NEWS & LETTERS, February - March 2009
Palestinians and Jews at Chicago Gaza vigil
Chicago--On Jan. 4 I took part in a Jewish Voice for Peace vigil in support of the people of Gaza. Many Palestinians joined us. There were Palestinian flags, signs and banners of all sorts. I helped hold a Jewish Voice for Peace banner while facing the street across from Borders on Michigan Avenue. Also across the street were what I call Jewish brownshirts with an Israeli flag and signs.
We chanted many slogans such as "Education not Occupation!" I told a Palestinian boy standing next to me that I am Jewish and oppose the group across the street. He looked at me with a questioning expression. I said Judaism was about justice and that I support the Palestinians at the vigil and the people of Gaza. He asked what the sign I was holding said. I told him it said "No dollars for the Israeli military." Later when I got tired of holding the sign, the boy held it. We made a real connection.
I believe that Jews and Palestinians should work together to stop the killing of civilians and to help create peace in Israel/Palestine. Of course, this will be very difficult.
--Long-time activist
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