JVP on Jewish communal debate over Israel/Palestine in 2016 elections

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Naomi Dann | media@jvp.org | 845-377-5745

April 15, 2016–Jewish Voice for Peace offers the following quotes for publication regarding the discussion of Israel/Palestine during the Democratic debate April 14, 2016 and regarding the hiring and suspension of Simone Zimmerman from the Bernie Sanders campaign this week.*

Rebecca Vilkomerson, Executive Director of Jewish Voice for Peace:

On the debate April 15:

“It was heartening to hear the beginning of a much needed conversation about Israel’s disproportionate use of force against Palestinians in Gaza during the Democratic debate tonight. Last night’s showed that the movement for Palestinian rights is shifting the discourse at the highest political levels. However, there is still a long way to go before we see our political leaders take courageous steps not just to recognize the humanity of Palestinians but to take action to secure their rights.
On the hiring and firing of Simone Zimmerman:

“Both the hiring and suspension of Simone Zimmerman by the Bernie Sanders campaign are indicative of the changing views on Israel/Palestine within the Jewish community. By hiring Ms. Zimmerman, Sanders displayed an accurate understanding of shifting opinion in our community, especially among younger people, in favor of speaking out for Palestinian rights. Sadly, her suspension, after intense pressure by Jewish establishment leaders, shows how far we still have to go before our leadership reflects the values of justice and equality held by many American Jews.

*Jewish Voice for Peace is a 501-c-3 organization and does not support or endorse specific candidates for election.

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Jewish Voice for Peace (jvp.org) is a national, grassroots organization inspired by Jewish tradition to work for a just and lasting peace according to principles of human rights, equality, and international law for all the people of Israel and Palestine. JVP has over 200,000 online supporters, over 60 chapters, a youth wing, a Rabbinic Council, an Artist Council, an Academic Advisory Council, and an Advisory Board made up of leading U.S. intellectuals and artists.