding== ==Funding==
Jewish Voice for Peace received significant donations from philanthropic organizations affiliated with ], the ] Foundation and ].<ref>{{cite news |title=The People Setting America on Fire |url=https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/news/articles/people-setting-america-on-fire-soros-tides-wespac |access-date=11 May 2024 |publisher=The Tablet |date=6 May 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Pro-Palestinian protesters are backed by a surprising source: Biden's biggest donors |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2024/05/05/pro-palestinian-protests-columbia-university-funding-donors-00156135 |access-date=11 May 2024 |publisher=Politico |date=5 May 2024}}</ref> According to NBC News, the Rockefeller Brothers Fund awarded JVP "close to a half-million dollars" over a period of five years.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-20 |title=Who's behind the pro-Palestinian protests that are disrupting Biden's campaign events and blocking city streets? |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/s-palestinian-protests-us-rcna143666 |access-date=2024-06-23 |website=NBC News |language=en}}</ref> Jewish Voice for Peace received significant donations from philanthropic organizations affiliated with ], the ] Foundation and ].<ref>{{cite news |title=The People Setting America on Fire |url=https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/news/articles/people-setting-america-on-fire-soros-tides-wespac |access-date=11 May 2024 |publisher=The Tablet |date=6 May 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Pro-Palestinian protesters are backed by a surprising source: Biden's biggest donors |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2024/05/05/pro-palestinian-protests-columbia-university-funding-donors-00156135 |access-date=11 May 2024 |publisher=Politico |date=5 May 2024}}</ref> According to NBC News, the Rockefeller Brothers Fund awarded JVP "close to a half-million dollars" over a period of five years.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-20 |title=Who's behind the pro-Palestinian protests that are disrupting Biden's campaign events and blocking city streets? |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/s-palestinian-protests-us-rcna143666 |access-date=2024-06-23 |website=NBC News |language=en}}</ref>


==Overview== ==Views==
Many of JVP's members consider the views of dovish liberal Jewish groups like J Street to be inadequate.<ref name="Serpick"/> Its views are characterised as left-wing,<ref name=foreignpolicy>{{cite news |last1=Al Sheikh |first1=Yaseen |title=Young Americans Are Swinging Toward Palestine's Cause |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/07/20/americans-palestine-israel-public-opinion-right-wing-politics/ |access-date=14 October 2023 |work=Foreign Policy |date=July 20, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=October 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011111435/https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/07/20/americans-palestine-israel-public-opinion-right-wing-politics/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=newsweek>{{cite news |last1=Ballesteros |first1=Carlos |title=Israel Blocks Jewish Activists 'Voice for Peace' and Other Pro-BDS Groups From Entering the Country |url=https://www.newsweek.com/israel-bds-blacklist-activists-barred-entering-country-773257 |access-date=14 October 2023 |work=Newsweek |date=January 7, 2018 |language=en |archive-date=October 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231019112918/https://www.newsweek.com/israel-bds-blacklist-activists-barred-entering-country-773257 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=haaretz>{{cite news |last1=Kaplan Sommer |first1=Allison |title=The Jewish Voice at the Heart of the Boycott Israel Movement |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2017-03-29/ty-article/the-jewish-voice-at-the-heart-of-the-boycott-israel-movement/0000017f-e111-df7c-a5ff-e37b41e40000 |access-date=12 October 2023 |work=Haaretz |date=March 29, 2017 |language=en |archive-date=September 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913123637/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2017-03-29/ty-article/the-jewish-voice-at-the-heart-of-the-boycott-israel-movement/0000017f-e111-df7c-a5ff-e37b41e40000 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Fox"/> sometimes as far-left,<ref name="Fox">{{cite news |last1=Fox |first1=Mira |title=Palestinian advocacy groups drew tens of thousands of new followers on social media. But can they move that support offline? |url=https://forward.com/culture/471343/instagram-growth-pro-palestinian-jewish-groups-ifnotnow-jvp/ |access-date=12 October 2023 |work=The Forward |date=14 June 2021 |language=en |archive-date=October 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014220844/https://forward.com/culture/471343/instagram-growth-pro-palestinian-jewish-groups-ifnotnow-jvp/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Wang |first1=Selina |title=Dozens arrested at White House as protesters call for end to Israel's response to Hamas attack |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/dozens-arrested-white-house-protesters-call-end-israels/story?id=104023675 |access-date=19 September 2024 |work=] |date=2023-10-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Tress |first1=Luke |title=Israeli leftists in New York chart their own path with calls for a ceasefire |url=https://www.jta.org/2023/12/27/default/israeli-leftists-in-new-york-chart-their-own-path-with-calls-for-a-ceasefire |access-date=19 September 2024 |work=] |date=2023-12-27}}</ref><ref name="NYTBarkan" /> and one of the more professionalized groups of the pro-Palestinian ]. According to its political director, identification as a Zionist and a ] is impossible. In contrast with Palestinian-led organizations such as ], JVP seeks to work within the ] to shift the party's position to the left on the ].<ref name="NYTBarkan" /> JVP has been described by ] as further to the left than ] or ],<ref name="Waxman2017" />
JVP criticizes what it describes as the "severe ] every day".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-01-24 |title='Progressive' Anti-semitism? S.F. Meet Considers Phenomenon |url=https://www.jta.org/archive/progressive-anti-semitism-s-f-meet-considers-phenomenon |access-date=2023-11-08 |website=Jewish Telegraphic Agency |language=en-US |archive-date=November 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108161513/https://www.jta.org/archive/progressive-anti-semitism-s-f-meet-considers-phenomenon |url-status=live }}</ref> Since 2019, it has declared itself ], arguing that contemporary Zionism has taken hold as "a ], establishing an ] where Jews have more rights than others" through "massacres of Palestinian people, ] and ] destroyed", ], and ], while strongly rejecting any form of antisemitism and advocating for "a future where everyone, including Palestinians and Jewish Israelis, can live their lives freely in vibrant, safe, equitable communities, with basic human needs fulfilled". The organization also emphasizes on its view that Zionism, as "an ]-led movement" with its roots in Europe, created a "]" that erased the history of Jewish communities in the Arab world, North Africa, and East Africa, whose members (] and ]) "have long been subjected to systemic discrimination and violence by the Israeli government".<ref name="approach"/>{{sfn|Schaeffer Omer-Man|2019}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Herbst |first=Robert |date=2019-01-28 |title=After years of study and discussion, Jewish Voice for Peace rejects Zionism |url=https://mondoweiss.net/2019/01/discussion-rejects-zionism/ |access-date=2024-06-06 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref>


JVP criticizes what it describes as the "severe ] every day".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-01-24 |title='Progressive' Anti-semitism? S.F. Meet Considers Phenomenon |url=https://www.jta.org/archive/progressive-anti-semitism-s-f-meet-considers-phenomenon |access-date=2023-11-08 |website=Jewish Telegraphic Agency |language=en-US |archive-date=November 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108161513/https://www.jta.org/archive/progressive-anti-semitism-s-f-meet-considers-phenomenon |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== BDS advocacy ===

According to its website, JVP supports "divestment from and ] of companies that profit from ]" through the ] movement (BDS),<ref name=bds>{{cite web |url= http://www.icjs.org/sites/default/files/Jewish%20Voice%20for%20Peace%20Statements%20on%20Boycott,%20Divestment,%20and%20Sanctions.pdf |title= Jewish Voice for Peace Statements on Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions |publisher= www.icjs.org |date= 2011 |access-date= August 15, 2016 |archive-date= August 15, 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160815225738/http://www.icjs.org/sites/default/files/Jewish%20Voice%20for%20Peace%20Statements%20on%20Boycott,%20Divestment,%20and%20Sanctions.pdf |url-status= dead }}</ref> stating "JVP rejects the assertion that BDS is inherently anti-Semitic, and we encourage discussion both within our own community and outside of it of the growing BDS movement."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Koren |first=Daniel |date=2016-03-22 |title=UJA distances itself from Tony Kushner event |url=https://thecjn.ca/arts/uja-federation-distances-itself-from-tony-kushner-event/ |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref> JVP justifies its support for the movement by arguing that BDS provides a vehicle allowing individuals all over the world in the Jewish diaspora to bring about real change by threatening in their consumer choices to lower the profits of any business that by their activities reinforces Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territories.<ref name =Magid>Yehuda Magid, "The Jewish American peace camp: New Expressions of the Jewish diaspora", in Galia Golan, Walid Salem, (eds.), , Routledge, 2013 p.159.</ref> Gal Beckerman of '']'' wrote that it "is a group that has demonstrated a guerilla-like savvy in staging actions that get its message out to a broader national audience. In its use of BDS, for example, JVP has staked out a position distinct from those who target any and all entities related to Israel, which for many Jews implies a rejection of Israel's very legitimacy. JVP instead targets only entities involved in one way or another with Israel's occupation of the West Bank."<ref>{{cite news |last=Beckerman |first=Gal |url=http://www.forward.com/articles/137080/ |title=Reporters' Roundtable: JVP and BYU |newspaper=The Forward |date=April 15, 2011 |access-date=April 24, 2011 |archive-date=April 26, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110426050105/http://forward.com/articles/137080/ |url-status=live }}</ref> JVP's executive director Rebecca Vilkomerson stated: "We do feel connected to the global BDS movement. We consider ourselves a part of it."<ref>{{cite news |last=Beckerman |first=Gal |url=http://www.forward.com/articles/137016/ |title=JVP, Harsh Critic Of Israel, Seeks a Seat at the Communal Table |newspaper=The Forward |date=April 13, 2011 |access-date=September 2, 2011 |archive-date=August 19, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110819180625/http://www.forward.com/articles/137016/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
===Zionism===
JVP endorsed the ] in 2015, but did not offer details about how Israel would remain a ].<ref name="Serpick" /> In 2019, JVP declared itself ], arguing that contemporary Zionism had become a ], and Israel had become an ]. The organization views Zionism as an ]-led movement with its roots in Europe, created a "]" that erased the history of Jewish communities in the Arab world, North Africa, and East Africa.<ref name="approach">{{cite web |title=JVP's Approach to Zionism |url=https://www.jewishvoiceforpeace.org/zionism/ |website=Jewish Voice for Peace |access-date=2 August 2023 |quote=We unequivocally oppose Zionism |archive-date=August 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230823190933/https://www.jewishvoiceforpeace.org/zionism/ |url-status=live }}</ref>{{sfn|Schaeffer Omer-Man|2019}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Herbst |first=Robert |date=2019-01-28 |title=After years of study and discussion, Jewish Voice for Peace rejects Zionism |url=https://mondoweiss.net/2019/01/discussion-rejects-zionism/ |access-date=2024-06-06 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref>

