The Progressive

NewsWire

A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact: Email:,info@jewishvoiceforpeace.org

JVP Welcomes Congressional Letter Regarding Investigating Israel, Egypt Human Rights Abuses

Jewish Voice for Peace welcomes the recent letter sent by members of Congress to the State Department asking for an investigation into possible gross violations of human rights by the police and armed forces of Israel and Egypt. The letter, which was signed by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and ten members of the House of Representatives led by Representative Hank Johnson (D-GA), was sent to the State Department in late February but only recently became public.

Rabbi Joseph Berman, Jewish Voice for Peace's Government Affairs Liaison:

Jewish Voice for Peace welcomes the recent letter sent by members of Congress to the State Department asking for an investigation into possible gross violations of human rights by the police and armed forces of Israel and Egypt. The letter, which was signed by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and ten members of the House of Representatives led by Representative Hank Johnson (D-GA), was sent to the State Department in late February but only recently became public.

Rabbi Joseph Berman, Jewish Voice for Peace's Government Affairs Liaison:

"As a Jewish organization working towards justice, equality, and human rights for all Palestinians and Israelis, we believe accountability in our relationships with Israel and Egypt will help lead to a more just US foreign policy for the entire region. The horrifying execution of Abdel-Fattah al-Sharif last week in Hebron demonstrates the need for an investigation into how US tax money is being used and, when necessary, the need to restrict U.S. military aid from those who abuse their power to commit human rights abuses."

Jewish Voice for Peace 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 70 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.

(510) 465-1777