Citizens for Justice in the Middle East – Kansas City

Kansas City-based Citizens for Justice in the Middle East (CJME) seeks to inform the American public about current issues involved in the Israeli-Palestine conflict and to end U.S. support for Israel’s occupation of Palestine. U.N. Security Council Resolution 242 calls on Israel to withdraw from territories occupied during the 1967 conflict based on the inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by war. The United States has voted for this resolution, but despite its stated policy has consistently blocked efforts by the United Nations to implement these and other pertinent U.N. resolutions that apply to Israel.

Instead, U.S. diplomatic protection and massive U.S. aid enable Israel to maintain control over Palestine and to settle the West Bank with its own citizens in further violation of international law. These violations are a source of instability in the region and foster bitterness and resentment against both Israel and its sponsor state, the United States. Anger at Israel’s harsh blockade of Gaza and its half-century occupation of the West Bank fuels legitimate resistance to the occupation as well as terrorism against Israel. Decades of unconditional U.S. support for Israel have proved counter-productive, providing Israel with disincentives for making peace at the cost of billions of U.S. taxpayer dollars every year and damage to American’s own national security interests.

Composed of Kansas City-area citizens concerned about the direction of U.S. policy in the Middle East, CJME urges ordinary American citizens to speak out in favor of an even-handed U.S. policy that recognizes the rights and aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians. Only by respecting the need to provide both parties in the conflict with security and self-determination can a viable and just peace be assured.

To learn more about Citizens for Justice in the Middle East (CJME) or to get involved, visit CJME on the website www.cjme-kc.com and follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/cjmenet/