Join the " Brown Bag Lunch Vigils!

Join the "Healthcare NOT Warfare" campaign!

Put your change to work!

California Nurses Association

National Priorities Project

CD Point People

Find yours here.

Social Community

Action Alerts

Take action now!

Congress Schedule

Click here for the Congressional Schedule

Peace Task Force

Israel/Palestine Working Group

Overview of Policy on Israel/Palestine

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been raging for generations. It is a mistake to think the efforts of PDA or the progressive wing of the Democratic Party are going to 'fix' the situation. Whatever perspective PDA offers begins in humility, in respect for the complexity of the issues involved, and in the deep desire to make a positive contribution to the process of achieving a just and lasting peace.

That said, as progressive Democrats seeking broad-based change in the governance of our country and its conduct of foreign affairs, PDA does place the Israeli-Palestinian issue firmly within the scope of our attention. PDA believes there is a huge "knowledge gap" in the U.S. regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, both in the general public and among our elected representatives. We address the Israel/Palestine conflict not with the goal of defining ultimate outcomes with specificity (either for the Israeli or Palestinian people, the Democratic Party, or the U.S. Congress), but with the goal of encouraging deeper understanding and more engagement based on progressive values and principles, including mutual respect, the protection of civil rights and civil liberties for all, the pursuit of justice and peace, and honoring the rule of law. PDA believes there is no such thing as a victory for one side over the other in the Israeli and Palestinian dispute. With this in mind, Progressive Democrats of America offers four principles to guide the work of PDA chapters, grassroots membership, and PDA leadership in addressing this issue. (See Policy Position Papers below for details.)

Back to Top of Page

Policy Position Papers

The following writings describe our policies in depth on issues related to peace. Unless otherwise indicated, all papers have been ratified by PDA. Those papers marked as DRAFT are working drafts which are not yet ratified. We encourage you to send comments or suggestions by clicking on the "comment" link after each draft.

Back to Top of Page

What You Can Do

Our task force recommends the following actions for individuals and groups.

• Set up 'Progressive Town Hall Meetings on Israel and Palestine' featuring local Democratic voices, progressive voices, Arab and Jewish American voices. Think of these events not as forums for the ultimate resolution of the conflict, but as efforts to educate, to open dialogue, to help in understanding and accepting the terms of a more just and even-handed American policy, and of building the roadways that lead to peace and reconciliation.
• Hold meetings with chapters of American Jewish peace groups, and Arab American, and Muslim American organizations in your area. Build alliances. Show that there is support for elected representatives willing to adopt a more even-handed approach towards Israeli-Palestinian peace. Lobby individual members of Congress.
• Include action alerts from progressive organizations on the Israeli-Palestinian issue in local, state, and national mailings.
• Educate others, including the progressive Democrat community, on the Israeli-Palestinian issue. See some excellent sources in our Recommended Resources section.

Back to Top of Page

Recommended Resources

Wikipedia: Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Foundation for Middle East Peace
Americans for Peace Now
American-Arab Anti Discrimination Committee
U.S. Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation

Back to Top of Page