Bay Area Jews of Conscience Stand Up to the JCRC, 1 of 2

On August 22, 2006, A group of Bay Area Jews took action at the Jewish Community Federation (JCF) and Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) as part of an international day of actions by US Jews speaking out against ongoing Israeli aggression in Palestine and Lebanon. (for photos and reports of other actions around the country see http://www.jewishconscience.blogspot.com The JCF and JCRC were chosen because they consistently provide unqualified political and economic support for Israel. In addition, they claim to represent all Jews in their uncritical and unconditional support for Israel’s policies. As the demonstrators chanted, “JCRC, you don’t speak for us!”


As shown by the huge turnout on July 17th, at a rally of Bay area Jews speaking out against Israel’s war on Lebanon and Palestine, there are huge numbers of jews in the bay area alone who do not support Israel’s war and are not represented by JCF and JCRC. (for photos of that demonstration, see

http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2006/07/17/18289001.php
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2006/07/17/18289029.php

The demonstrators approached the front doors of the JCF, and six folks using lock boxes blockaded the entrance, while another 8 people conducted a die in. The front of the building was plastered with signs and posters decrying Israel’s wars and commemorating the people killed by Israel.

The demonstration illustrated the strong division within the Jewish community that exists when it comes to support for Israel, making it very clear that although right wing institutions like JCF and JCRC claim to be the voice of US Jews, Jews of Conscience will continue to resist Israeli aggression and occupation until there is a JUST peace in the region.

For information about ongoing campaign against Israel’s war on Lebanon and the ongoing war and occupation of Palestine, see breakthesiege.net.