We are youth-led Palestinian solidarity organizations in Chicago, many of which have been contacted by OneVoice to worktogether. Our response to these requests is simple: We will not work with you.

OneVoice aims to bring Palestinians and Israelis together to achieve “peace.” [1] However, you bring them together while ignoring Palestinian history, Palestinian citizens of Israel, Palestinian calls for struggling against colonialism, and the power imbalance between the State of Israel and the Palestinian people. We believe that the only way to achieve a just peace is by addressing all of these issues.

OneVoice avoids the history and the roots of the “conflict.” For example, mention of Israel’s ethnic cleansing of two-thirds of the Palestinian population during the Nakba in order to create a Jewish state in 1948 is completely absent. You claim that “the idea of focusing on the future instead of clinging to the past is paramount to the philosophy of both OneVoice members and its programs.” [2] This approach towards viewing the conflict ignores some of its most foundational elements. For Palestinians under occupation and in the diaspora, the past remains their present, and to ignore the history is to ignore and neglect the Palestinian plight today.

OneVoice also advocates for “a two-state solution to end the conflict.” [1] However, considering Israel’s continued settlement construction and land confiscation, the two-state solution has no realistic geopolitical configuration. Additionally, among your justifications for a two-state solution, you prioritize preserving a Jewish majority in Israel.[3]  Not only is this Israel-centric, it is racist in nature. A recent advertisement posted on the OneVoice Hebrew Facebook page urges the Jewish community to vote in the Israeli elections for a two-state solution to maintain an ethnically Jewish majority.[4] We find this position as disturbing as we would a position that advocates maintaining a white majority in the United States.

In the OneVoice mission statement, you claim to be a grassroots movement. However, your advocacy for a two-state solution is incompatible with grassroots organizing. OneVoice takes a top-down, “solution”-based approach grounded in border negotiations put forth by politicians. Your campaign for a two-state solution only serves the interests of those in power, rather than the people.

Unlike you, we come from a rights-based approach grounded in human rights, civil rights, and equality. We believe that peace and justice will come from the bottom up, not top down. As such, we support the call for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) issued by over 170 Palestinian civil society organizations in 2005, asking the international community to implement boycotts and divestment initiatives against Israel until Israel ends its occupation of Palestinian land, recognizes the fundamental rights of Palestinian citizens of Israel to full equality, and respects the Palestinian refugees’ right of return as stipulated by UN resolution 194.[5]

In regard to Palestinian citizens of Israel, OneVoice does not address their systematic discrimination, or their lack of basic civil rights within Israel. In fact, one of the only times we found any mention of Palestinian citizens of Israel on your website was in a poll, asking Israelis if “Israeli Arabs should be transferred to Palestine/the West Bank and Gaza”.[6] We feel that your complete disregard for Palestinian citizens of Israel ignores the structural racism and discrimination that is the driving force behind the continuous occupation, colonization, and ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people. We also believe that the two-state solution you advocate will likely perpetuate the second class status of Palestinians living in Israel.

Unfortunately, while OneVoice actively advocates Palestinian “nonviolence,” you simultaneously oppose the BDS movement. BDS is a key part of Palestinian nonviolent resistance today and we, as Palestinian solidarity organizers, are supporters and participants of the global BDS movement. Although you do not explicitly take a position on BDS, you have called campus divestment initiatives “destructive campaigns aimed at de-legitimizing Israel.”[7]

Moreover, It is highly problematic that OneVoice is advising Palestinians on resistance without fully acknowledging the oppression faced by Palestinians. You cannot refuse to acknowledge apartheid and colonization, while at the same time dictating what type of resistance of the oppressed is “acceptable”.

OneVoice gives Israel’s violent occupation and colonialism a more pleasant face by framing the “conflict” as symmetrical without explaining the power imbalance between Israel and the Palestinian people. Israel is the military occupier and Palestinians are occupied. Presenting both sides as equals is both dishonest and harmful, and it creates the illusion that the colonizer and the colonized are equally responsible parties in this “conflict.”

We support the 2010 statement against normalization issued by Palestinian youth organizations in commemoration of the anniversary of the Nakba. The appeal mentioned OneVoice as one of the organizations that “specifically target Palestinian youth to engage them in dialogue [sic] with Israelis without recognizing the inalienable rights of Palestinians, or aiming to end Israel’s occupation, colonization, and apartheid.”[8] The statement reflects young Palestinian voices on the ground who are experiencing Israel’s policies firsthand. To them, your organization serves to normalize oppression and injustice.

Until you change your positions on the issues raised above, we do not have any interest in working with OneVoice, or any other similar organization, until you recognize the power imbalance and refuse to perpetuate it by denying the colonial and apartheid reality in Palestine. We hope you understand.

Sincerely,

Chicago Movement for Palestinian Rights
Students for Justice in Palestine – Northwestern University
Students for Justice in Palestine – DePaul University
Students for Justice in Palestine – University of Chicago
Students for Justice in Palestine – University of Illinois at Chicago
Students for Justice in Palestine – Loyola University of Chicago
Students for Justice in Palestine – Northeastern Illinois University
Students for Justice in Palestine – Benedictine University
Students for Justice in Palestine – St. Xavier University

DePaul University students declare victory in Sabra hummus campaign

Following SJP’s campaign to remove Sabra hummus from campus due to students’ concerns about the product’s connection to human rights abuses, DePaul provides alternative hummus brand in its dining halls.

