We believe that global systems of power that uphold injustice can be changed by grassroots movements. We build grassroots power through relationships that move people to action.
As part of the global movement for justice in Palestine we work in close partnership with a broad spectrum of allies, partners, faith-based, peace, and social justice organizations in the US, Israel/Palestine and beyond. We seek to be accountable to those directly affected by Israel’s discriminatory and violent policies and practices, while working to effectively build and accountably deploy our power as American Jews.
We are inspired by Jewish traditions to work for justice and such work is part of our own liberation. We work to build Jewish communities that reflect the understanding that being Jewish and Judaism are not synonymous with Zionism or support for Israel. Our work is part of a broader struggle and commitment to end racism, anti-Jewish, anti-Muslim, and anti-Arab bigotry, and all forms of oppression.
Foundational to our work for justice and peace is believing people, organizations, and communities are dynamic. We create space for people to move and transform. We encourage continual learning, skill-development and political education for people to evolve in their thinking and deepen their investment in action to realize justice for all people.
We believe parity of power will create opportunities for peace between individuals and globally. Our vision of peace, justice and equality for all people guides our work.
As an organization and as individual activists we understand that this is long-term work and the change we seek likely won’t happen quickly or through just one strategy. We enable broad participation, employ multiple approaches, adapt based on what we are learning, and honor the diverse contributions of activists and leaders.
JVP students push their universities to divest, build campus chapters, and fight unjust censorship of Palestinian voices. Our Academic Advisory Council brings together faculty committed to an open discussion of Israel/Palestine on campus.
We support churches in their efforts to align their values with their investments. Our Network Against Islamophobia supports organizing against Islamophobia and anti-Arab racism.
We can’t change U.S. policy without changing Congress first. With our huge grassroots base, members of Congress are paying increasing attention to our message that all people deserve justice, fairness, and equality.
Artists and cultural workers help us envision justice and dream of a better world. The JVP Artists and Cultural Workers Council comprises writers, musicians, visual artists, filmmakers, dancers, and more.
We are challenging institutional Jewish communities to act on values of justice, and our Rabbinical Council and Open Synagogue Network are paving the path to justice-centered Jewish communities.
JVP answers the call for Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) made by Palestinian civil society through strategic, dynamic, and effective local and national campaigns.