Take Action: Support Church Leaders’ Call to Investigate Israel’s Violations of U.S. Law

October 23, 2012

Earlier this month, 15 prominent church leaders sent Members of Congress an historic letter in which they decried “widespread Israeli human rights violations committed against Palestinians.”

The church leaders wrote that “unconditional U.S. military assistance to Israel has contributed to this deterioration, sustaining the conflict and undermining the long-term security interests of both Israelis and Palestinians."

We fully support their call for “an immediate investigation into possible violations by Israel of the U.S. Foreign Assistance Act and the U.S. Arms Export Control Act” and for the “withholding of military aid for non-compliance” with these laws.

This letter is huge—our demand for accountability for Israel’s misuse of U.S. weapons is now going mainstream!

Whether or not you identify with one of the denominations whose leaders signed this letter, please take a moment right now to thank the church leaders for their important letter to Congress.

Dear Church Leaders:

Thank you for your recent letter to the members of the United States Congress asking them to hold Israel accountable in its use of U.S. military aid. We agree that Congress should make the disbursement of U.S. military assistance to Israel contingent on the Israeli government’s compliance with applicable U.S. laws and policies. We join in your call for Congressional hearings to examine Israel's compliance with such laws.

We gratefully acknowledge that your letter reflects the positions of your respective churches and organizations regarding human rights violations by Israelis against Palestinians, the expansion of Israeli settlements in occupied territory, and the right of Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security. We agree wholeheartedly with your statement that unconditional US military aid contributes to "the deteriorating conditions in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories which threaten to lead the region further away from the realization of a just peace."

We encourage you to remain steadfast in the course you have begun, despite the verbal attacks that have been leveled and the opposition that is certain to continue in response to your courageous action. Please know that you have our full support and lasting appreciation for the exemplary leadership you have shown.

With respect and gratitude,

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4161 total signers.

This petition will be delivered to: Rev. Gradye Parsons, Presbyterian Church (USA); Bishop Mark S. Hanson, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; Bishop Rosemarie Wenner, The United Methodist Church; Peg Birk, National Council of Churches USA; Shan Cretin, American Friends Service Committee; J Ron Byler, Mennonite Central Committee U.S.; Alexander Patico, Orthodox Peace Fellowship; Diane Randall, Friends Committee on National Legislation; Dr. A. Roy Medley, American Baptist Churches, U.S.A.; Rev. Geoffrey A. Black, United Church of Christ; Rev. Dr. Sharon E. Watkins, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ); Rev. Julia Brown Karimu, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ); Rev. Dr. James A. Moos, United Church of Christ; Kathy McNeely, Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns; Eli S. McCarthy, PhD, Conference of Major Superiors of Men.

End the Occupation

US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation

Take Action: Support Church Leaders’ Call to Investigate Israel’s Violations of U.S. Law

4161 total signers.