CHICAGO, IL  (November 23, 2011)—DePaul University Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) declare a major victory in their campaign against the sale of Sabra hummus products after University dining services introduced an alternative brand of hummus to campus this fall quarter. The decision was made after SJP’s yearlong campaign to draw attention to the complicity of Sabra’s parent company, the Strauss Group, in Israel’s military occupation of Palestine.

Student activists identify the University’s decision to introduce an alternative brand of hummus as a revision of the University’s

New alternative hummus sits next to Sabra in DePaul cafeteria

decision to continue selling Sabra hummus. SJP member Maryam Salem said, “We’re happy that student concerns over Sabra hummus have finally been heard. A lot of students were disappointed by the University’s decision to keep Sabra back in the spring. But now, by offering an alternative brand of hummus, students have an ethical product they can choose.”

In November 2011, SJP raised concern to the University about the sale of Sabra hummus at DePaul, citing that the Strauss Group provides material and financial donations to two Israeli military units, the Golani and Givati brigades, which have been found by the United Nations, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch to have committed egregious violations of human rights and international law in Palestine. Days later, Sabra was removed from campus shelves, only to be replaced soon after. The issue was taken up by the administration’s Fair Business Practices Committee (FBPC) for review.

During the FBPC review, SJP launched an educational campaign to promote ethically responsible consumer behavior on campus by raising awareness of Sabra’s connection to human rights abuses. Examples include Givati brigade soldiers forcing Palestinian children to serve as human shields; members of the Golani brigade opening fire on a civilian home, killing three young girls; and a Givati brigade soldier shooting and killing a Palestinian mother and daughter as they carried white flags during Israel’s military assault on Gaza from December 2008 to January 2009.

In May 2011, SJP decided to ask the Student Government Association to allow students to vote on whether Sabra   Nearly 80 percent of the 1,000 students who participated voted to replace Sabra with an alternative brand of hummus.

Despite the large margin of student voters who voted for an alternative, the FBPC decided to keep Sabra, claiming that it “did not find evidence that the Strauss Group provides direct military support for units within the Israeli Defense Forces.”  DePaul President Rev. Dennis Holtschneider stated that the “product will remain on our shelves.”

However, in an unexpected turn, the University quietly introduced an alternative brand of hummus to campus dining halls several months later. According to a statement from the University, the alternative is a hummus homemade by Chartwells, DePaul’s food services vendor, to “provide the university community with more dining choices”.

SJP members say they are excited by the success of their campaign and will continue to raise awareness about Israel’s occupation of Palestine and strive for more socially responsible business relationships at DePaul University.

####

As thousands rallied in Gaza, Palestine commemorating International Al-Quds Day, their friends around the world echoed their actions rallying all over from New York, Pakistan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Egypt, Iran, Indonesia, London, and Iraq. Chicago was no exception. On Friday Aug. 26 supporters gathered in the Daley Plaza to voice their solidarity with Palestinians under occupation and to call for an end to violence and genocide.

Protestors at Daley Plaza (Photo by Leena Saleh)

“We are not here to give strength to the cause of Palestine but to derive strength from a cause of truth,” said Sayyid Sulayman Abidi from Baitul Ilm Academy. Capturing the real feel and purpose to Al-Quds Day, Sulayman eloquently explained the role in which activists must play.

“We hope that when history is written that our names are remembered as being those who stood up and fought for truth,” said Sulayman. He reminded his audience that this is a humanitarian cause that is necessary for all caring individuals to get involved. For Sulayman, what ignites such urgency is the justification of immoral and systematic violence against Palestinians.

“There’s a difference between a travesty and a tragedy. If there is a hurricane that kills thousands of people, that is a tragedy. But if there is a system that justifies the torture and suffering of people and it may be only one person this is a travesty. Even if it is one death it is still a bigger travesty,” said Sulayamn.

First introduced in 1979 by Ayotallah Khomeni in Iran, Al-Quds Day is an annual event commemorated on the last Friday of Ramadan. What began as what Khomeni considered an obligatory religious duty for Muslims to stand up for Palestine, grew into an international solidarity movement inviting all Muslims and non-Muslims alike to condemn hate, violence, and Zionism.

“It is because we are humans that we need to feel the suffering of the Palestinians. It is because we are Jews we feel the suffering of the Palestinians. It is because we are religious Jews we are so opposed to the philosophy of Zionism,” said Rabbi David Shloma Feldman from Neturei Karta, an international organization of Orthodox Jews dedicated to the propagation and clarification of Torah Judaism.

“In history, the most vocal and eloquent voices opposing Zionism were religious Jews,” said Sulayman.

Imam Sayyid Sulayman speaking at International Al-Quds Day (Photo by Leena Saleh)

Shloma emphasized numerous clarifications about Judaism shedding light on a different element to the Palestinian solidarity movement sometimes overlooked. “We blame Zionism for the hate and animosity we experience today because of the terrible, evil actions of Zionism. It’s not only the Palestinian Arabs suffering from the Israelis but the Jewish community in Palestine who are tortured an imprisoned for speaking out against Zionism.”

Tackling not only the conceptual immorality of a Zionist state but attacking the source of its capability, the speakers reminded their audience of the importance of boycott and divestment.

“To fund, give aid, support a state, to support a philosophy, to support a government, to support a system, that kills innocent civilians and takes away the rights of people, under no circumstance, anywhere is that OK. We’re gathered here today to oppose that,” said Thaer Ahmad of American Muslims for Palestine.

A flock of about 100 protestors of different ages and backgrounds chanted in unison surrounded by onlookers , “Free, free Palestine!” circling the Chicago Picasso, waving banners and vocalizing a call for freedom with conviction, continuing the tradition of International Al-Quds Day.

