The International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network (IJAN) Has Been Launched

The network was launched on October 1. It was launched to coincide with the Jewish High holidays Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. These are are periods where Jewish people are suppose to reflect and atone for the wrongs they or their group have committed or allowed to happen. It was launched in the hope of bringing greater justice to Palestine, the middle east and the world as a whole. The launch was followed by the publication of its charter, a month of actions and events in over 8 countries.

The network brings together a growing number of Jews with local affiliates from United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Israel, India Morocco, Mexico and Argentina. They hope to join together to struggle for justice in what use to be Palestine. IJAN wants to join the Palestinians in their struggle against the oppressive realities of Zionism. IJAN wants Jews to get back to the long tradition Jewish people had in joining others in their struggle against oppression and exploitation.

Sara Kershnar who is an IJAN organizer said “We intend to contribute to a growing international voice that challenges Zionism and its claim to speak on behalf of Jews Worldwide; Israel and the ideology upon which it was built on does not speak for us, nor does it reflect our vision of a just and safe world.” She then says, “The movement against Zionist apartheid must be as uncompromising as the movement against South African apartheid. Anti-Zionism is part not only of the movement against racism but also the movement against war. We are convinced that we speak to a great unexpressed, in fact censored sentiment of support for this perspective, including among Jewish People.”

IJAN separates itself from other Jewish peace groups that do not reject Zionism or the exclusionary nature of a state that defines itself as a Jewish state. The IJAN charter states “We commit ourselves wholeheartedly to the liberation of Palestine. We commit our hearts, minds and political energy to supporting the varied and vibrant resistance movements of the Palestinian people, the solidarity of individuals and organization in every country and to confront the injustices for which the countries we live in are responsible. We unequivocally support the Palestinian right of return. We respond wholeheartedly to the call from Palestine for boycott, divestment and other sanctions against Israel”