Jill Stein, the first Jewish contender for the presidency of the United States of America, called today for the international community to heed the findings of the Russell Tribunal on Palestine and to take immediate steps to ensure that Israel comply with its responsibilities according to international human rights law. Specifically, Dr. Stein reiterated that as president, she would require Israel, as well as other nations, to uphold international law and human rights as a condition for further U.S. aid. In particular, this would require Israel to end human rights abuses, and respect the rights of Palestinians and other peoples living under Israeli rule.
The Green Party of the United States has long been a leader in standing up for the rights of all peoples living under military rule and racial apartheid, and the Palestinian people are no exception,” said Dr. Stein. “I am proud that our party platform reflects our universal and consistent commitment to human rights.”
Today’s statement adds to earlier statements Dr. Stein has issued detailing immediate steps regarding U.S. policy toward Israel and Palestine that she will implement on taking office (U.S. policy to Israel, Palestine must change, says Stein - May 15, 2012).
The 2012 platform of the Green Party of the United States urges support for “popular movements for peace and demilitarization in Israel-Palestine, especially those that reach across the lines of conflict to engage both Palestinians and Israelis of good will.” The platform specifically recognizes the rights of self-determination of all peoples in Israel-Palestine, the legal right of return for refugees from the conflict, the suspension of U.S. aid to Israel, the use of boycott and divestment as non-violent means to pressure corporations and the Israeli government to end human rights abuses, and the creation of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, “whose inaugurating action would be mutual acknowledgement by Israelis and Palestinians that they have the same basic rights, including the right to exist in the same, secure place.”
Dr. Stein added that, “The Green Party is the only political party in the U.S. that reflects the views of a growing number of American and Israeli Jews, including especially younger Jews who insist that Israel honor its proclaimed mission of being a ‘Beacon to the World’ and a ‘Light unto Nations.’” She pointed out that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu does not speak for the majority of Israeli Jews, never mind Israeli citizens, in his war-hungry policy toward both Palestinians and Iranians.
“Bibi is a threat not only to human rights and to U.S. interests, but also to the security and sanctity of the Jewish people living in Israel-Palestine.” Dr. Stein further applauded the actions of the Israeli political party Meretz in committing for the first time to support for a return to 1967 borders, including a Palestinian capital in East Jerusalem, and for supporting the 2002 Arab Peace Proposal.
Dr. Stein, a Massachusetts physician and past political opponent of Mitt Romney, is the first Jewish candidate to appear on ballots nationwide for the presidency. The first Jewish-American candidate to appear on any national presidential ticket was also a Green Party candidate: Winona LaDuke was the Green vice-presidential nominee in 1996 and 2000; LaDuke’s mother was of Russian Jewish descent, and her father was an Anishinabe man from Minnesota.