It supports an independent state for the Palestinians.<ref name="Fox" />

===Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions===
On February 20, 2015, JVP endorsed the ] (BDS) movement after previously supporting selective divestment from companies operating in ].<ref name="Serpick">{{cite news |last1=Serpick |first1=Evan |title=Embracing Israel Boycott, Jewish Voice For Peace Insists on Its Jewish Identity |url=https://forward.com/israel/217528/embracing-israel-boycott-jewish-voice-for-peace-in/ |access-date=13 October 2024 |work=] |date=2015-03-28}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=wpengine |date=2015-02-21 |title=Jewish Voice for Peace on Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions {{!}} 2015 |url=https://www.jewishvoiceforpeace.org/2015/02/20/jewish-voice-for-peace-on-boycott-divestment-and-sanctions/ |access-date=2024-10-14 |website=JVP |language=en-US}}</ref> stating "JVP rejects the assertion that BDS is inherently anti-Semitic, and we encourage discussion both within our own community and outside of it of the growing BDS movement."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Koren |first=Daniel |date=2016-03-22 |title=UJA distances itself from Tony Kushner event |url=https://thecjn.ca/arts/uja-federation-distances-itself-from-tony-kushner-event/ |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref> JVP justifies its support for the movement by arguing that BDS provides a vehicle allowing individuals all over the world in the Jewish diaspora to bring about real change by threatening in their consumer choices to lower the profits of any business that by their activities reinforces Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territories.<ref name =Magid>Yehuda Magid, "The Jewish American peace camp: New Expressions of the Jewish diaspora", in Galia Golan, Walid Salem, (eds.), , Routledge, 2013 p.159.</ref> Gal Beckerman of '']'' wrote that it "is a group that has demonstrated a guerilla-like savvy in staging actions that get its message out to a broader national audience. In its use of BDS, for example, JVP has staked out a position distinct from those who target any and all entities related to Israel, which for many Jews implies a rejection of Israel's very legitimacy. JVP instead targets only entities involved in one way or another with Israel's occupation of the West Bank."<ref>{{cite news |last=Beckerman |first=Gal |url=http://www.forward.com/articles/137080/ |title=Reporters' Roundtable: JVP and BYU |newspaper=The Forward |date=April 15, 2011 |access-date=April 24, 2011 |archive-date=April 26, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110426050105/http://forward.com/articles/137080/ |url-status=live }}</ref> JVP's executive director Rebecca Vilkomerson stated: "We do feel connected to the global BDS movement. We consider ourselves a part of it."<ref>{{cite news |last=Beckerman |first=Gal |url=http://www.forward.com/articles/137016/ |title=JVP, Harsh Critic Of Israel, Seeks a Seat at the Communal Table |newspaper=The Forward |date=April 13, 2011 |access-date=September 2, 2011 |archive-date=August 19, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110819180625/http://www.forward.com/articles/137016/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Waxman|first=Dov|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/942755120|title=Trouble in the tribe: the American Jewish conflict over Israel|date=2016|isbn=978-1-4008-8035-5|location=Princeton, New Jersey|oclc=942755120|access-date=May 25, 2021|archive-date=May 10, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510035012/https://search.worldcat.org/title/942755120|url-status=live}}</ref>{{sfn|Sasson|2016|p=250}}

===Israel–Hamas war===
JVP attributed the ] to "Israeli apartheid and occupation — and United States complicity in that oppression." JVP said "Inevitably, oppressed people everywhere will seek — and gain — their freedom."<ref name=":0">{{cite news |last1=Tress |first1=Luke |title=US pro-Palestinian groups applaud Hamas terror onslaught, plan support rallies |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/us-pro-palestinian-groups-applaud-hamas-terror-onslaught-plan-support-rallies/ |access-date=11 October 2023 |work=Times of Israel |date=October 8, 2023 |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008151416/https://www.timesofisrael.com/us-pro-palestinian-groups-applaud-hamas-terror-onslaught-plan-support-rallies/ |url-status=live }}</ref> JVP called for the U.S. government to "immediately take steps to withdraw military funding to Israel and to hold the Israeli government accountable for its gross violations of human rights and war crimes against Palestinians."<ref name="auto">{{cite news |last1=Lebovic |first1=Matt |title=A tear in the tent: The US Jews who are protesting Israel following Hamas massacres |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/a-tear-in-the-tent-the-us-jews-who-are-protesting-israel-following-hamas-massacres/ |access-date=11 October 2023 |work=Times of Israel |date=October 11, 2023 |archive-date=October 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011183551/https://www.timesofisrael.com/a-tear-in-the-tent-the-us-jews-who-are-protesting-israel-following-hamas-massacres/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Following the attack, the organization showed support on social media for "the latest unprecedented wave of resistance" by Palestinians. When questioned by '']'', the organization removed its support for the post in question.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rosenfeld |first1=Arno |title=Meet the Jews defending Hamas |url=https://forward.com/news/563870/meet-the-jews-defending-hamas/ |access-date=11 October 2023 |work=The Forward |date=9 October 2023 |language=en |archive-date=October 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231012061106/https://forward.com/news/563870/meet-the-jews-defending-hamas/ |url-status=live }}</ref> JVP used language urging lawmakers to examine the "root cause" of Hamas's attack, which they believe is Israel. ''The Forward'' wrote that this was a way for JVP "to acknowledge how objectionable most observers found the attacks on civilians while keeping their advocacy focused on pressuring the Israeli government to make concessions."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rosenfeld |first1=Arno |title='Root cause' of violence is focus for Palestinian groups |url=https://forward.com/news/564103/palestinian-advocacy-groups-root-causes-hamas-attack/ |access-date=11 October 2023 |work=The Forward |date=10 October 2023 |language=en |archive-date=October 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011163920/https://forward.com/news/564103/palestinian-advocacy-groups-root-causes-hamas-attack/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Jewish Voice for Peace, along with ], led an October 16, 2023, ] in Washington, D.C. which ] in the ] and for United States President ] to support a ceasefire.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web |last=White |first=Abbey |date=2023-10-17 |title=Wallace Shawn Calls for End of "Massacring" in Israel-Gaza Conflict at D.C. Rally: "I Don't Really Believe in Revenge" |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/wallace-shawn-criticizes-us-response-israel-gaza-conflict-dc-rally-1235619903/ |access-date=2023-10-23 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US |archive-date=October 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231025035043/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/wallace-shawn-criticizes-us-response-israel-gaza-conflict-dc-rally-1235619903/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Among the speakers was actor ].<ref name=":02" /> On October 27, protestors organized by Jewish Voice for Peace occupied ] in New York City, calling for a ceasefire and wearing t-shirts saying "Not in our name".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Fahy |first1=Claire |last2=Julian |first2=Roberts-Grmela |last3=Piccoli |first3=Sean |date=October 27, 2023 |title='Let Gaza Live': Calls for Cease-Fire Fill Grand Central Terminal |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/27/world/middleeast/grand-central-protest-nyc-israel-hamas-gaza.html |access-date=November 7, 2023 |archive-date=November 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107152445/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/27/world/middleeast/grand-central-protest-nyc-israel-hamas-gaza.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On November 6, about 500 members of Jewish Voice for Peace–New York City took part in a sit-in at the ] to demand a ceasefire.<ref name=":1">{{cite news |last1=Luscombe |first1=Richard |date=November 6, 2023 |title=Protesters stage sit-in demanding ceasefire in Gaza at Statue of Liberty |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/nov/06/statue-of-liberty-protest-gaza-ceasefire |access-date=November 7, 2023 |archive-date=November 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106234156/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/nov/06/statue-of-liberty-protest-gaza-ceasefire |url-status=live }}</ref> Photographer ] addressed the demonstration, saying, "As long as the people of Gaza are screaming, we need to yell louder, no matter who attempts to silence us."<ref name=":1" />

Since November 2023, JVP's chapter at ] has been under suspension. The university stated that both the JVP chapter and ] had breached university policies, engaging in "threatening rhetoric and intimidation", leading to the suspension of the clubs.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Tress |first=Luke |date=2024-01-18 |title=Columbia University's Students for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace remain suspended as new semester begins |url=https://www.jta.org/2024/01/18/ny/columbia-universitys-students-for-justice-in-palestine-and-jewish-voice-for-peace-remain-suspended-as-new-semester-begins |access-date=2024-01-21 |website=Jewish Telegraphic Agency |language=en-US |archive-date=January 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119030056/https://www.jta.org/2024/01/18/ny/columbia-universitys-students-for-justice-in-palestine-and-jewish-voice-for-peace-remain-suspended-as-new-semester-begins |url-status=live }}</ref>

