December 29, 2016

Dear Community Members,

The Jewish Federation of Winnipeg joins with our national advocacy partner, CIJA (The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs), in issuing a response to US Secretary of State John Kerry's speech. Please find our statement below.

Federation & CIJA Respond to Secretary Kerry’s Speech
on Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Yesterday, US Secretary of State John Kerry gave a speech on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. His speech follows United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2334 which passed on December 23, 2016.

In response, Shimon Koffler Fogel, CEO of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), issued the following statement:     

“Israelis want peace. Polls have consistently shown most Israelis support a two-state solution, and Israel’s leaders have repeatedly called for two states for two peoples. Sadly, no Palestinian leader has affirmed the right of the Jewish people to self-determination and a state in the Middle East.

“Since 2000, Israel has agreed to three US-brokered peace proposals like the one outlined by Secretary Kerry today, and have also voluntarily implemented a ten-month settlement freeze. The Palestinian leadership rejected all offers without counter-offer, and has refused Israel’s invitation to resume peace talks without precondition.

“What’s needed from the international community isn’t another top-down solution, be it an unbalanced resolution, speech, or recycled formula for peace. None of these gestures will resolve the conflict without Palestinian willingness to negotiate directly and recognize the legitimacy of a Jewish state.

“Canada has been a leader in supporting practical projects that strengthen mutual trust and build a foundation for Israeli-Palestinian peace. We encourage the Government of Canada to continue with this approach in the understanding that peace must be built from the ground up.”

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) is the advocacy agent
of the Jewish Federations of Canada-UIA.

Sincerely,

Elaine Goldstine  Martin Sampson on behalf of CIJA
Chief Executive Officer
Jewish Federation of Winnipeg

Jewish Federation of Winnipeg
C300-123 Doncaster Street
Winnipeg, MB  R3N 2B2
info@jewishwinnipeg.org
www.jewishwinnipeg.org