Jews Against the Occupation-Sydney (JAO-Sydney) is a diverse group of Jews in Sydney who oppose the continuing Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories.
We support a non-violent negotiated settlement to the conflict. Current and earlier peace frameworks have failed to deliver justice or security for either Palestinians or Israelis.
A just resolution cannot occur until the Israeli government withdraws all forces and settlements in line with the 1967 borders.
JAO-Sydney seeks to:
- Provide an alternative, critical Jewish voice for a just settlement of the Israel-Palestinian conflict.
- Disseminate information and challenge misrepresentations of the conflict.
- Broaden public debate on issues of Israel and Palestine.
- Promote open dialogue with Palestinians, Jews and others in Australia working towards a just peaceful resolution of the conflict.
- Build links with other Jewish groups in Australia and worldwide, which seek to end the occupation.
JAO-Sydney is committed to:
- Withdrawal of Israeli armed forces from territories occupied in 1967, with an international peacekeeping force to provide security for both sides.
- Removal of all Jewish settlements from the occupied Palestinian Territories and an immediate dismantling of the Wall.
- An immediate resumption of negotiations toward a democratic political resolution based on equal rights and self-determination for both peoples.
- The end of both state-sanctioned violence, including torture and targeted assassinations, and terrorist attacks against civilians.
- A just resolution of the situation of Palestinian refugees in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which stipulates the right to leave and return to one’s own country.
- Political, economic and social justice for Palestinian citizens of Israel.
- Israel as a state for all its citizens.
[adopted June 2009]