In November 2023, the ] classified anti-war protest events led by Jewish groups including Jewish Voice for Peace and ] as "anti-Israel", adding the protests to a database documenting rising antisemitism in the US. ADL CEO ] labelled the Jewish organizations "hate groups" and equated anti-Zionism with antisemitism.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://theintercept.com/2023/11/11/palestine-israel-protests-ceasefire-antisemitic/ |title=Anti-Defamation League Maps Jewish Peace Rallies with Antisemitic Attacks |publisher=The Intercept |access-date=November 12, 2023 |archive-date=November 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231112091414/https://theintercept.com/2023/11/11/palestine-israel-protests-ceasefire-antisemitic/ |url-status=live }}</ref> This led to criticism of ADL, including from its own staff, one of whom quit in protest, stating: "Those were Jewish people who we were defaming, so that felt extremely, extremely confusing, and frustrating to me. And it makes it harder to talk about that when any criticism of Israel, or anyone who criticizes Israel, just becomes a terrorist."<ref name="TG11">{{cite web |date=5 January 2024 |title=Anti-Defamation League staff decry 'dishonest' campaign against Israel critics |url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/2024/jan/05/adl-pro-israel-advocacy-zionism-antisemitism |accessdate=5 January 2024 |work=The Guardian |archive-date=May 10, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510035021/https://www.theguardian.com/news/2024/jan/05/adl-pro-israel-advocacy-zionism-antisemitism |url-status=live }}</ref>

In August 2024, it was reported that ] had suspended its JVP chapter along with other pro-Palestinian student groups. This suspension followed the projection of messages such as "Glory to our ]" and "Free Palestine ]" on campus buildings by pro-Palestinian students in the fall of 2023. JVP had expressed support for the messages displayed during these protests.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2024-08-21 |title=George Washington University suspends JVP chapter as colleges prepare for Israel protests |url=https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-815777 |access-date=2024-08-23 |website=The Jerusalem Post {{!}} JPost.com |language=en}}</ref>

After the IDF had killed Hezbollah leader ] in Lebanon in September 2024, ] removed the JVP's posts for violating its guidelines by sharing posts in support of Nasrallah.<ref>{{cite web |title=Anti-Zionist U.S. Student Groups Mourn Nasrallah's Death, Vow to Continue His 'Fire of Resistance' |url=https://www.haaretz.com/us-news/2024-09-29/ty-article/.premium/anti-zionist-u-s-student-groups-mourn-nasrallah-vow-to-continue-his-fire-of-resistance/00000192-3dc2-dee0-a9bf-3ff20adf0000 |url-access=subscription |publisher=Haaretz}}</ref>

==Activities==
] ]
During 2004 and 2005, JVP protested against ] for selling bulldozers to Israel, and said that Israel's use of the ] ]s in the West Bank and Gaza Strip was a violation of ] and Caterpillar's business code of conduct. Along with four Christian groups, JVP introduced a ] calling on Caterpillar to re-examine its sales of bulldozers to Israel. The resolution was rejected by 97 percent of the votes at the Caterpillar 2005 ]. JVP continued to introduce shareholder resolutions at Caterpillar shareholder meetings every year since 2005.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.jewishaz.com/jewishnews/050422/caterpillar.shtml|title=Caterpillar rejects anti-Israel motion|first=Jordana|last=Rothstein|newspaper=Jewish News of Greater Phoenix |date=April 22, 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050525051012/http://www.jewishaz.com/jewishnews/050422/caterpillar.shtml|archive-date=May 25, 2005|access-date=August 17, 2016}}</ref> In 2010 the resolution received 20% of the vote.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/caterpillar-idUSN0917419920100609|title=3 stockholder proposals fail at CAT annual meeting|date=June 9, 2010|newspaper=Reuters|access-date=June 19, 2016|archive-date=August 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809054558/http://www.reuters.com/article/caterpillar-idUSN0917419920100609|url-status=live}}</ref> During 2004 and 2005, JVP protested ] for selling bulldozers to Israel, and said that Israel's use of the ] ]s in the West Bank and Gaza Strip was a violation of ] and Caterpillar's business code of conduct. Along with four Christian groups, JVP introduced a ] calling on Caterpillar to re-examine its sales of bulldozers to Israel. The resolution was rejected by 97 percent of the votes at the Caterpillar 2005 ]. JVP continued to introduce shareholder resolutions at Caterpillar shareholder meetings every year since 2005.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.jewishaz.com/jewishnews/050422/caterpillar.shtml|title=Caterpillar rejects anti-Israel motion|first=Jordana|last=Rothstein|newspaper=Jewish News of Greater Phoenix |date=April 22, 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050525051012/http://www.jewishaz.com/jewishnews/050422/caterpillar.shtml|archive-date=May 25, 2005|access-date=August 17, 2016}}</ref> In 2010 the resolution received 20% of the vote.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/caterpillar-idUSN0917419920100609|title=3 stockholder proposals fail at CAT annual meeting|date=June 9, 2010|newspaper=Reuters|access-date=June 19, 2016|archive-date=August 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809054558/http://www.reuters.com/article/caterpillar-idUSN0917419920100609|url-status=live}}</ref>


In June 2010, JVP launched a ] against the pension fund ]. The petition to divest reads, "We are participants and investors in TIAA-CREF funds who are deeply concerned that TIAA-CREF invests in many companies that profit from Israel's occupation of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Some of these companies provide weapons and covert surveillance supplies that maintain the occupation by force. Others take or exploit Palestinian resources, including scarce water and even the land itself. All are profiting from Israel's violations of international law and international human rights standards." The five companies targeted by the campaign are Caterpillar, ], ], ], and ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://jewishvoiceforpeace.org/tiaa-cref |title=Campaigns &#124; TIAA-CREF: Divest from the occupation |publisher=Jewish Voice for Peace |access-date=August 2, 2011 |archive-date=July 24, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724051059/http://jewishvoiceforpeace.org/tiaa-cref |url-status=live }}</ref>{{failed verification|date=December 2016|reason=page is now https://jewishvoiceforpeace.org/boycott-divestment-and-sanctions/ and facts need updating}} In June 2010, JVP launched a ] against the pension fund ] for investing in Caterpillar, ], ], ], and ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://jewishvoiceforpeace.org/tiaa-cref |title=Campaigns &#124; TIAA-CREF: Divest from the occupation |publisher=Jewish Voice for Peace |access-date=August 2, 2011 |archive-date=July 24, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724051059/http://jewishvoiceforpeace.org/tiaa-cref |url-status=live }}</ref>{{failed verification|date=December 2016|reason=page is now https://jewishvoiceforpeace.org/boycott-divestment-and-sanctions/ and facts need updating}}{{better source|date=September 2024}}


In September 2010, Israeli artists came to JVP asking for US support to an artistic boycott of the theater in the city of ], in the Israeli-occupied territories. JVP drafted a statement that was signed by over 150 theater and film professionals. On the significance of the action, JVP said that it "was the first time such mainstream figures had drawn a line around normalizing settlements which are illegal according to international law, and which constitute one of the main impediments to a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians".<ref>{{cite web|title=Israeli Artists Condemn Settlements|date=September 6, 2010|url=http://jewishvoiceforpeace.org/campaigns/making-history-support-israeli-artists-who-say-no-normalizing-settlements-4|publisher=Jewish Voice for Peace|access-date=November 16, 2013|archive-date=November 9, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109183144/http://jewishvoiceforpeace.org/campaigns/making-history-support-israeli-artists-who-say-no-normalizing-settlements-4|url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2010, Israeli artists came to JVP asking for US support to an artistic boycott of the theater in the city of ], in the Israeli-occupied territories. JVP drafted a statement that was signed by over 150 theater and film professionals. On the significance of the action, JVP said that it "was the first time such mainstream figures had drawn a line around normalizing settlements which are illegal according to international law, and which constitute one of the main impediments to a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians".<ref>{{cite web|title=Israeli Artists Condemn Settlements|date=September 6, 2010|url=http://jewishvoiceforpeace.org/campaigns/making-history-support-israeli-artists-who-say-no-normalizing-settlements-4|publisher=Jewish Voice for Peace|access-date=November 16, 2013|archive-date=November 9, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109183144/http://jewishvoiceforpeace.org/campaigns/making-history-support-israeli-artists-who-say-no-normalizing-settlements-4|url-status=live}}</ref>


In June 2014, when the General Assembly of the ] voted to divest its stock in Caterpillar, Hewlett-Packard, and Motorola Solutions to protest "the companies' profiting from the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories and pressure Israel to withdraw", JVP members attended the church's convention and supported the divestment measure. Rabbi ], a JVP co-director of organizing, told the Presbyterians that to her, divestment "helps Palestinians build their power. So that Israel is convinced, not by force, but by global consensus that something has to change."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/21/us/presbyterians-debating-israeli-occupation-vote-to-divest-holdings.html |title=Presbyterians Vote to Divest Holdings to Pressure Israel |first=Laurie |last=Goodstein |date=June 20, 2014 |work=The New York Times |access-date=May 15, 2015 |archive-date=May 9, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150509204254/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/21/us/presbyterians-debating-israeli-occupation-vote-to-divest-holdings.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In June 2014, when the General Assembly of the ] voted to divest its stock in Caterpillar, Hewlett-Packard, and Motorola Solutions to protest "the companies' profiting from the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories and pressure Israel to withdraw", JVP members attended the church's convention and supported the divestment measure. Rabbi ], a JVP co-director of organizing, told the Presbyterians that to her, divestment "helps Palestinians build their power. So that Israel is convinced, not by force, but by global consensus that something has to change."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/21/us/presbyterians-debating-israeli-occupation-vote-to-divest-holdings.html |title=Presbyterians Vote to Divest Holdings to Pressure Israel |first=Laurie |last=Goodstein |date=June 20, 2014 |work=The New York Times |access-date=May 15, 2015 |archive-date=May 9, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150509204254/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/21/us/presbyterians-debating-israeli-occupation-vote-to-divest-holdings.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

On February 20, 2015, JVP published a statement moving from its former position of supporting selective divestment, to a full endorsement of the call from Palestinian civil society for boycott, divestment, and sanctions against Israel until the Israeli government respects the rights of ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://jewishvoiceforpeace.org/jewish-voice-for-peace-on-boycott-divestment-and-sanctions/|title=Jewish Voice for Peace on Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions|publisher=Jewish Voice for Peace|date=February 20, 2015|access-date=August 15, 2016|archive-date=August 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160815223842/https://jewishvoiceforpeace.org/jewish-voice-for-peace-on-boycott-divestment-and-sanctions/|url-status=live}}</ref>{{Non-primary source needed|date=June 2024}} Explaining the change in position, JVP wrote in 2015:

