August 22, 2007
To the President of the European Parliament
Mr. Hans-Gert Pöttering
Rue Wiertz 60
PHS 11B11
B-1047 Brussels
22 August 2007
Mr. President of the European Parliament,
As has been widely reported the United Nations Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People (UNISPAL), founded in 1975, is to hold an International Conference of Civil Society in Support of Israeli-Palestinian Peace at the European Parliament in Brussels on 30 and 31 August 2007.
Various important topics are to be discussed at the Conference, among them reports on the effects of the Israeli occupation on the population of East Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the findings of a delegation of the European Parliament which visited the region, several workshops and the strengthening of campaigns to end the occupation, including the grassroots campaign against the Wall, nonviolent demonstrations in Bil’in and elsewhere in the West Bank and the improvement of the European contribution to international attempts to end the Israeli occupation and thus create an atmosphere for Israeli-Palestinian peace.
We are aware that for several weeks the Delegation of Israel has been trying to persuade the European Parliament not to provide rooms for this Conference by saying that the purpose of the Conference is to adopt one-sided judgments against Israel.
The European Jews for a Just Peace, a European federation of Jews in 10 countries, citizens of Europe and members of civil society, believe that outside interference concerning the holding of this Conference on the premises of the European Parliament by a State which is not a member of the European Union is untenable. We hold that the United Nations Committee, which has existed for decades, has every right to hold the meeting in the rooms of the European Parliament.
Furthermore, as concerned EU citizens and as Jews, we support any and all efforts made by the European Parliament to end the Israeli occupation of Palestinian land, which would bring a just solution to this terrible conflict and further the prospects for peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
Accept, Sir, the assurances of our highest consideration.
Executive Committee
European Jews for a Just Peace