I CHOOSE PEACE via a Freeze on Israeli Settlement Construction
Israeli settlements are continuing to be built and expanded inside the West Bank despite Israeli commitments to freeze settlement construction, with some settlements receiving financial support from American Jews. The continued construction of these settlements is a major obstacle towards the creation of a viable, contiguous Palestinian state and undermines popular support for moderate Palestinian leadership and the peace process. I choose a settlement freeze, as well as the removal of all illegal outposts in the West Bank, as called for in the U.S.-backed Roadmap and committed to by the Israeli government.

I CHOOSE PEACE via Sharing Jerusalem as the Capital for Both Peoples
Some American Jews, in addition to some Israeli hardliners, are attempting to hinder peace talks by opposing efforts by the Israeli government to find a negotiated solution to Jerusalem. They rally behind the notion of a “united and undivided” Jerusalem, despite the fact that it is already divided along religious and ethnic lines and knowing that no Palestinian leadership could agree to a state that does not include East Jerusalem. I choose sharing Jerusalem in the context of a final status agreement, with West Jerusalem as the Israeli capital and East Jerusalem as the Palestinian capital, and allowing for access to holy sites for all people.

I CHOOSE PEACE via a Ceasefire and Ending the Blockade in Gaza
Since Hamas took over Gaza in June 2007, thousands of rockets have been fired on southern Israel, killing several, wounding many, and wreaking fear across Israel. Some Americans Jews believe that Israeli military incursions into Gaza and the blockade on Gaza’s borders are the only ways to secure southern Israel and deal with Hamas. However, these actions have failed to put pressure on Hamas or to stop the rockets. Rather, they have resulted in hundreds of civilian casualties, a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and a weakening of support for the peace process among Palestinians.  For the violence to stop and for peace negotiations to succeed, I choose to support Hamas-Israel ceasefire talks and an end to the blockade on Gaza.

I CHOOSE PEACE via Active U.S. Engagement in the Peace Process
The Annapolis peace conference in November 2007 re-launched negotiations towards a final agreement, but far too little progress has been made in negotiations or implementation of Roadmap commitments. Some American Jews believe that the status quo of violence and despair is preferable to the difficult compromises entailed in peacemaking. I choose active U.S. engagement in the negotiations and implementation process, because I know that a negotiated two-state resolution is the only solution to provide for Israel’s long-term peace and security.

[Click here to learn more about the "Time to Choose" campaign.]