{{Quote|text=JVP has long participated in the global movement to hold Israel accountable through nonviolent economic pressure, and we've done so by focusing on Occupation-specific targets including corporations as well as academic and cultural institutions. Today, the idea that there is a clear economic, political, or social separation between "Israel" and "the occupation", has been widely discredited.<ref>{{cite web |title=JVP on the Issues: Statement on Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions, 2015 |url=http://jewishvoiceforpeace.org/content/jvp-issues |publisher=Jewish Voice for Peace |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150315004845/http://jewishvoiceforpeace.org/content/jvp-issues |archive-date=March 15, 2015}}</ref>}}


===Demonstrations=== ===Demonstrations===
Line 70: Line 95:


In 2020, JVP, under moderation by leader Rabbi Alissa Wise, hosted a virtual panel on antisemitism featuring ], ], ] and ] as speakers. They spoke against antisemitism being used to label advocacy in support of Palestine, while additionally attributing the ] as being the largest source of antisemitism, referencing the 2019 ] as an example.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sakes |first1=Ben |title=Rashida Tlaib defends her relationship with Jews on a panel |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/south-florida-sun-sentinel/145855846/ |access-date=22 April 2024 |work=] |date=23 December 2020 |language=en |archive-date=April 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240422181138/https://www.newspapers.com/article/south-florida-sun-sentinel/145855846/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2020, JVP, under moderation by leader Rabbi Alissa Wise, hosted a virtual panel on antisemitism featuring ], ], ] and ] as speakers. They spoke against antisemitism being used to label advocacy in support of Palestine, while additionally attributing the ] as being the largest source of antisemitism, referencing the 2019 ] as an example.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sakes |first1=Ben |title=Rashida Tlaib defends her relationship with Jews on a panel |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/south-florida-sun-sentinel/145855846/ |access-date=22 April 2024 |work=] |date=23 December 2020 |language=en |archive-date=April 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240422181138/https://www.newspapers.com/article/south-florida-sun-sentinel/145855846/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Israel–Hamas war===

JVP attributed the ] to "Israeli apartheid and occupation — and United States complicity in that oppression." JVP said "Inevitably, oppressed people everywhere will seek — and gain — their freedom."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Tress |first1=Luke |title=US pro-Palestinian groups applaud Hamas terror onslaught, plan support rallies |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/us-pro-palestinian-groups-applaud-hamas-terror-onslaught-plan-support-rallies/ |access-date=11 October 2023 |work=Times of Israel |date=October 8, 2023 |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008151416/https://www.timesofisrael.com/us-pro-palestinian-groups-applaud-hamas-terror-onslaught-plan-support-rallies/ |url-status=live }}</ref> JVP called for the U.S. government to "immediately take steps to withdraw military funding to Israel and to hold the Israeli government accountable for its gross violations of human rights and war crimes against Palestinians."<ref name="auto">{{cite news |last1=Lebovic |first1=Matt |title=A tear in the tent: The US Jews who are protesting Israel following Hamas massacres |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/a-tear-in-the-tent-the-us-jews-who-are-protesting-israel-following-hamas-massacres/ |access-date=11 October 2023 |work=Times of Israel |date=October 11, 2023 |archive-date=October 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011183551/https://www.timesofisrael.com/a-tear-in-the-tent-the-us-jews-who-are-protesting-israel-following-hamas-massacres/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Also after the terrorist attack, the organization showed support on social media for "the latest unprecedented wave of resistance" by Palestinians. When questioned by '']'', the organization removed its support for the post in question.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rosenfeld |first1=Arno |title=Meet the Jews defending Hamas |url=https://forward.com/news/563870/meet-the-jews-defending-hamas/ |access-date=11 October 2023 |work=The Forward |date=9 October 2023 |language=en |archive-date=October 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231012061106/https://forward.com/news/563870/meet-the-jews-defending-hamas/ |url-status=live }}</ref> JVP used language urging lawmakers to examine the "root cause" of the Hamas terrorist attack, which they believe is Israel. ''The Forward'' wrote that this was a way for JVP "to acknowledge how objectionable most observers found the attacks on civilians while keeping their advocacy focused on pressuring the Israeli government to make concessions."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rosenfeld |first1=Arno |title='Root cause' of violence is focus for Palestinian groups |url=https://forward.com/news/564103/palestinian-advocacy-groups-root-causes-hamas-attack/ |access-date=11 October 2023 |work=The Forward |date=10 October 2023 |language=en |archive-date=October 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011163920/https://forward.com/news/564103/palestinian-advocacy-groups-root-causes-hamas-attack/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Jewish Voice for Peace, along with ], led an October 16, 2023, ] in Washington, D.C. which ] in the ] and for United States President ] to support a ceasefire.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web |last=White |first=Abbey |date=2023-10-17 |title=Wallace Shawn Calls for End of "Massacring" in Israel-Gaza Conflict at D.C. Rally: "I Don't Really Believe in Revenge" |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/wallace-shawn-criticizes-us-response-israel-gaza-conflict-dc-rally-1235619903/ |access-date=2023-10-23 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US |archive-date=October 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231025035043/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/wallace-shawn-criticizes-us-response-israel-gaza-conflict-dc-rally-1235619903/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Among the speakers was actor ].<ref name=":02" /> On October 27, protestors organized by Jewish Voice for Peace occupied ] in New York City, calling for a ceasefire and wearing t-shirts saying "Not in our name".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Fahy |first1=Claire |last2=Julian |first2=Roberts-Grmela |last3=Piccoli |first3=Sean |date=October 27, 2023 |title='Let Gaza Live': Calls for Cease-Fire Fill Grand Central Terminal |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/27/world/middleeast/grand-central-protest-nyc-israel-hamas-gaza.html |access-date=November 7, 2023 |archive-date=November 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107152445/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/27/world/middleeast/grand-central-protest-nyc-israel-hamas-gaza.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On November 6, about 500 members of Jewish Voice for Peace–New York City took part in a sit-in at the ] to demand a ceasefire.<ref name=":1">{{cite news |last1=Luscombe |first1=Richard |date=November 6, 2023 |title=Protesters stage sit-in demanding ceasefire in Gaza at Statue of Liberty |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/nov/06/statue-of-liberty-protest-gaza-ceasefire |access-date=November 7, 2023 |archive-date=November 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106234156/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/nov/06/statue-of-liberty-protest-gaza-ceasefire |url-status=live }}</ref> Photographer ] addressed the demonstration, saying, "As long as the people of Gaza are screaming, we need to yell louder, no matter who attempts to silence us."<ref name=":1" />

Since November 2023, JVP's chapter at ] has been under suspension. The university stated that both the JVP chapter and ] had breached university policies, engaging in "threatening rhetoric and intimidation", leading to the suspension of the clubs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tress |first=Luke |date=2024-01-18 |title=Columbia University's Students for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace remain suspended as new semester begins |url=https://www.jta.org/2024/01/18/ny/columbia-universitys-students-for-justice-in-palestine-and-jewish-voice-for-peace-remain-suspended-as-new-semester-begins |access-date=2024-01-21 |website=Jewish Telegraphic Agency |language=en-US |archive-date=January 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119030056/https://www.jta.org/2024/01/18/ny/columbia-universitys-students-for-justice-in-palestine-and-jewish-voice-for-peace-remain-suspended-as-new-semester-begins |url-status=live }}</ref>

In November 2023, the ] classified anti-war protest events led by Jewish groups including Jewish Voice for Peace and ] as "anti-Israel", adding the protests to a database documenting rising antisemitism in the US. ADL CEO ] labelled the Jewish organizations "hate groups" and equated anti-Zionism with antisemitism.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://theintercept.com/2023/11/11/palestine-israel-protests-ceasefire-antisemitic/ |title=Anti-Defamation League Maps Jewish Peace Rallies with Antisemitic Attacks |publisher=The Intercept |access-date=November 12, 2023 |archive-date=November 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231112091414/https://theintercept.com/2023/11/11/palestine-israel-protests-ceasefire-antisemitic/ |url-status=live }}</ref> This led to criticism of ADL, including from its own staff, one of whom quit in protest, stating: "Those were Jewish people who we were defaming, so that felt extremely, extremely confusing, and frustrating to me. And it makes it harder to talk about that when any criticism of Israel, or anyone who criticizes Israel, just becomes a terrorist."<ref name="TG11">{{cite web |date=5 January 2024 |title=Anti-Defamation League staff decry 'dishonest' campaign against Israel critics |url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/2024/jan/05/adl-pro-israel-advocacy-zionism-antisemitism |accessdate=5 January 2024 |work=The Guardian |archive-date=May 10, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510035021/https://www.theguardian.com/news/2024/jan/05/adl-pro-israel-advocacy-zionism-antisemitism |url-status=live }}</ref>


=== Publication === === Publication ===
Line 85: Line 100:


