There is a long history of Jews protesting against injustice, whether inflicted upon Jews or others.  We recall that Brit Shalom (“pursuers of peace”) was started in the 1920s by Jews in Palestine who had a common vision of co-operation between the Yishuv and the Palestinian Arabs.  They were highly critical of the Jewish Agency’s attitudes and activities that were hurting the indigenous population.

We know that it is very challenging for Jews to criticize the State of Israel; most of us have an understandable affinity for it.  However, we believe that certain criticisms are not only warranted, but constitute important, moral action.  We act because we support the rights of both Palestinians and Israelis and because we think that the Occupation is destroying both societies.

We believe that the fundamental conflict is political not religious.  We reach out to work with the Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim communities as well as our own.  We also work with faith-based groups who are concerned with this issue.  In addition, we support and publicize the important work of Israeli peace groups.

While Not In My Name is based in Chicago, where we are most active, we have members and supporters around the country.  NIMN membership is open to all those who support our Common Ground.  But beyond this there is room for disagreement and healthy, constructive debate.  We do not apply a litmus test to restrict membership.  Our membership comprises Zionists, non-Zionists and anti-Zionists, as well as those who have no particular position.  Some of us are observant Jews and some are secular.  We also have Christian and Muslim members.