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May 15
Jewish peace campaigners from nine European countries are calling on the European Union to press for a just peace in the Middle East by acting on its own rules to bring pressure on Ariel Sharon's government in Israel.
Alarmed at increasingly aggressive Israeli military repression, such as led to the shooting of British peace volunteer Tom Hurndall, European Jews for Just Peace (EJJP) are urging the European Union to suspend its treaty of association with Israel until the Israeli government fulfils human rights obligations.
The Jewish campaigners also want the EU to make sure that goods produced in settlements in the occupied territories are not falsely labelled as "Made in Israel". They note that the British government has already taken such steps.
A delegation from EJJP will call on EU 'Foreign Minister' Javier Solano in Brussels, on Thursday, May 15, and also hope to see the EU's new Greek president. In Britain, affiliated Jewish peace groups have asked to see Europe minister Dennis McShane. EJJP supporters in other countries are meeting ministers responsible for Europe, and writing to MEPs.
The European Jews for a Just Peace does not endorse a general boycott of Israel, but says that if it is to enjoy trade privileges in Europe it must stop trying to cheat the rules, and meet the human rights clauses. They particularly pioint to the economic and social damage done to the Palestinian areas by closures and repression.
The call to have goods correctly labelled is in line with a boycott campaign being waged by peace campaigners in Israel itself against settlement goods.
For general information on EJJP e-mail eajg@xs4all.nl
British affiliates include:
Just Peace UK,
Jews for Justice for Palestinians jfjusticefp@yahoo.co.uk,
Jewish Socialists' Group JSG@bardrose.dircon.co.uk