==Reception== ==Reception==
Jewish Voice for Peace has faced broad opposition from the Jewish community at large due to its rhetoric and support for the BDS movement.<ref name="Magid" /><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.jta.org/2011/10/10/news-opinion/united-states/jfna-bumps-bds-backer-from-heroes-contest |title=JFNA bumps BDS backer from Heroes contest |first=Dan |last=Klein |date=October 10, 2011 |publisher=Jewish Telegraphic Agency |access-date=May 14, 2015 |archive-date=May 18, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518093423/http://www.jta.org/2011/10/10/news-opinion/united-states/jfna-bumps-bds-backer-from-heroes-contest |url-status=live }}</ref> Opponents argue that the organization amplifies a view that is often seen as ] within the community, creating greater tolerance for views and statements considered offensive by many Jews.<ref>{{cite news |last=Pine |first=Dan |url=http://www.jweekly.com/article/full/63049/jvp-rabbi-says-fight-is-for-equality-not-israels-demise/ |title=JVP rabbi says fight is for equality, not Israel's demise |date=September 29, 2011 |newspaper=j. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111205065211/http://www.jweekly.com/article/full/63049/jvp-rabbi-says-fight-is-for-equality-not-israels-demise/ |archive-date=December 5, 2011 |access-date=August 17, 2016 }}</ref> The ADL, a vocal longtime critic of the organization, has argued that JVP unfairly places the onus of resolving the conflict on Israel.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522000939/http://www.adl.org/israel-international/anti-israel-activity/c/backgrounder-jewish-voice.html |date=May 22, 2013 }} September 27, 2010</ref> JVP has at times been denied participation or membership in broader Jewish community events or spaces.<ref name="JTA-findingourvoice">{{cite news |last=Harris |first=Ben |date=January 23, 2007 |title='Progressive' anti-Semitism? S.F. meet considers phenomenon |publisher=] |url=http://www.jta.org/cgi-bin/iowa/news/article/20070123ProgressiveantiS.html |access-date=January 31, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080121070438/http://www.jta.org/cgi-bin/iowa/news/article/20070123ProgressiveantiS.html <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date=January 21, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Fishkoff |first=Sue |url=http://www.jta.org/2011/03/14/news-opinion/united-states/brandeis-hillel-excludes-a-controversial-group-on-israel-generating-debate |title=Brandeis Hillel excludes a controversial group on Israel, generating debate |publisher=Jewish Telegraphic Agency |date=March 14, 2011 |access-date=August 17, 2016 |archive-date=September 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927054405/http://www.jta.org/2011/03/14/news-opinion/united-states/brandeis-hillel-excludes-a-controversial-group-on-israel-generating-debate |url-status=live }}</ref> While some Jewish leaders concede that the community is too quick to censor criticism of Israel, even the Jewish state's critics among the community are reluctant to welcome JVP into the fold.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.forward.com/articles/the-progressive-jewish-question/|title=Is Community Open to Critics of Zionism?|first=Ira|last=Youdovin|newspaper=The Forward |date=February 23, 2007|access-date=March 4, 2007|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070224113534/http://www.forward.com/articles/the-progressive-jewish-question/ <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = February 24, 2007}}</ref> JVP has been criticized for partnering with groups including Electronic Intifada, Al-Awda, and the Movement for Black Lives, all of which have characterized Israel's treatment of Palestinians as apartheid and accused the state of genocide.<ref>{{cite news |last=Pine |first=Dan |url=http://www.jweekly.com/article/full/69058/report-rips-jewish-voice-for-peace-and-its-tactics/ |title=Report rips Jewish Voice for Peace and its tactics |newspaper=j. |date=July 18, 2013 |access-date=July 27, 2013 |archive-date=August 22, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130822050518/http://www.jweekly.com/article/full/69058/report-rips-jewish-voice-for-peace-and-its-tactics/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Tol">{{cite news |url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/jewish-pro-bds-group-endorses-anti-israel-black-lives-matter-platform/ |title=Jewish pro-BDS group endorses anti-Israel Black Lives Matter platform |date=August 6, 2016 |agency=] |work=] |access-date=August 8, 2016 |archive-date=August 8, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808000720/http://www.timesofisrael.com/jewish-pro-bds-group-endorses-anti-israel-black-lives-matter-platform/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Opponents of Jewish Voice for Peace argue that the organization amplifies a view that is often seen as ] within the American Jewish community, creating greater tolerance for views and statements considered offensive by Zionists.<ref>{{cite news |last=Pine |first=Dan |url=http://www.jweekly.com/article/full/63049/jvp-rabbi-says-fight-is-for-equality-not-israels-demise/ |title=JVP rabbi says fight is for equality, not Israel's demise |date=September 29, 2011 |newspaper=j. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111205065211/http://www.jweekly.com/article/full/63049/jvp-rabbi-says-fight-is-for-equality-not-israels-demise/ |archive-date=December 5, 2011 |access-date=August 17, 2016 }}</ref> The ADL, a vocal longtime critic of the organization, has argued that JVP unfairly places the onus of resolving the conflict on Israel.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522000939/http://www.adl.org/israel-international/anti-israel-activity/c/backgrounder-jewish-voice.html |date=May 22, 2013 }} September 27, 2010</ref> JVP has at times been denied participation or membership in broader Jewish community events or spaces.<ref name="JTA-findingourvoice">{{cite news |last=Harris |first=Ben |date=January 23, 2007 |title='Progressive' anti-Semitism? S.F. meet considers phenomenon |publisher=] |url=http://www.jta.org/cgi-bin/iowa/news/article/20070123ProgressiveantiS.html |access-date=January 31, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080121070438/http://www.jta.org/cgi-bin/iowa/news/article/20070123ProgressiveantiS.html <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date=January 21, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Fishkoff |first=Sue |url=http://www.jta.org/2011/03/14/news-opinion/united-states/brandeis-hillel-excludes-a-controversial-group-on-israel-generating-debate |title=Brandeis Hillel excludes a controversial group on Israel, generating debate |publisher=Jewish Telegraphic Agency |date=March 14, 2011 |access-date=August 17, 2016 |archive-date=September 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927054405/http://www.jta.org/2011/03/14/news-opinion/united-states/brandeis-hillel-excludes-a-controversial-group-on-israel-generating-debate |url-status=live }}</ref> While some Jewish leaders concede that the community is too quick to censor criticism of Israel, even the Jewish state's critics among the community are reluctant to welcome JVP into the fold.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.forward.com/articles/the-progressive-jewish-question/|title=Is Community Open to Critics of Zionism?|first=Ira|last=Youdovin|newspaper=The Forward |date=February 23, 2007|access-date=March 4, 2007|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070224113534/http://www.forward.com/articles/the-progressive-jewish-question/ <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = February 24, 2007}}</ref> JVP has been criticized for partnering with groups including Electronic Intifada, Al-Awda, and the Movement for Black Lives, all of which have characterized Israel's treatment of Palestinians as apartheid and accused the state of genocide.<ref>{{cite news |last=Pine |first=Dan |url=http://www.jweekly.com/article/full/69058/report-rips-jewish-voice-for-peace-and-its-tactics/ |title=Report rips Jewish Voice for Peace and its tactics |newspaper=j. |date=July 18, 2013 |access-date=July 27, 2013 |archive-date=August 22, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130822050518/http://www.jweekly.com/article/full/69058/report-rips-jewish-voice-for-peace-and-its-tactics/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Tol">{{cite news |url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/jewish-pro-bds-group-endorses-anti-israel-black-lives-matter-platform/ |title=Jewish pro-BDS group endorses anti-Israel Black Lives Matter platform |date=August 6, 2016 |agency=] |work=] |access-date=August 8, 2016 |archive-date=August 8, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808000720/http://www.timesofisrael.com/jewish-pro-bds-group-endorses-anti-israel-black-lives-matter-platform/ |url-status=live }}</ref>


Others in the Jewish community have argued that JVP has been unfairly shut out.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.forward.com/articles/136658/ |title=Leonard Fein: How Big a Tent? |newspaper=The Forward |date=March 31, 2011 |access-date=August 2, 2011 |archive-date=September 15, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110915161249/http://www.forward.com/articles/136658/ |url-status=live }}</ref> According to political scientist ], the anger which JVP's actions and positions arouse in many other American Jewish groups is just one index of a broader polarizing controversy within the Jewish American community at large, whose leaders had hitherto managed to shut out internal disagreements from the public purview.<ref>Dov Waxman, , Princeton University Press, 2016 p.2.</ref> Since the 2010s, there has been a shift toward greater tolerance for JVP within the community. Some left-wing Jews have praised the organization for giving an outlet to younger Jews who are more critical toward Israel.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://america.aljazeera.com/opinions/2014/10/jewish-american-openhillelstudentorganizationisraeloccupation.html |title=Reclaiming the Jewish Soul |first=Mark |last=LeVine |author-link=Mark LeVine |date=October 30, 2014 |publisher=Al Jazeera America |access-date=May 15, 2015 |archive-date=April 26, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150426004027/http://america.aljazeera.com/opinions/2014/10/jewish-american-openhillelstudentorganizationisraeloccupation.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Hijab">{{cite news |url=http://www.thenation.com/article/202233/jewish-voice-peace-conference-what-solidarity-looks |title=At a Jewish Voice For Peace Conference: This Is What Solidarity Looks Like |first=Nadia |last=Hijab |author-link=Nadia Hijab |date=March 20, 2015 |work=The Nation |access-date=May 15, 2015 |archive-date=May 18, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518081952/http://www.thenation.com/article/202233/jewish-voice-peace-conference-what-solidarity-looks |url-status=live }}</ref> JVP has become the bête noire of the organized Jewish community in the United States, which has largely excluded the organization.<ref name="Waxman2017">{{cite journal |last1=Waxman |first1=Dov |title=Young American Jews and Israel: Beyond Birthright and BDS |journal=] |date=Fall 2017 |volume=22 |issue=3 |pages=177–199 |doi=10.2979/israelstudies.22.3.08 |jstor=10.2979/israelstudies.22.3.08 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.2979/israelstudies.22.3.08 |access-date=18 September 2024}}</ref> Others in the Jewish community have argued that JVP has been unfairly shut out.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.forward.com/articles/136658/ |title=Leonard Fein: How Big a Tent? |newspaper=The Forward |date=March 31, 2011 |access-date=August 2, 2011 |archive-date=September 15, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110915161249/http://www.forward.com/articles/136658/ |url-status=live }}</ref> According to political scientist ], the anger which JVP's actions and positions arouse in many other American Jewish groups is just one index of a broader polarizing controversy within the Jewish American community at large, whose leaders had hitherto managed to shut out internal disagreements from the public purview.<ref>Dov Waxman, , Princeton University Press, 2016 p.2.</ref> Since the 2010s, there has been a shift toward greater tolerance for JVP within the community. Some left-wing Jews have praised the organization for giving an outlet to younger Jews who are more critical toward Israel.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://america.aljazeera.com/opinions/2014/10/jewish-american-openhillelstudentorganizationisraeloccupation.html |title=Reclaiming the Jewish Soul |first=Mark |last=LeVine |author-link=Mark LeVine |date=October 30, 2014 |publisher=Al Jazeera America |access-date=May 15, 2015 |archive-date=April 26, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150426004027/http://america.aljazeera.com/opinions/2014/10/jewish-american-openhillelstudentorganizationisraeloccupation.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Hijab">{{cite news |url=http://www.thenation.com/article/202233/jewish-voice-peace-conference-what-solidarity-looks |title=At a Jewish Voice For Peace Conference: This Is What Solidarity Looks Like |first=Nadia |last=Hijab |author-link=Nadia Hijab |date=March 20, 2015 |work=The Nation |access-date=May 15, 2015 |archive-date=May 18, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518081952/http://www.thenation.com/article/202233/jewish-voice-peace-conference-what-solidarity-looks |url-status=live }}</ref>