 Click to view slideshow. (Photos by Leena Saleh)

From May 16-20, DePaul University held a historic campus-wide student election. A referendum was placed on the ballot at the request of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), asking whether the Sabra brand of hummus served in campus dining halls should be replaced with an alternative brand. This question was proposed in light of the fact that Sabra’s co-owner, the Strauss Group, supports two units of the Israeli military, the Golani and Givati brigades. These brigades were found by the United Nations, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch to have committed egregious human rights abuses in Palestine.

In a mere four days of grassroots campaigning during the election, SJP managed to mobilize over a thousand students to vote on the first referendum in a student government election in over ten years. The election resulted in a staggering 1,127 votes in favor of the referendum. This accounted for nearly 80 percent of the total 1,467 votes. According to the Student Government Association constitution, 751 students must vote in favor for a referendum in order for it to pass. The votes in favor of replacing Sabra surpassed this number by 376 votes. To be considered valid, however, a referendum must have a total voter turnout of 1,500 or more students. Nonetheless, the number of votes cast in favor of the referendum represents an incredible, landslide victory for our campaign to boycott Sabra hummus.

We would like to thank the Student Government Association for allowing our referendum to be placed on the ballot for a student vote. We also thank the countless students, faculty and staff members who have supported us in our effort to campaign and express our views. And most importantly, we thank the student body for participating in the election and letting the administration know that the vast majority of students would like the university to replace Sabra with an alternative brand of hummus.

Our members feel that the Sabra referendum created an environment on campus that fostered spirited and intense discussion on Israel and Palestine. We opened up the conversation and students on all sides of this important issue were voicing their thoughts and opinions freely. We raised questions that have engaged students and forced them to think outside the box and critically challenge the dominant narrative. We have also reignited St. Vincent de Paul’s legacy and spirit of social justice activism by inspiring students to take action, not only at DePaul but across the nation.

We have campaigned to boycott Sabra as a means of pressuring the Strauss Group and other companies to be more ethically responsible and to comply with international law and human rights standards. As such, this campaign is far from over. Through nonviolent and academic-based activism, SJP will continue our efforts to raise awareness of Israel’s human rights violations and strive for more socially conscious business relationships at DePaul University.

In Peace and Solidarity,
Students for Justice in Palestine at DePaul University

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 16, 2011

Contact: Trent Carl, (832) 244-2285 or ilmprocess@gmail.com

Title: Vice President, Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP)

DePaul University student referendum will consider removing Sabra hummus from campus due to concerns about human rights violations

CHICAGO, IL (May 16, 2010)— DePaul University’s Student Government Association has allowed a campus-wide referendum on whether or not Sabra hummus should be removed from campus dining halls next week. Students have voiced concerns about Sabra’s parent company, the Strauss Group, which provides financial support and supplies to two Israeli military brigades implicated in human rights violations.

“The Strauss Group supports two brigades of the Israeli military that have committed a series of human rights abuses,” said Agnieszka Karoluk, a student at DePaul University and a supporter of the campaign. “We should not be doing business that contradicts our campus values and which is connected to violations of Palestinian human rights.”

Numerous instances of these violations have been reported by Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and the United Nations. Recent examples include Givati brigade soldiers endangering Palestinian children by forcing them to serve as human shields; members of the Golani brigade opening fire on a civilian home, killing three young girls; and a Givati brigade soldier shooting and killing a Palestinian mother and daughter as they were carrying white flags during Israel’s military assault on the Gaza Strip from December 2008 to January 2009.

The referendum was allowed by the Student Government Association at the request of Students for Justice in Palestine, a student group that advocates justice, human rights, civil rights and equality for the Palestinian people. The referendum alleges that the Strauss Group “provides financial support and supplies to the Golani and Givati brigades… [which are] violators of human rights. Are you in favor of replacing Sabra with an alternative brand of hummus?”

Students will vote on the referendum next week, between May 16 to May 20as part of their general elections. The referendum on Sabra hummus is the first student referendum on a SGA ballot in at least ten years. Sabra hummus will be removed from campus shelves if 1,500 students vote, and the majority vote in favor of the referendum.

####

Cultivating the arts to resist oppression is a continuing tradition for  DePaul’s SJP which held their fourth annual Cafe Resistance on Jan.  24. With a room full of guests, more than 100, a diverse mix of  performers wowed the crowd with their rhythmic beats and words  of conviction.

KrisDeLash, a DePaul student and emerging artist graced the stage with upbeat energy and powerful rhymes with a backdrop of old school beats. Staying true to her reputation her sharp, biting, lyrics called for critique of our apathetic society; “SmartPhones with dumb batteries.”

Bill Chambers, of the Palestine Solidarity Group, swiped the mic next and reminded his audience of activists being served subpoenas from the FBI. “Stand up if you’re Palestinian, know a Palestinian, have ever supported Palestine, have been to Palestine, or wants to go to Palestine, please stand up.” After every last guest stood up, Chambers continued, “Everyone of you standing up is a target and considered a threat to national security.” Chambers launched into a few politically charged poems that highlighted obstacles for activism and oppressive discrepancies.

Performing at DePaul for the first time was Phero who was “ready to have some fun.” Combining a fusion of Latin jazz and street beats, Phero delivered his rhymes with enthused words and pulsating vibes.

Next up was King Keith,  bred in the southwest side of Chicago, a spoken word champion, youth organizer, and community activist.  He’s worked with many youth organizations such as the Southwest Youth Collaborative, Kuumba lynx, and the AAAN. Hopping up on stage holding a cup of water in each hand, Keith stood waiting. After a few moments he informed his audience that he liked to perform a small ritual where he toasts to the earth. Smooth, mellow words that flowed one after another like a calm tide coupled with creative transitions made his spoken word uniquely entertaining.

