Jews for Justice for Palestinians was established in 2003 with both an immediate and a long-term task. The immediate task was a call for an explicitly Jewish humanitarian response to the inhuman/murderous tactics of the Israeli military in the wake of renewed militancy on the part of Palestinians, and to call on Israel to comply with International Law. This is reflected in the original statement. Our only positions were opposition to Israeli policies and support of the Palestinians. The long-term task was to work for a fair solution of the conflict
which recognised Palestinian political rights, but our statement deliberately did not set out the basis for an acceptable solution.
JFJFP has evolved significantlysince then. Firstly, we have active groups which perform specific roles. Secondly, our Statement has been revised twice and now includes reference to European Jews for a Just Peace positions which specifically recognise Israel’s ’67 “green line” borders, advocate the Palestinian right to a state in the currently occupied territories, condemn all violence against civilians, and advocate a fair solution of the refugee problem by negotiation. Co-founding EJJP and signing up to the EJJP positions has arguably been the most significant development because it has given us specific positions.
It is desperately sad but perfectly obvious that both our short-term and long-term tasks will be needed for a long time. There is a case now for considering whether we can organize ourselves any better, including prioritizing our many activities, for the long haul.
The following proposal is suggested as a way of taking forward the discussion amongst the office holders of JfJfP and is open to amendment at the AGM:
That a re-launch group be established to report by December 2005, consulting with other British groups within EJJP and other interested parties. The re-launch group will consider whether there is a need for a new organisational structure, for prioritizing our activities, or for a new name which will maximise our effectiveness.
That until such time as such a relaunch is effectively agreed upon and implemented JfJfP will continue to operate as now.