In September 2013, the ] awarded JVP its Peaceseeker Award "for their courageous work for justice and peace in Palestine and Israel," noting that the fellowship "celebrates their work of nonviolence in the face of violence."<ref>{{Cite web |title=2013 Peaceseeker Award: Jewish Voice for Peace and the Israel/Palestine Mission Network – Presbyterian Peace Fellowship |url=https://www.presbypeacefellowship.org/2013-peaceseeker-award-jewish-voice-for-peace-and-the-israel-palestine-mission-network/ |access-date=2023-11-09 |language=en-US |archive-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109184436/https://www.presbypeacefellowship.org/2013-peaceseeker-award-jewish-voice-for-peace-and-the-israel-palestine-mission-network/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In September 2013, the ] awarded JVP its Peaceseeker Award "for their courageous work for justice and peace in Palestine and Israel," noting that the fellowship "celebrates their work of nonviolence in the face of violence."<ref>{{Cite web |title=2013 Peaceseeker Award: Jewish Voice for Peace and the Israel/Palestine Mission Network – Presbyterian Peace Fellowship |url=https://www.presbypeacefellowship.org/2013-peaceseeker-award-jewish-voice-for-peace-and-the-israel-palestine-mission-network/ |access-date=2023-11-09 |language=en-US |archive-date=November 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109184436/https://www.presbypeacefellowship.org/2013-peaceseeker-award-jewish-voice-for-peace-and-the-israel-palestine-mission-network/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Line 96: Line 111:
{{Div col}} {{Div col}}
* ] * ]
* ]
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
* ] (Netherlands)
* ] * ]
* ]
* ] * ]
* ] * ] (UK)
* ]
* ] * ]
* ]
* ] * ]
* ]
* ]
{{Div col end}} {{Div col end}}


Line 120: Line 138:
==External links== ==External links==
* {{Official website}} * {{Official website}}
* {{ProPublicaNonprofitExplorer|900018359}}


{{Organized Jewish Life in the United States}} {{Organized Jewish Life in the United States}}
{{Authority control}} {{Authority control}}


]
] ]
] ]

Latest revision as of 09:11, 27 December 2024

American anti-Zionist advocacy group

This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these messages)
The neutrality of this article is disputed. Relevant discussion may be found on the talk page. Please do not remove this message until conditions to do so are met. (November 2023) (Learn how and when to remove this message)
This article's lead section may be too short to adequately summarize the key points. Please consider expanding the lead to provide an accessible overview of all important aspects of the article. (July 2024)
(Learn how and when to remove this message)

Jewish Voice for Peace
JVP logo since 2020
AbbreviationJVP
FoundedSeptember 1996 (28 years ago) (1996-09)
Founded atUC Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States
TypeAdvocacy organization
Tax ID no. 90-0018359
Legal status501(c)(3) organization
Focus
Location
  • United States
Executive directorStefanie Fox
ChairpersonJethro Eisenstein
Revenue$3.9 million (2021)
Expenses$2.6 million (2021)
Websitejewishvoiceforpeace.org Edit this at Wikidata

Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP; Hebrew: קוֹל יְהוּדִי לַשָּׁלוֹם, romanizedQōl Yəhūḏī la-Ššālōm) is an American Jewish anti-Zionist and left-wing advocacy organization. It is critical of Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territories, and supports the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign against Israel.

The group was formed in 1996 and as of 2024 had grown to 23,000 members. Its chapters at Columbia and George Washington universities were suspended in 2024.

History

JVP was formed in 1996 by Julie Iny, Rachel Eisner and Julia Caplan, undergraduate students at UC Berkeley.

In 2011, the group claimed to have 600 dues-paying members, which had risen to 9,000 by 2015 and more than 23,000 by 2024.

Funding

Jewish Voice for Peace received significant donations from philanthropic organizations affiliated with George Soros, the Kaphan Foundation and Rockefeller Brothers Fund. According to NBC News, the Rockefeller Brothers Fund awarded JVP "close to a half-million dollars" over a period of five years.

Views

Many of JVP's members consider the views of dovish liberal Jewish groups like J Street to be inadequate. Its views are characterised as left-wing, sometimes as far-left, and one of the more professionalized groups of the pro-Palestinian left-wing. According to its political director, identification as a Zionist and a progressive is impossible. In contrast with Palestinian-led organizations such as Within Our Lifetime, JVP seeks to work within the Democratic Party to shift the party's position to the left on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. JVP has been described by Dov Waxman as further to the left than J Street or IfNotNow,

JVP criticizes what it describes as the "severe human-rights violations that Israel engages in every day".

Zionism

JVP endorsed the Palestinian right of return in 2015, but did not offer details about how Israel would remain a Jewish homeland. In 2019, JVP declared itself anti-Zionist, arguing that contemporary Zionism had become a settler-colonial movement, and Israel had become an apartheid state. The organization views Zionism as an Ashkenazi-led movement with its roots in Europe, created a "racist hierarchy" that erased the history of Jewish communities in the Arab world, North Africa, and East Africa.

It supports an independent state for the Palestinians.

Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions

On February 20, 2015, JVP endorsed the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement after previously supporting selective divestment from companies operating in Israeli-occupied territories. stating "JVP rejects the assertion that BDS is inherently anti-Semitic, and we encourage discussion both within our own community and outside of it of the growing BDS movement." JVP justifies its support for the movement by arguing that BDS provides a vehicle allowing individuals all over the world in the Jewish diaspora to bring about real change by threatening in their consumer choices to lower the profits of any business that by their activities reinforces Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territories. Gal Beckerman of The Forward wrote that it "is a group that has demonstrated a guerilla-like savvy in staging actions that get its message out to a broader national audience. In its use of BDS, for example, JVP has staked out a position distinct from those who target any and all entities related to Israel, which for many Jews implies a rejection of Israel's very legitimacy. JVP instead targets only entities involved in one way or another with Israel's occupation of the West Bank." JVP's executive director Rebecca Vilkomerson stated: "We do feel connected to the global BDS movement. We consider ourselves a part of it."

Israel–Hamas war

JVP attributed the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel to "Israeli apartheid and occupation — and United States complicity in that oppression." JVP said "Inevitably, oppressed people everywhere will seek — and gain — their freedom." JVP called for the U.S. government to "immediately take steps to withdraw military funding to Israel and to hold the Israeli government accountable for its gross violations of human rights and war crimes against Palestinians." Following the attack, the organization showed support on social media for "the latest unprecedented wave of resistance" by Palestinians. When questioned by The Forward, the organization removed its support for the post in question. JVP used language urging lawmakers to examine the "root cause" of Hamas's attack, which they believe is Israel. The Forward wrote that this was a way for JVP "to acknowledge how objectionable most observers found the attacks on civilians while keeping their advocacy focused on pressuring the Israeli government to make concessions."

Jewish Voice for Peace, along with IfNotNow, led an October 16, 2023, rally in Washington, D.C. which called for a ceasefire in the 2023 Israel–Hamas war and for United States President Joe Biden to support a ceasefire. Among the speakers was actor Wallace Shawn. On October 27, protestors organized by Jewish Voice for Peace occupied Grand Central Terminal in New York City, calling for a ceasefire and wearing t-shirts saying "Not in our name". On November 6, about 500 members of Jewish Voice for Peace–New York City took part in a sit-in at the Statue of Liberty to demand a ceasefire. Photographer Nan Goldin addressed the demonstration, saying, "As long as the people of Gaza are screaming, we need to yell louder, no matter who attempts to silence us."

Since November 2023, JVP's chapter at Columbia University has been under suspension. The university stated that both the JVP chapter and Students for Justice in Palestine had breached university policies, engaging in "threatening rhetoric and intimidation", leading to the suspension of the clubs.

In November 2023, the Anti-Defamation League classified anti-war protest events led by Jewish groups including Jewish Voice for Peace and IfNotNow as "anti-Israel", adding the protests to a database documenting rising antisemitism in the US. ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt labelled the Jewish organizations "hate groups" and equated anti-Zionism with antisemitism. This led to criticism of ADL, including from its own staff, one of whom quit in protest, stating: "Those were Jewish people who we were defaming, so that felt extremely, extremely confusing, and frustrating to me. And it makes it harder to talk about that when any criticism of Israel, or anyone who criticizes Israel, just becomes a terrorist."

In August 2024, it was reported that George Washington University had suspended its JVP chapter along with other pro-Palestinian student groups. This suspension followed the projection of messages such as "Glory to our martyrs" and "Free Palestine from the river to the sea" on campus buildings by pro-Palestinian students in the fall of 2023. JVP had expressed support for the messages displayed during these protests.

After the IDF had killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Lebanon in September 2024, Instagram removed the JVP's posts for violating its guidelines by sharing posts in support of Nasrallah.