“I like this room. It’s smart, political, and olive,” joked Kevin Coval the prominent author and spoken word artist who is currently poet-in-residence at The Jane Addams’ Hull House Museum at The University of Illinois-Chicago and poet-in-residence at The University of Chicago’s Newberger Hillel Center, and teaches at The School of the Art Institute in Chicago.

Donning a teacher-esque style Coval began his pieces which cleverly implemented playing with grammar, annunciation, and alliteration to convey issues of identity. With perfectly pronounced syllables, Coval passionately dissected the conflict through identity and definitions.

Reappearing for the third Cafe Resistance in a row was Gon, the Chicago-based hip hop artist whose rhymes center around political and social commentary. Utilizing playful but rough lyrics Gon’s quirky humor permeates his music and style. Rallying the audience out of their seats and to the front of their stage, Gon introduced his performance partner, a mime complete with a white-painted face and gloves.

Using his mime, named Hernandez, as his shadow partner, mimicking his moves and miming along with the lyrics, Gon captured the crowd’s attention and laughs.

Ending the night was Khaled M., the emcee who originally hails from Libya and grew up in Kentucky, and no stranger to SJP’s Cafe Resistance. Shedding light on the oppressive obstacles in Libya, Khaled reminded his audience to fight injustice everywhere and combine struggles of all oppressed peoples. With gracefully executed pieces Khaled spun his lyrical web, which encompassed fighting for rights and commenting on social issues.

The crowd cheered and left with earfuls of heartfelt words that, although coming from a scope of sources, all pointed to one message. The continuous struggle to resist oppression of all forms is a duty that can be won by unifying the struggles of all peoples.

Photos by Leena Saleh

“For if they take you in the morning, they will be coming for us that night.”

– James Baldwin, in an open letter to Angela Davis, November 19, 1970

As students at over fifty American universities, we unequivocally condemn the abuse of grand jury subpoenas to chill the exercise of First Amendment rights by university students and anti-war activists speaking and organizing against Israel’s continued oppression of the Palestinian people. Since September 24, 2010, the F.B.I. has served at least 24 grand jury subpoenas on students and activists in a secret investigation that many have called a witch-hunt. We call upon Attorney General Eric Holder and United States Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald to respect the civil rights and free speech of all those who support the Palestinian struggle for freedom by immediately withdrawing grand jury subpoenas which threaten the First Amendment rights of students and activists around the country.

The government’s assault on organizations and individuals who support the Palestinian struggle for freedom has become increasingly authoritarian. The abuse of laws criminalizing “material support for terrorism” is unprecedented and, had they been implemented at the time of South African apartheid, would have effectively criminalized broad American support for the anti-apartheid movement. At the apparent behest of US Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald, the government today has cast a net so wide that it has entangled journalists, college students, and peace activists. We know that a campaign so indiscriminate will seriously impinge on the First Amendment and other civil rights of people living in the United States. This will, in particular, affect active and outspoken students on university campuses, especially those of Palestinian descent.

It is not only our right but also our moral duty to speak and act against American foreign policy and its destructive impact on innocent people around the world. Today, America unfortunately stands behind Israel’s oppression of the Palestinian people with money, weaponry, and diplomatic support. We seek to reverse this situation so that American foreign policy stands on the side of people who work towards justice. We reject the government’s efforts to isolate the Palestinian people by severing them from their non-violent supporters abroad. Therefore we stand in solidarity with the victims of our government’s campaign both in America and around the globe.

If Attorney Fitzgerald’s campaign marks the morning of a new day, then we are certain of what awaits us in the night. Like Baldwin before us, we live in an age in which silence is not only criminal but suicidal – we shall, therefore, make as much noise as we can.

Signed:

American University, Students for Justice in Palestine
Arizona State University, Students for Justice in Palestine
Bard College, International Solidarity Movement
Benedictine University, Students for Justice in Palestine
Boston University, Students for Justice in Palestine
Brandeis University, Brandeis SJP
Brooklyn College CUNY, The Palestinian Club
Clark University, Students for Palestinian Rights
Columbia University, Students for Justice in Palestine
Cornell University, United for Peace and Justice in Palestine
DePaul University, Students for Justice in Palestine
Eastern Washington University, SLAC
Florida International University, Students for Justice in Palestine
George Mason University, Students for Justice in Palestine
George Washington University, Students for Justice in Palestine
Georgetown University, Students for Justice in Palestine
Hampshire College, Students for Justice in Palestine
Harvard Law School, Middle East Law Students Association
Harvard University, Alliance for Justice in the Middle East
Harvard University, Harvard College Palestine Solidarity Committee
Harvard University, Harvard Law School Justice for Palestine
Hunter College, Students for Justice in Palestine
Loyola University, Middle Eastern Student Association
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Palestine@MIT
New York University, Students for Justice in Palestine
Northeastern Illinois University, Students for Justice in Palestine
Northeastern University, Students for Justice in Palestine
Northwestern University, Students for Justice in Palestine
Ohio State University, Committee for Justice in Palestine
Pennsylvania State University, Students for Justice in Palestine
Rutgers University – New Brunswick, BAKA: Students United for Middle Eastern Justice
Saint Xavier University, Students for Justice in Palestine
San Diego State University, Students for Justice in Palestine
San Jose State University, Students for Justice in Palestine
School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Students for Justice in Palestine
Temple University, Temple Students for Justice in Palestine
Tufts University, Students for Justice in Palestine
University of Arizona, Students for Justice in Palestine
University of California, Berkeley, Students for Justice in Palestine
University of California, Berkeley Law, Law Students for Justice in Palestine
University of California, Davis, Students for Justice in Palestine
University of California, Irvine, Students for Justice in Palestine
University of California, Los Angeles, Students for Justice in Palestine
University of California, Riverside, Students for Justice in Palestine
University of California, San Diego, Students for Justice in Palestine
University of Chicago, Students for Justice in Palestine
University of Florida, Students for Justice In Palestine
University of Illinois at Chicago, Students for Justice in Palestine
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Students for Justice in Palestine
University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Students for Justice in Palestine
University of Michigan, Students Allied for Freedom & Equality
University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Palestine Solidarity Committee
University of New Mexico, Coalition for Peace and Justice in the Middle East
University of Pittsburgh, Pitt Students for Justice in Palestine
University of South Florida, Students for Justice in Palestine
University of Southern California, Students for Justice in Palestine
University of Texas at Austin, Palestine Solidarity Committee
University of Washington, Students for Justice in Palestine
Vermont Law School, Law Students for Justice in Palestine
Wellesley College, Justice for Palestine
Yale University, Yale Students for Justice and Peace in Palestine

