Jewish Voice for Peace - New York City members are passionate community members working for human rights, justice, and equality for Palestinians. We are committed to combatting racism, Islamophobia, antisemitism, and bigotry from NYC to Palestine. We're intergenerational, multicultural, Jews and non-Jews alike, with chapter members spanning the five boroughs.
MISSION STATEMENT
JVP opposes anti-Jewish, anti-Muslim, and anti-Arab bigotry and oppression. JVP seeks an end to the Israeli occupation of the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem; security and self-determination for Israelis and Palestinians; a just solution for Palestinian refugees based on principles established in international law; an end to violence against civilians; and peace and justice for all peoples of the Middle East.
GRASSROOTS ORGANIZING, LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATIONSHIPS
We believe that global systems of power that uphold injustice can be changed by grassroots movements. We build grassroots power through relationships that move people to action.
THE CAPACITY FOR PEOPLE TO CHANGE
Foundational to our work for justice and peace is believing people, organizations, and communities are dynamic. We create space for people to move and transform. We encourage continual learning, skill-development and political education for people to evolve in their thinking and deepen their investment in action to realize justice for all people.
SOLIDARITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
As part of the global movement for justice in Palestine we work in close partnership with a broad spectrum of allies, partners, faith-based, peace, and social justice organizations in the US, Israel/Palestine and beyond. We seek to be accountable to those directly affected by Israel’s discriminatory and violent policies and practices, while working to effectively build and accountably deploy our power as American Jews.
RESPECT FOR THE HUMANITY OF ALL PEOPLE
We believe parity of power will create opportunities for peace between individuals and globally. Our vision of peace, justice and equality for all people guides our work.
JEWISH COMMUNITIES CENTERED AROUND JUSTICE
We are inspired by Jewish traditions to work for justice and such work is part of our own liberation. We work to build Jewish communities that reflect the understanding that being Jewish and Judaism are not synonymous with Zionism or support for Israel. Our work is part of a broader struggle and commitment to end racism, anti-Jewish, anti-Muslim, and anti-Arab bigotry, and all forms of oppression.
FLEXIBILITY AND TENACITY FOR THE LONG HAUL
As an organization and as individual activists we understand that this is long-term work and the change we seek likely won’t happen quickly or through just one strategy. We enable broad participation, employ multiple approaches, adapt based on what we are learning, and honor the diverse contributions of activists and leaders.
the People's Sukkah
Building the People’s Sukkah to End the #DeadlyExchange
JVP-NYC and friends built a People’s Sukkah and tell the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) to stop bringing together police, ICE, border agents, and military forces from the U.S. and Israel to exchange violent tactics.
The People’s Menorah
We light the People’s Menorah to end the #Deadly Exchange
More than 300 jews and friends come together for a joyous and festive community celebration at the culmination of Chanukah to reject all forms of white supremacy and rekindle our commitment to justice.
The Bubbie Brigade
The Bubbie Brigade at the International Women's Strike
Israel doesn't speak for these Bubbies! The Bubbie Brigade showed up in full force for the International Women's Strike to help feed the movement with our favorite recipe: Resistance. Kvetch. Organize. Repeat. (March 8, 2017)
Build Movements Not Walls
NYC to Jerusalem: #BuildMovementsNotWalls
As President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu met in the White House, hundreds took to the streets of midtown Manhattan to protest their shared values of racism and Islamophobia. We're here to #BuildMovementsNotWalls (February 15, 2017)
Taslich at ADL HQ
JVP-NYC performs Taslich ritual at ADL headquarters, recommitting to ending the #DeadlyExchange
On September 13th, 2018 JVP-NYC gathered at ADL headquarters to perform the ritual of Taslich - a time to confront how we have missed the mark this year, to then cast off, and finally to recommit. In these days of reflection and atonement, we recommit to true justice, from New York City to Palestine. We will end the #DeadlyExhange.
Celebrate Ending Apartheid
On the Eve of the 50th Anniversary of the Occupation, Jews Protest NYC's Celebrate Israel Day Parade
As the Israeli occupation of the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem turned 50 years old, over 100 Jewish activists held a family-friendly educational event, followed by six disruptions along the parade route during which seven protesters were arrested for civil disobedience. The disruptions showed we will not celebrate Israeli apartheid, and highlighted the devastating impact of Israel’s separate and unequal policies toward Palestinians.
Protest at Cuomo’s Office
#WeBDSUntil: Protest at Governor Cuomo's Office
After Governor Cuomo signed an unconstitutional executive order requiring New York state to create a blacklist and divest from institutions supporting BDS, hundreds of New Yorkers showed up outside of his office to make one thing clear: We will continue to boycott and stand for justice until the Palestinian people achieve freedom, justice, and equality. #WeBDSUntil (June 9, 2016)
New York Times Satire
All the News They Didn't Print (NYT Satire)
“Extra! Extra! Read all about it! New York Times Editorial Board rethinks its coverage of Palestine and Israel!” The headline spread like wildfire as JewsSayNo! and JVP-NYC handed out 10,000 copies of a satirical NYT across the city and a digital version reached thousands more around the world. The paper was filled with facts and narratives too often ignored, like our “Corrections” section with the names of Palestinians killed by Israeli forces in recent months - names that never appeared in the NYT. (February 2, 2016)