Activities

An IDF Caterpillar D9L razing a house in the Gaza Strip

During 2004 and 2005, JVP protested Caterpillar Inc. for selling bulldozers to Israel, and said that Israel's use of the D9 armoured bulldozers in the West Bank and Gaza Strip was a violation of human rights and Caterpillar's business code of conduct. Along with four Christian groups, JVP introduced a shareholder resolution calling on Caterpillar to re-examine its sales of bulldozers to Israel. The resolution was rejected by 97 percent of the votes at the Caterpillar 2005 shareholders' meeting. JVP continued to introduce shareholder resolutions at Caterpillar shareholder meetings every year since 2005. In 2010 the resolution received 20% of the vote.

In June 2010, JVP launched a divestment campaign against the pension fund TIAA-CREF for investing in Caterpillar, Elbit, Veolia, Motorola, and Northrop Grumman.

In September 2010, Israeli artists came to JVP asking for US support to an artistic boycott of the theater in the city of Ariel, in the Israeli-occupied territories. JVP drafted a statement that was signed by over 150 theater and film professionals. On the significance of the action, JVP said that it "was the first time such mainstream figures had drawn a line around normalizing settlements which are illegal according to international law, and which constitute one of the main impediments to a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians".

In June 2014, when the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) voted to divest its stock in Caterpillar, Hewlett-Packard, and Motorola Solutions to protest "the companies' profiting from the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories and pressure Israel to withdraw", JVP members attended the church's convention and supported the divestment measure. Rabbi Alissa Wise, a JVP co-director of organizing, told the Presbyterians that to her, divestment "helps Palestinians build their power. So that Israel is convinced, not by force, but by global consensus that something has to change."

Demonstrations

In 2006, JVP helped organize a demonstration outside a meeting of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) in Sacramento, California. The stated purpose of the protest was to argue that AIPAC does not represent the views of all American Jews regarding Israel. As part of a coalition of over 100 organizations, JVP participated in the 2011 Move Over AIPAC conference.

On February 25, 2007, JVP was one of twelve groups that sponsored a demonstration in Teaneck, New Jersey, against the sale of homes in Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The organizations said that in the past, such homes were "sold exclusively to Jewish people" and that Palestinians were not allowed to buy them "because of their religion and their ethnicity". The groups said that the home sale, which took place at Congregation Bnai Yeshurun in Teaneck, might violate international law and New Jersey laws against discriminatory sales practices.

The JVP position on the 2008–2009 Israel–Gaza conflict was that Israel's actions were "an opportunistic agenda for short-term political gain at an immense cost in Palestinian lives" which are "illegal and immoral and should be condemned in the strongest possible terms". JVP joined marches and demonstrations condemning Israel in many cities, including Racine, Wisconsin, and Seattle.

The Young Jewish Declaration is a project created by young JVP leaders. Young Jewish and Proud debuted at the 2010 Jewish General Assembly when five of its members disrupted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech.

In 2020, JVP, under moderation by leader Rabbi Alissa Wise, hosted a virtual panel on antisemitism featuring Marc Lamont Hill, Barbara Ransby, Peter Beinart and Rashida Tlaib as speakers. They spoke against antisemitism being used to label advocacy in support of Palestine, while additionally attributing the right as being the largest source of antisemitism, referencing the 2019 Poway synagogue shooting as an example.

Publication

In 2004, JVP published a collection of essays entitled Reframing Anti-Semitism: Alternative Jewish Perspectives. Among the topics it discussed were antisemitism and stereotypes of Jews in modern America. It argued that the Jewish left and critics of Israeli policy had ceded the fight against antisemitism to the Jewish right and that critics of Israel or Israeli policies should not be accused of antisemitism.

Reception

Opponents of Jewish Voice for Peace argue that the organization amplifies a view that is often seen as fringe within the American Jewish community, creating greater tolerance for views and statements considered offensive by Zionists. The ADL, a vocal longtime critic of the organization, has argued that JVP unfairly places the onus of resolving the conflict on Israel. JVP has at times been denied participation or membership in broader Jewish community events or spaces. While some Jewish leaders concede that the community is too quick to censor criticism of Israel, even the Jewish state's critics among the community are reluctant to welcome JVP into the fold. JVP has been criticized for partnering with groups including Electronic Intifada, Al-Awda, and the Movement for Black Lives, all of which have characterized Israel's treatment of Palestinians as apartheid and accused the state of genocide.

JVP has become the bête noire of the organized Jewish community in the United States, which has largely excluded the organization. Others in the Jewish community have argued that JVP has been unfairly shut out. According to political scientist Dov Waxman, the anger which JVP's actions and positions arouse in many other American Jewish groups is just one index of a broader polarizing controversy within the Jewish American community at large, whose leaders had hitherto managed to shut out internal disagreements from the public purview. Since the 2010s, there has been a shift toward greater tolerance for JVP within the community. Some left-wing Jews have praised the organization for giving an outlet to younger Jews who are more critical toward Israel.

In September 2013, the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship awarded JVP its Peaceseeker Award "for their courageous work for justice and peace in Palestine and Israel," noting that the fellowship "celebrates their work of nonviolence in the face of violence."

In 2017, JVP was criticized for inviting Rasmea Odeh, a former PFLP member convicted by Israeli military courts for her role in the 1969 Jerusalem supermarket bombing, as a featured speaker in its biennial conference. Odeh was subsequently deported from the United States after pleading guilty to immigration fraud and losing her American citizenship.

