Boycott in support of Israel-Palestinian peace process

The Episcopal Peace Fellowship (EPF) has called for a boycott in support of moving the Israeli-Palestinian peace process forward:

The National Executive Council of the Episcopal Peace Fellowship voted to endorse the enclosed statement with a vote of 8 yes, 2 no and 1 abstention.

"In response to the ongoing cycle of violence - including Palestinian terrorist bombings and the well documented military and economic violence of the government of Israel against Palestinians - that undermines negotiations and hope for an enduring peace- The NEC of the Episcopal Peace Fellowship, in support of the principles of the Kairos Palestinian Document 4.2.6. endorses the application of divestment and an economic and commercial boycott of products linked to oppression of Palestinian people and occupation of their land. As peacemakers committed to nonviolent resolution of deep-seated conflicts, the National Executive Council joins a growing number of international and religious partners, including Jewish, Muslim, and Christian voices, who believe that economic sanctions can inspire a more useful dialog and negotiation towards a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. Respect for the dignity of every human being, alongside a vision to put aside the violence of terrorism, oppression and military force is key to moving negotiations forward for a lasting peace for all involved.

The National Executive Council asks the Episcopal Peace Fellowship's Israel/Palestine Action Group to offer resources to our membership and the wider church on effective strategies for boycott, divestment, and sanction, including links to partner groups and educational resources on the history of the cycle of violence and obstacles to peace in Israel/Palestine. We are all the children of Abraham, let us no longer profit at the expense of the safety and security of one another. Instead let us end the violent cycle and build a circle of peace."

The Kairos document to which the EPF statement refers is a comprehensive statement about the stalled progress of the peace process, condemning both Israeli injustices and Palestinian terrorism. The EPF Chair, Linda Gaither, has written an excellent explanation of the rationale behind the EPF endorsement of divestment and a boycott.

What can you or I do to help to restart the peace process?

• Pray for regularly for peace in Palestine. I don’t pretend to understand how prayer works, but prayer connects me with God and others in mysterious, powerful ways.
• Voice an opinion in support of Palestinian rights and against both Israeli injustices and Palestinian terrorism whenever the opportunity arises. Do not allow the conversation to be a one-sided condemnation of Palestinian terrorism. That evil in no way excuses the evils of Israeli injustices perpetrated against Palestinians.
• If traveling to Palestine, ensure opportunities to hear both the Palestinian and Israeli perspective.
• Become informed about the situation by reading Jimmy Carter’s excellent book, Peace not Apartheid or Mark Braverman’s Fatal Embrace: Christians, Jews and the Search for Peace in the Holy Land.