Don’t see your student group? Add it here.

The campaign to boycott Sabra hummus products at DePaul University led by Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) has gained quite a bit of media attention. Not surprisingly, there have been many attempts by Zionists to vilify the campaign, falsely portraying it as dirty ploy to undermine Israel or creating an environment at DePaul that harms dialogue between Jews and Muslims. Some have gone even further off the rocker by claiming the general boycott of products that support Israeli occupation is anti-Semitic.

These accusations are made in order to shift attention away from the human rights issues at hand. Sabra’s parent company, the Strauss Group, financially supports two elite factions of the Israeli military, the Golani and Givati brigades, which have been charged with countless violations of international law (for examples, see SJP’s public statement against Sabra).

The campaign is not in any way antithetical to the Jewish people, who have a long history of fighting racism and injustice. It goes without saying, that many, many Jews are in support of the boycott against Sabra, as well as other Israeli products that support the infrastructure of occupation. In fact, Yoel Gabriel Bitran, a Chilean Jew, started his own campaign against Sabra hummus at Princeton. Additionally, the Chicago chapters of International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network (IJAN) and Jewish Voices for Peace (JVP) recently sent letters to DePaul officials in support of SJP DePaul’s campaign against Sabra (Read Below).

Jews standing up in solidarity with Palestine are squashing Zionists’  inaccurate characterizations of the campaign as anti-Semitic. So please, Zionists, stop the over-used and simplistic rhetoric. Try coming up with more sophisticated talking points, or even better, try actually addressing all of the concerns we have with Israel’s human rights issues.

Dear Fr. Holtschneider, President and Scott Kelley, Head of the Fair Business Practices Committee ,

We, members of the International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network’s Chicago Chapter, write to congratulate you on the brave and important step the University took in removing Sabra hummus from its shelves. We are saddened to hear that this policy has since been changed. Sabra hummus has no place on our campuses or in our communities.

As Jews outraged by the actions of the state of Israel, we feel it is important to offer our perspective and dispel any notions that Israel acts on behalf of Jews or that all Jews support Israel. Our perspective is based in a long cultural history that pre-dates Zionism of Jews struggling for equality for all people.  As Jews of conscience we condemn in the strongest terms the ongoing human rights abuses perpetrated by Israel: from the strangulation of Gaza, to the daily harassment meted out at checkpoints in the West Bank, to the demolition of houses in East Jerusalem and the repression of Palestinian citizens of Israel. In response to decades of abuses, Palestinian civil society, including 170 grassroots organizations (all
major unions, over 100 non-profits), called for a boycott of Israeli products until Israel’s policy is in line with international law.

Boycott is a legitimate strategy for challenging states which deny basic protections to and  systematically violate the rights of a portion of their inhabitants on the basis of ethnicity, as Israel does
and was essential to ending racial Apartheid in South Africa, to which the situation in Israel/Palestine has been compared by such notables as Rev. Desmond Tutu and Jewish Minister Ronni Kasrils.

Boycott in no way precludes dialogue; however, dialogue cannot serve as an excuse for allowing injustice to continue.  While dialogue is a very important tool for getting people with different experiences to be able to communicate, Palestinians subject to Israeli occupation do not have the luxury of dialogue when the Israeli army uses white phosphorus in Gaza or their economic means are expropriated by Israel’s Apartheid Wall.

Sabra hummus is an especially pertinent target for boycott because of its proud support of the Golani brigade, a section of the Israeli army that was identified by Ha’aretz as notorious for human rights abuses perpetrated against Palestinians and has been on the front lines of Israel’s belligerent and egregious actions in the West Bank and military assaults on southern Lebanon and Gaza.  An Israeli group of former soldiers, “Breaking the Silence,” has documented several instances when the Golani Brigade participated in the violation of Palestinian human rights. Members of the Golani brigade filmed
themselves making a captive, blindfolded Palestinian sing sexual songs and songs about the Golani Brigade. In December, 2005 a Golani Brigade officer was convicted for beating a Palestinian detainee and threatening to castrate him.  We have no business supporting a company that boasts about its support of this brigade.