See also

References

  1. "Announcing JVP's next Executive Director!". Jewish Voice for Peace. March 6, 2020. Retrieved June 5, 2024.
  2. ^ "A JEWISH VOICE FOR PEACE INC - GuideStar Profile". www.guidestar.org. Archived from the original on October 14, 2023. Retrieved October 11, 2023.
  3. ^ Tress, Luke (January 18, 2024). "Columbia University's Students for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace remain suspended as new semester begins". Jewish Telegraphic Agency. Archived from the original on January 19, 2024. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
  4. "I Run Jewish Voice for Peace. These Are My Reflections on a Year of Unthinkable Horror". Time Magazine. October 8, 2024.
  5. Center, The Hannah Arendt. "American Jewish Peace Archive: Julie Iny". hac.bard.edu. Archived from the original on March 17, 2024. Retrieved April 12, 2024.
  6. Hurowitz, Noah (November 27, 2023). "Why Jewish Voice for Peace Says 'Not in Our Name'". Intelligencer. Archived from the original on March 1, 2024. Retrieved April 12, 2024.
  7. ^ Waxman, Dov (Fall 2017). "Young American Jews and Israel: Beyond Birthright and BDS". Israel Studies. 22 (3): 177–199. doi:10.2979/israelstudies.22.3.08. JSTOR 10.2979/israelstudies.22.3.08. Retrieved September 18, 2024.
  8. ^ Serpick, Evan (March 28, 2015). "Embracing Israel Boycott, Jewish Voice For Peace Insists on Its Jewish Identity". The Forward. Retrieved October 13, 2024.
  9. ^ Barkan, Ross (February 7, 2024). "How the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Drove a Wedge Into the Democratic Party". New York Times. Archived from the original on February 10, 2024. Retrieved September 19, 2024.
  10. "The People Setting America on Fire". The Tablet. May 6, 2024. Retrieved May 11, 2024.
  11. "Pro-Palestinian protesters are backed by a surprising source: Biden's biggest donors". Politico. May 5, 2024. Retrieved May 11, 2024.
  12. "Who's behind the pro-Palestinian protests that are disrupting Biden's campaign events and blocking city streets?". NBC News. March 20, 2024. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
  13. Al Sheikh, Yaseen (July 20, 2023). "Young Americans Are Swinging Toward Palestine's Cause". Foreign Policy. Archived from the original on October 11, 2023. Retrieved October 14, 2023.
  14. Ballesteros, Carlos (January 7, 2018). "Israel Blocks Jewish Activists 'Voice for Peace' and Other Pro-BDS Groups From Entering the Country". Newsweek. Archived from the original on October 19, 2023. Retrieved October 14, 2023.
  15. Kaplan Sommer, Allison (March 29, 2017). "The Jewish Voice at the Heart of the Boycott Israel Movement". Haaretz. Archived from the original on September 13, 2022. Retrieved October 12, 2023.
  16. ^ Fox, Mira (June 14, 2021). "Palestinian advocacy groups drew tens of thousands of new followers on social media. But can they move that support offline?". The Forward. Archived from the original on October 14, 2023. Retrieved October 12, 2023.
  17. Wang, Selina (October 16, 2023). "Dozens arrested at White House as protesters call for end to Israel's response to Hamas attack". ABC News. Retrieved September 19, 2024.
  18. Tress, Luke (December 27, 2023). "Israeli leftists in New York chart their own path with calls for a ceasefire". Jewish Telegraphic Agency. Retrieved September 19, 2024.
  19. "'Progressive' Anti-semitism? S.F. Meet Considers Phenomenon". Jewish Telegraphic Agency. January 24, 2007. Archived from the original on November 8, 2023. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
  20. "JVP's Approach to Zionism". Jewish Voice for Peace. Archived from the original on August 23, 2023. Retrieved August 2, 2023. We unequivocally oppose Zionism
  21. Schaeffer Omer-Man 2019.
  22. Herbst, Robert (January 28, 2019). "After years of study and discussion, Jewish Voice for Peace rejects Zionism". Mondoweiss. Retrieved June 6, 2024.
  23. wpengine (February 21, 2015). "Jewish Voice for Peace on Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions | 2015". JVP. Retrieved October 14, 2024.
  24. Koren, Daniel (March 22, 2016). "UJA distances itself from Tony Kushner event". The Canadian Jewish News. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  25. Yehuda Magid, "The Jewish American peace camp: New Expressions of the Jewish diaspora", in Galia Golan, Walid Salem, (eds.), Non-State Actors in the Middle East: Factors for Peace and Democracy, Routledge, 2013 p.159.
  26. Beckerman, Gal (April 15, 2011). "Reporters' Roundtable: JVP and BYU". The Forward. Archived from the original on April 26, 2011. Retrieved April 24, 2011.
  27. Beckerman, Gal (April 13, 2011). "JVP, Harsh Critic Of Israel, Seeks a Seat at the Communal Table". The Forward. Archived from the original on August 19, 2011. Retrieved September 2, 2011.
  28. Waxman, Dov (2016). Trouble in the tribe: the American Jewish conflict over Israel. Princeton, New Jersey. ISBN 978-1-4008-8035-5. OCLC 942755120. Archived from the original on May 10, 2024. Retrieved May 25, 2021.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  29. Sasson 2016, p. 250.
  30. Tress, Luke (October 8, 2023). "US pro-Palestinian groups applaud Hamas terror onslaught, plan support rallies". Times of Israel. Archived from the original on October 8, 2023. Retrieved October 11, 2023.
  31. Lebovic, Matt (October 11, 2023). "A tear in the tent: The US Jews who are protesting Israel following Hamas massacres". Times of Israel. Archived from the original on October 11, 2023. Retrieved October 11, 2023.
  32. Rosenfeld, Arno (October 9, 2023). "Meet the Jews defending Hamas". The Forward. Archived from the original on October 12, 2023. Retrieved October 11, 2023.
  33. Rosenfeld, Arno (October 10, 2023). "'Root cause' of violence is focus for Palestinian groups". The Forward. Archived from the original on October 11, 2023. Retrieved October 11, 2023.
  34. ^ White, Abbey (October 17, 2023). "Wallace Shawn Calls for End of "Massacring" in Israel-Gaza Conflict at D.C. Rally: "I Don't Really Believe in Revenge"". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on October 25, 2023. Retrieved October 23, 2023.
  35. Fahy, Claire; Julian, Roberts-Grmela; Piccoli, Sean (October 27, 2023). "'Let Gaza Live': Calls for Cease-Fire Fill Grand Central Terminal". The New York Times. Archived from the original on November 7, 2023. Retrieved November 7, 2023.
  36. ^ Luscombe, Richard (November 6, 2023). "Protesters stage sit-in demanding ceasefire in Gaza at Statue of Liberty". The Guardian. Archived from the original on November 6, 2023. Retrieved November 7, 2023.
  37. "Anti-Defamation League Maps Jewish Peace Rallies with Antisemitic Attacks". The Intercept. Archived from the original on November 12, 2023. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  38. "Anti-Defamation League staff decry 'dishonest' campaign against Israel critics". The Guardian. January 5, 2024. Archived from the original on May 10, 2024. Retrieved January 5, 2024.
  39. "George Washington University suspends JVP chapter as colleges prepare for Israel protests". The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com. August 21, 2024. Retrieved August 23, 2024.
  40. "Anti-Zionist U.S. Student Groups Mourn Nasrallah's Death, Vow to Continue His 'Fire of Resistance'". Haaretz.
  41. Rothstein, Jordana (April 22, 2005). "Caterpillar rejects anti-Israel motion". Jewish News of Greater Phoenix. Archived from the original on May 25, 2005. Retrieved August 17, 2016.
  42. "3 stockholder proposals fail at CAT annual meeting". Reuters. June 9, 2010. Archived from the original on August 9, 2016. Retrieved June 19, 2016.
  43. "Campaigns | TIAA-CREF: Divest from the occupation". Jewish Voice for Peace. Archived from the original on July 24, 2011. Retrieved August 2, 2011.
  44. "Israeli Artists Condemn Settlements". Jewish Voice for Peace. September 6, 2010. Archived from the original on November 9, 2013. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  45. Goodstein, Laurie (June 20, 2014). "Presbyterians Vote to Divest Holdings to Pressure Israel". The New York Times. Archived from the original on May 9, 2015. Retrieved May 15, 2015.
  46. Scheide, R. V. (December 14, 2006). "The Lobby: Local activists take on the American Israel Public Affairs Committee". Sacramento News and Review. Archived from the original on December 18, 2006. Retrieved February 5, 2007.
  47. "Moveoveraipac". Archived from the original on August 30, 2011. Retrieved August 17, 2016.
  48. "Israeli settlement sale in Teaneck discriminatory, may violate international law and the roadmap". American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee. February 23, 2007. Archived from the original on March 2, 2007. Retrieved March 17, 2007.
  49. Lee, Trymaine (February 26, 2007). "Seeking New Israeli Settlers, Synagogue Draws Protesters". The New York Times. Archived from the original on September 14, 2014. Retrieved March 25, 2008.
  50. "JVP statement on Gaza attacks". Jewish Voice for Peace. December 28, 2008. Archived from the original on December 31, 2008. Retrieved August 17, 2016.
  51. Wicklund, Pete (January 4, 2009). "Rally marches for peace in Gaza Strip". Journal Times. Archived from the original on April 1, 2019. Retrieved August 17, 2016.
  52. "Hundreds march in Seattle to protest Israeli attacks on Gaza". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. January 3, 2009. Retrieved August 15, 2016.
  53. "The Young Jewish Declaration". youngjewishproud.org. Archived from the original on May 21, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  54. Israel/Palestine: Young Jews Protest Netanyahu at Jewish GA. YouTube. November 9, 2010. Archived from the original on December 22, 2021.
  55. Greenberg, Joel (November 10, 2010). "Netanyahu defends construction in East Jerusalem". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on August 26, 2016. Retrieved August 11, 2016.
  56. Kershner, Isabel (November 9, 2010). "As Netanyahu speaks in U.S., Israel publishes plans for new settlement housing". The Denver Post. Archived from the original on November 11, 2010. Retrieved August 11, 2016.
  57. Burdeau, Cain (November 8, 2010). "Protesters interrupt Netanyahu New Orleans speech". The Boston Globe. Associated Press. Archived from the original on March 5, 2016. Retrieved August 11, 2016.
  58. Somerson, Wendy Elisheva (November 11, 2010). "Young Jewish Activists Attract Positive Press for Anti-Occupation Message". Tikkun Daily Blog. Archived from the original on April 1, 2019. Retrieved August 11, 2016.
  59. Sakes, Ben (December 23, 2020). "Rashida Tlaib defends her relationship with Jews on a panel". South Florida Sun Sentinel. Archived from the original on April 22, 2024. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
  60. Picciotto, Henri; Plitnick, Mitchell, eds. (2004). Reframing Anti-Semitism: Alternative Jewish Perspectives. Oakland: Jewish Voice for Peace. ISBN 0-9760806-0-5.
  61. Pine, Dan (September 29, 2011). "JVP rabbi says fight is for equality, not Israel's demise". j. Archived from the original on December 5, 2011. Retrieved August 17, 2016.
  62. Jewish Voice for Peace Archived May 22, 2013, at the Wayback Machine September 27, 2010
  63. Harris, Ben (January 23, 2007). "'Progressive' anti-Semitism? S.F. meet considers phenomenon". Jewish Telegraphic Agency. Archived from the original on January 21, 2008. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  64. Fishkoff, Sue (March 14, 2011). "Brandeis Hillel excludes a controversial group on Israel, generating debate". Jewish Telegraphic Agency. Archived from the original on September 27, 2016. Retrieved August 17, 2016.
  65. Youdovin, Ira (February 23, 2007). "Is Community Open to Critics of Zionism?". The Forward. Archived from the original on February 24, 2007. Retrieved March 4, 2007.
  66. Pine, Dan (July 18, 2013). "Report rips Jewish Voice for Peace and its tactics". j. Archived from the original on August 22, 2013. Retrieved July 27, 2013.
  67. "Jewish pro-BDS group endorses anti-Israel Black Lives Matter platform". The Times of Israel. Jewish Telegraphic Agency. August 6, 2016. Archived from the original on August 8, 2016. Retrieved August 8, 2016.
  68. "Leonard Fein: How Big a Tent?". The Forward. March 31, 2011. Archived from the original on September 15, 2011. Retrieved August 2, 2011.
  69. Dov Waxman, Trouble in the Tribe: The American Jewish Conflict over Israel, Princeton University Press, 2016 p.2.
  70. LeVine, Mark (October 30, 2014). "Reclaiming the Jewish Soul". Al Jazeera America. Archived from the original on April 26, 2015. Retrieved May 15, 2015.
  71. Hijab, Nadia (March 20, 2015). "At a Jewish Voice For Peace Conference: This Is What Solidarity Looks Like". The Nation. Archived from the original on May 18, 2015. Retrieved May 15, 2015.
  72. "2013 Peaceseeker Award: Jewish Voice for Peace and the Israel/Palestine Mission Network – Presbyterian Peace Fellowship". Archived from the original on November 9, 2023. Retrieved November 9, 2023.
  73. Jewish Voice for Peace to host convicted terrorist at confab Archived October 22, 2017, at the Wayback Machine, Times of Israel, Josefin Dolsten, March 22, 2017
  74. JVP Plan To Feature Convicted Terrorist As Speaker Upended By Deportation Agreement Archived October 22, 2017, at the Wayback Machine, Forward, Aimee Levitt, March 22, 2017
  75. Jewish Voice for Peace to Host Terrorist at Panel, JPost, Danielle Ziri, February 27, 2017
  76. Terrorist who killed two in Jerusalem bombing deported from United States Archived October 22, 2017, at the Wayback Machine, The Jewish Chronicle, Daniel Sugarman, September 19, 2017

Sources

Further reading

External links

Jews and Judaism in the United States
Major communal organizations
Major advocacy organizations
(not exclusively Israel-focused)
Major humanitarian
organizations
Major Israel-focused
organizations
Major domestic and neighborhood
assistance organizations
Major religious movement
organizations
(and associated rabbinical membership
and policy body; seminary)
List of synagogues
(by movements)
Youth organizations
Education
Major university groups
Organizations
Fraternities
and sororities
Media
News wires
News outlets
Magazines
Television
Websites
Dating
Major communal activities
Categories: