Israel Independence Day 2009 / 5769

Dear friend,

Several weeks ago, when President Obama was asked about the prospects for Mideast peace in light of Israel's new right-wing government, he responded: It's not easier than it was, but I think it's just as necessary.

We agree - because, as Israel reaches its 61st birthday this spring, its sustainability as both a Jewish and democratic state is not yet a foregone conclusion!

Having recently returned from Meretz USA's riveting 8-day study tour in Israel, the 2009 "Israel Symposium", we found our friends in the Israeli peace movement deeply troubled by the prospect of an Israeli government that would tread water on the peace process - or worse - and might backslide on issues of equality. More than ever before, Israeli progressives are looking to us, the American Jewish community, to muster all the energy we can to help keep the chance for peace alive.

Meretz USA remains up to this task.

When the Gaza War broke out last December, Meretz USA was out in front. From the start, we had the courage to call for an immediate cease-fire, and the clarity to outline a diplomatic way forward - while most of the American Jewish community was caught up in the illusion that Israel's armed forces could unilaterally bring peace and quiet to the country's south.

Meretz USA remains committed to democracy and equal rights in Israel.

When, in January, Israel's Central Elections Committee moved to disqualify two parties that represent a large share of the country's Arab citizens in Knesset, we raised our voices in protest, until Israel's High Court of Justice overturned this unfortunate decision. Because we know that true democracy is as much about minority rights, as it is majority rule.

Meretz USA continues to foster greater Israeli-Palestinian understanding.

Our educational efforts are dedicated to impressing on the American Jewish community that "two states for two peoples" also involves "two narratives for two peoples" - both of which need to be heard and respected. As a result, we seek out and dialogue with senior Palestinian policy- and opinion-makers, here in the US, as well as on our seminars in Israel and Palestine. And we regularly partner with the Other Israel Film Festival, which fosters a greater understanding of Israel's Palestinian Arab citizens, who make up 20% of Israel's populous.

Meretz USA is an advocate for human rights.

While prominent figures from across the globe search for the elusive formula that will finally bring peace to the region (and we support their efforts), we can never forget that, for the 4 million Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza, "Occupation" isn't a political catchphrase but a day-to-day reality. That's why we make sure to spread the word to American audiences about the crucial work being done by Israeli human-rights NGOs, such as Gisha, Machsom (Checkpoint) Watch, and Yesh Din.

Occasionally, we come across colleagues or family who fully share our beliefs, but who are skeptical that they can really have an impact "over there". These folks couldn't be more wrong! As our friends in the Israeli peace and human rights community never cease to remind us, American citizens, and especially American Jews, have an essential contribution to make to the future of the Middle East.

A strong Meretz USA will be a powerful ally to the Israeli progressive movement, amplifying their message, promoting their activities and - especially at difficult moments, such as this, after Israel's electorate cast its lot for a distinctly right-wing government - keeping their spirits afloat, buoyed by the knowledge that a large portion of the American Jewish community stands with them in word and in deed.

If you share our vision, and that of Israeli progressives - an Israel secure and at peace with its neighbors, that no longer dominates another people, and in which all citizens would enjoy full equality, regardless of ethnic or national origin, religious affiliation, gender, or sexual orientation - then please give generously to Meretz USA!

When the wonderful people we met in Israel asked us to do everything we could to help them realize the noble goals of the country's founders, we looked them in the eye and promised not to let them down. We now ask you to take up this promise, and not let them down either.

As Israel begins its 62nd year of existence, please help Meretz USA be a forceful advocate for the progressive Israel that we continue to dream about and that, with the help of people like you, will one day soon become a reality!

B'Shalom U'V'tikva (with Peace and Hope),

Lawrence Lerner Harold M. Shapiro
President Honorary Life President

P.S. As one small example of the important educational work that Meretz USA is doing, day-in and day-out, we invite you to take a moment to read a letter from Dr. Irving Peyser, a recent participant on Meretz USA's March 2009 seminar in Israel, the Israel Symposium. Please click here for Dr. Peyser's letter.