Jewish Voice for Peace released the following statement today:

As Israel launches operation “Pillar of Defense” in Gaza, Jewish

Voice for Peace (JVP) calls for an immediate cessation of the air

strikes and naval bombardment into Gaza and an end to the ongoing

siege of Gaza. JVP urges Israel not to exploit its asymmetric power to

exacerbate the instability in the region. We urge President Obama to

take a stand against these attacks and to use the power of the United

States to insist that Israel pursue all diplomatic measures possible

for the sake of life, safety and security on all sides. JVP opposes

all attacks on civilians, and urges the end of rocket attacks from

Gaza into civilian communities in Israel, which only serve to derail

efforts for a just resolution to the conflict.

This operation is named in reference to a biblical passage in which a

pillar of cloud protects the Israelites as they wandered in the desert

after leaving bondage in Egypt.

And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud, to lead

them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light;

that they might go by day and by night. Exodus 13:21

It is unseemly to invoke the protection afforded the Israelites

wandering in the desert when Israel is the dominant military power in

the region. JVP rejects the possibility that such a military operation

and escalation of violence will be of any protection for Israelis or

Palestinians. As Israel continues to control Gaza by air, land and

sea, Israel holds responsibility for the well-being and safety of

Palestinian civilians in Gaza who will be traumatized, injured and

killed through this escalation of violence.

JVP calls on our chapters, members, and supporters to join us in

redoubling our efforts to advocate for an end to the U.S.’s

unconditional military aid to Israel and to intensify our calls for

divestment from all companies that profit from this escalation of

violence and Israel’s ongoing siege of Gaza.