In their letter, Hillel suggests that dating the occupation back to 1948 is the equivalent of delegitimizing Israel. What delegitimizes Israel is its treatment of Palestinians. Of even more concern, at the end of their letter Hillel attempts to paint this as an issue between Muslims and Jews. This is patently false; it is an issue between people who are concerned about Palestinian human rights (Christians, Muslims and Jews) and people who want to excuse Israel’s violations and/or silence any mention of them.

In Chicago, DePaul has the option to offer local alternatives. Why offer hummus that supports apartheid when there are other options?

We ask that DePaul University demonstrate its commitment to human rights and racial justice by reinstating their policy of refusing to sell Sabra hummus.

Sincerely,

Members of the Chicago Chapter of the International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network

Dear DePaul Community:

JVP-Chicago supports SJP efforts to end the sale of Sabra products at DePaul.  For the past decade JVP-Chicago has worked to end the occupation of Palestinian lands and the oppression and dispossession of Palestinians by Israel.  We call for non-violent pressure on both U.S. and Israeli corporations and institutions which that aid or profit from that oppression.

As SJP documents, the Strauss Group – parent company of Sabra – “…provides vocal and material support to Israeli military practices that stand in direct contravention to international and human rights law…The Strauss Group maintains a direct material relationship with the Israeli military, particularly providing two elite Israeli brigades with financial support and care packages.”  These brigades have been accused of numerous human rights abuses in the Occupied Territories.

JVP-Chicago rejects any notion that the SJP campaign to hold Strauss to account is hostile toward Jews or Jewish DePaul students.   Our Jewish values demand opposition to injustice by any party and we join with those who seek a just and peaceful resolution in the Middle East.   We hope that DePaul students, faculty and administration will be allies in this effort.

Jewish Voice for Peace – Chicago

by Students for Justice in Palestine at DePaul University

DePaul University officials have overturned a decision to discontinue the sale of Sabra hummus products after students brought attention to Sabra’s connections to the Israeli military occupation of Palestinian territories. On November 11, 2010, DePaul University students from the group Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) wrote to the University administration objecting to the sale of Sabra hummus in campus dining facilities. SJP’s concerns are based on the activities of Sabra’s parent company, the Strauss Group, an Israel-based corporation which provides vocal and material support to Israeli military practices that stand in direct contravention to international and human rights law. We suggest that DePaul adhere to more ethical business practices by indefinitely suspending Sabra sales and withdrawing financial support from a company openly promoting the endangerment of Palestinian lives.

One week after DePaul students voiced their concerns about Sabra and the Strauss Group, the University’s dining services temporarily discontinued the sale of Sabra hummus. However, DePaul administrators reversed this action several days later, stating that the University “asked its food services vendor to reinstate the sale of Sabra hummus on its Chicago campuses.” Administrators indicated that the removal of Sabra from campus dining facilities was premature and first needed to be reviewed by the Fair Business Practices Committee.

SJP DePaul recognizes that a review by the Committee is an important step in ensuring that business relationships and practices on campus are in accordance with our University’s mission and values. However, we do not find any language in the University’s policies and procedures that conflicts with a temporary suspension of a vendor pending review by the Committee. We find that the temporary discontinuation of Sabra is consistent with a legitimate interpretation of existing University policy and we do not agree that the issue was mishandled. In that vein, we ask the University to resume its suspension of Sabra hummus products pending a final decision from the Fair Business Practices Committee. We also ask the Committee to uphold the suspension based on the following information.

The Strauss Group maintains a direct material relationship with the Israeli military, particularly providing two elite Israeli brigades with financial support and care packages [1]. Although the Israeli military itself has a long history of violating international law, the Golani and Givati Brigades are notorious for their severe human rights abuses against Palestinian civilians [2][3][4]. The brigades have recently attracted attention for their actions in Gaza during “Operation Cast Lead.” In one instance, members of the Golani brigade endangered Palestinian children by reportedly forcing them to serve as human shields [5]. In another instance, a Givati brigade soldier shot and killed a Palestinian mother and daughter both carrying white flags [6]. In yet another instance, a Givati brigade commander authorized the use of white phosphorus chemical weapons to attack a UN compound in Gaza that sheltered approximately 700 displaced civilians [7]. The Strauss Group’s support for the Golani and Givati brigades is an endorsement of egregious violations against Palestinian human rights.

As DePaul students, we are deeply concerned with DePaul University’s support for any company that actively supports Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestinian land. In light of the Strauss Group’s ongoing support of the Golani and Givati brigades, which both act against international human rights standards, the University’s affiliation with the Strauss Group is inconsistent with DePaul’s Vincentian values. Continued distribution of Sabra hummus products aligns DePaul University with the perpetuation of egregious harms and shocking injustices. Therefore, we call on DePaul to permanently refrain from buying, stocking, and using Sabra hummus products.

SJP is a group of students, faculty, staff and community members from diverse ethnic, religious, national, and political backgrounds, including Palestinian and Israeli Jewish members. Through non-violent and academic-based activism, SJP DePaul aims to educate the campus community about Israel’s grave violations against human rights as a path toward equality, social justice, and peace.

Sources

[1] The Strauss Group. “Corporate Responsibility,” screenshot by Adalah-NY, October 9, 2010, http://adalahny.org/images/stories/strauss-soldiers.png.

[2] Talmor, Ronny. “The Use of Firearms by the Security Forces in the Occupied Territories.” Comprehensive Report by B’Tselem, July 1990, pp. 30-37, http://www.btselem.org/Download/199007_Use_of_Firearms_Eng.doc.

[3] “Israel army studies ‘abuse video’.” BBC News, November 7, 2008, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7715861.stm.

