Breaking bread for peace

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by NAOMI BLOCH

Jews from around the world have a message for the State of Israel: stop the meshugaas, it's time to end the Palestinian persecution. In Montreal, a recently formed group called Jewish Alliance Against the Occupation is adding its voice to the growing throng. On Nov. 4 the group published a letter in the Gazette demanding Israel respect the UN resolutions and end the war on Palestinians. The letter was signed by over 30 people, including Noam Chomsky and several prominent Montrealers.

"As a Jew, if you criticize Israel you're seen as being somehow disloyal to your own ethnicity," says Alliance cofounder Scott Weinstein. "But being Jewish has nothing to do with giving unconditional support for the State of Israel. We feel that Israel can do a lot better."

On Dec. 10, International Human Rights Day, Jewish groups in London, New York, Jerusalem and other cities worldwide will participate in rallies of solidarity for the Palestinian people. In Montreal, a rally on the same day in front of the Israeli Consulate had to be postponed, after organizers were informed that the surrounding area is being blocked off to provide parking for the municipal merger demonstrators.

Though disappointed that their efforts were thwarted, the Jewish Alliance Against the Occupation will be holding its rally one day later, on Monday, Dec.11. Hot tea and pita bread will be shared in keeping with the historical Jewish and Palestinian tradition of breaking bread together--a symbolic effort to "thaw the chill." The rally kicks off at noon at Peel and René-Lévesque. For more info call 284-6642 or e-mail Jewish_Alliance@hotmail.com.

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