KAIROS USA APPLAUDS LETTER OF U.S. CHRISTIAN FAITH LEADERS 

On October 5, fifteen leaders from major Christian faith communities in the United States issued a clear, courageous statement calling our government to account for its role in the continuation of Israel's unjust policies toward Palestinians. The letter advocates making U.S. military aid to Israel contingent upon "compliance with applicable U.S. laws and policies." The statement reads:

As Christian leaders in the United States, it is our moral responsibility to question the continuation of unconditional U.S. financial assistance to the government of Israel. Realizing a just and lasting peace will require this accountability, as continued U.S. military assistance to Israel -- offered without conditions or accountability -- will only serve to sustain the status quo and Israel's military occupation of the Palestinian territories.

Kairos USA endorses and applauds this important letter calling on our government to take responsibility for its role in Israel's continuing denial of Palestinians' human rights and in subjecting Israelis to the destructive effects of militarization, the role of occupiers, and a fortress mentality. 

While deploring violence on the part of both Israelis and Palestinians, the letter underscores the point that the overwhelming military might of Israel deployed in the ongoing occupation of Palestine and in the enforcement of illegal settlement building -- activities massively supported by our government's unconditional aid to Israel -- is the prime reason for the failure of peace efforts. 

In the recently released "Call to Action:  U.S. Response to the Kairos Palestine Document," Kairos USA similarly deplores violence and supports nonviolent resistance to Israel's occupation. It calls on U.S. Christians to educate themselves about the facts of the situation, to confess their responsibility as U.S. citizens for our government's support of Israel's illegal and self-destructive actions, and, in accordance with their faith, work for justice and compassion, "filled with a heart of love for both Palestinians and Israelis."

READ THE FULL TEXT OF THE LETTER

ACTION ALERT

Write to your Member of Congress in support of the faith leaders' letter to make U.S. aid to Israel conditional on compliance with U.S. law, international law, and respect for human rights!

Click on this link to send a message to Congress

Kairos USA is a movement to unify and mobilize American Christians - lay, academic and clergy - to take a prophetic stance for a just peace in Israel and Palestine.

We heed the call of our Palestinian Christian sisters and brothers, who have called us to stand with them in their struggle for freedom. "Call to Action: U.S. Response to the Kairos Palestine Document -- A word of confession and faith from the churches in the United States" is our founding statement.

Kairos USA is dedicated to education, advocacy and active theological exploration. The movement provides a home for U.S. Christians seeking to move and act within their institutional contexts as well as beyond institutional limitations to take a bold, prophetic stand against the unjust policies that oppress Palestinians and sicken Israeli society.