[4] Harel, Amos. “IDF’s Golani Brigade: Always first on the scene at the front line.” Haaretz Daily Newspaper, June 1, 2009, http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/the-idf-s-golani-brigade-always-first-on-the-scene-at-the-front-line-1.267546.

[5] “Israel: Soldiers’ Punishment for Using Boy as ‘Human Shield’ Inadequate.” Human Rights Watch, November 29, 2010, http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2010/11/26/israel-soldiers-punishment-using-boy-human-shield-inadequate.

[6] Greenberg, Hanan. “Soldier may be charged with manslaughter.” Ynet News, June 16, 2010, http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3905952,00.html.

[7] “Amnesty International’s assessment of Israeli and Palestinian

investigations into Gaza conflict.” Amnesty International, September 27, 2010, http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/asset/MDE15/022/2010/en/f47157be-801d-48a5-b671-f67153a7c1d6/mde150222010en.pdf.

Occupation 101-9/28/2010

On Sep. 28 students, guests, and activists gathered at DePaul’s Student Center for the screening of “Occupation 101.”

A thought-provoking and powerful documentary film on the current and historical root causes of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.  ‘Occupation 101′ presents a comprehensive analysis of the facts and hidden truths surrounding the never ending controversy and dispels many of its long-perceived myths and misconceptions.

The guests watched in silence, for some this was the tenth time they’ve watched the film but for others it was their f first glimpse into the conflict and left them in shivers.

One audience member remarked during the Q and A session, “This is the first time I’ve seen it and I’m shaking right       now,” she said trying to keep her composure.

Mohamad Ballan, a graduate student at the University of Chicago, led the discussion and posed the question: “What’s the most significant thing about this film, why should Americans see it?” Guests answered that it creates a sense of empathy, has surprisingly revealing statistics and that Americans being the source of

"Occupation 101" Q&A Session

funding need to see this.

It states the U.S. has given more aid to Israel in the last 50 years than it has to sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America combined.

The film covers a wide range of topics including the first wave of Jewish immigration from Europe in the 1880′s, the 1920 tensions, the 1948 war, the 1967 war, the first Intifada of 1987, the Oslo Peace Process, Settlement expansion, the role of the United States Government, the second Intifada of 2000, the separation barrier and the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, as well as many heart wrenching testimonials from victims of this tragedy.

Also surprising to some was the fact that 80 percent of the people in the film were Israeli.

Shirien D., former president of SJP DePaul, also explained that a very important factor in the American population’s support for Israel lies in the connection they feel with Israel and the U.S. being democratic nations, possessing similar ideals. In reality, however, Israel is in fact very undemocratic and proof of this is the simple fact that Israelis don’t have the right to protest or free speech. Simply attending a rally in Israel can consequentially land you in prison. Demystifying Israel’s image and exposing its oppressive reality is the key to opening the eyes of the American public.

Some audience members felt helpless after watching the film and the conflict unfold before

them. “What do you do when your state politicians are supportive of Israel?”

Ballan’s answer was simple. “Mobilize.”

He explained that the solutions are there and organizing and going to your representatives and protesting what’s happening is the answer. Holding similar events, making the public aware, and utilizing every possible resource are all methods to oppose the conflict, primarily the U.S.’s role.

“This isn’t an option for us. It’s an obligatory duty,” said Ballan.

24 Hours in Gaza—9/29/10

In DePaul’s SAC, guests gathered for SJP’s 24 Hours in Gaza event featuring Sanah Yassin, Thaer Ahmad, and Isa Hamdan? All three activists

Dr. Laila Farah, a professor of Women’s Studies at DePaul, opened up the event with an introduction putting everything in its proper context.

“Today’s talk back is important because of Israel’s continuous attempts to imprison the people of Gaza,” said Farah. “We are trying to make the connection between people in solidarity and the conditions of people in Gaza.”

Dr. Laila Farah opens up the 24 Hours in Gaza event

She also referenced the recent FBI raids in which activists’ homes in Chicago and Minneapolis were raided by the FBI.  “It’s important for people to realize this suppression of human rights and justice is a continuum. Over there is over here.”

Sanah Yassin, a local activist who just received her Bachelor’s in Secondary Education from UIC and is teaching high school history, was the first speaker.

“When you’re trying to change a policy that some of the most powerful people of the world support, it’s not going to be easy,” said Yassin.

Yassin vehemently told her audience of their journey to Gaza revealing all the obstacles along the way. Travelling from Turkey to Syria, Jordan, and back to Syria, getting stuck in Jordan and then facing violence in Egypt.

According to Yassin, U.S. vehicles weren’t permitted to enter Gaza and while being held at the Egyptian border for 24 hours Egyptian law enforcement began throwing stones at the activists. Yassin received a blow to the head from a stone and a 16-year-old girl, the youngest activist among them, was beaten with a baton, injuring her badly. The activist began to pray for their safety.

“The government of Egypt, the way they treated us was absolutely atrocious,” said Yassin.

Sanah Yassin shares her experience in Gaza

Yassin after making it to Gaza struggled when meeting families and hearing their stories, mothers who witnessed their children die before them and the horrible conditions in which they lived.

Yassin and the other activists were able to participate in the convoy because of sponsors who donated funding for their tickets and traveling expenses. With over 500 people on the convoy, all of different nationalities, faiths, and traditions, Yassin said it was especially inspiring to see so many women involved.

“I was happy to see there was a significant amount of women, on the convoy, especially in the Middle East who are overcoming other barriers, inspiring people on a global level.”

For Yassin meeting the female students in Gaza was especially moving. One of which was a 16-year-old girl who had an older brother of 19 who was killed. While helping in an ambulance truck it was bombed. He survived but was shot after stepping out of the exploded vehicle. “That is the extent to which Israel shows regard to human life,” referenced Yassin.

Above all the factors of the issues prevalent from their trip to Gaza, Yassin emphasized one she thought was the most important.

“People don’t focus enough on the psychological implications of this occupation,” said Yassin. “The people of Gaza as a society aren’t growing. It continues to decline the society is completely stagnant and declining.”

Next to speak was Thaer Ahmad the Outreach Coordinator for Viva Palestina.

After being introduced Ahmad stood up claiming, this “stuff gets him rowdy”, so he can’t do it sitting down. This was his second time visiting Gaza with the convoy and his experience was enough motivation to want to continue.

“It’s such a powerful experience, it changed my life.”

“I can stand here and tell you how many people died but do you know their names? We have to educate ourselves. This is a humanitarian crisis,” said Ahmad.

Ahmed described the activists’ struggle to get into Gaza. They, according to Ahmed were delayed from entering Gaza and police began to push and shove activists which caused fighting to break out. Activists were beaten and had stones and batons pummeling them. Ahmed was struck twice with a baton on his shoulder and hit in the back of the head with a rock.

Ahmed posed the question he thought at the time, “Why did we just fight each other? I don’t understand it; it doesn’t make any sense to me.”

Finally being able to enter Gaza Ahmed described encounters with civilians. One striking story was about a young boy who showed him the bullet hole marks on the surface of his abdomen. The boy thought it was his fault and was embarrassed and ashamed of his scars.

“I wanted to let him know it wasn’t his fault. I wanted to let him know he could rule the world if he wanted to, he could be president of Palestine, of anything!”

Ahmed elaborated on the strong presence of the Israeli narrative which dominates the discourse in the US. and the Orientalist lens through which the West is educated about the Middle East. One example is a book titled the Spirit Catches You, which was required summer reading for Ahmed and his fellow classmates at Rush Medical school. The book described travelers immigrating from Thailand to Laos and a mention of an Israeli mother running away from a Palestinian terrorist.

“It’s everywhere, the dehumanizing of the Palestinian people,” said Ahmed. “We need to educate those around us and personalizing it can make a big difference.” “Strike up a conversation about it in the classroom or workplace or wherever, highlight the struggle of Palestine, of Gaza.”

“I don’t care about Hamas or Fateh. I just want to live as happy a life as possible and that is determined by the freeing of the people of Gaza. As human beings, as citizens of the US, I need people to stop dying. They eat, love, sleep, laugh, and smile just how I smile.”

Isa Hamdan another activist who participated in the convoy and a medical student relayed his own experience through a medicinal perspective.

The word Gaza in Arabic means ‘to be strong,’ explained Hamdan, and the Hebrew word used for Gaza is Hashim which means ‘strong one.’ The convoy was comprised of people of all faiths Muslims Christians, Jews and atheists and together they helped deliver aid to Gaza.

Isa Hamdan shares his perspective on Gaza

Hamdan described the aid they were allowed to bring with them with the help of sponsors like AMP (American Muslims for Palestine) and others  including two X-rays, patient dilators, incubator autoclaves and a three-month supply of Albuterol.

Hamadan explained that one problem which sometimes prevents donors from agreeing to send such equipment is this sentiment that these high-tech machines will be obsolete in Gaza. Gazans will not know how to use them or have the means to use them. With his visit to Gaza as evidence Hamdan countered this argument.

“The people in Gaza have the intellect they just lack the resources. The siege is crippling their sustenance,” said Hamdan.

They used all of this medicine within four days and are in need of so much more. Hamdan explained that using a convoy to deliver medical aid rather than transporting it from West Bank is a means of producing a divestment from Israel which would gain funds for providing transporting services.

Apart from divestment, Hamdan described all of the way activists and supporters can continue to fight for the cause including getting informed, staying informed, and a resistance to being compliant to violations of international law.

“As for what Gazans desire activists to do I provide more medical aid, continue wholeheartedly with the BDS movement and for the elder generations, they ask to be kept in our prayers,” said Hamdan.

Pointing a finger at his own community Hamdan said, “I see Jewish activists doing more than my fellow Arab and Muslim brothers and sisters.”

Economically Gaza is also struggling terribly, according to Hamdan. Gaza used to produce more citrus than it could need but the Zionists uprooted all of their trees and plants.

“You don’t have to be Palestinian or Muslim to take the side of Palestinians. You just have to be human,” said Hamdan.

The one part of his trip which struck him was the resourcefulness of the people of Gaza and what they were able to do with the little they had, such as making houses out of debris and mud, recycled remains of concrete to rebuild. The weakened infrastructure of Gaza is still the primary and most dismantling struggle they must contend with according to Hamdan.

Hamdan reminded his audience to keep the people of Gaza in their prayers to get informed, to be objective, articulate, and to continue to support Palestine.

Audience members encouraged to ask questions after the presentations posed the question, “How do we start the dialogue?”

Ahmed answered, “Have the courage to talk about it, take that leap and assert yourself.”

Dr. Farah also responded, “Make connections about what’s happening in the US, by looking at the systems of oppression that interlock together. The US has a sense of being removed from everything, we need to change that.”

Yassin answered, “Giving people resources about investment and what divestment is and linking issues like the economy to Americans is a start.”

The audience was left with a broader scope and knowledge of Gaza and the struggle surrounding it, internally to externally. They were also provided with ample methods of action with which they could engage.