First, we find it necessary to briefly comment on the roots of, and the tragedy that has become, the Israeli-Arab conflict. We recognize, with great distress and grief, the horrific suffering of the Jewish people over the past two millennia (particularly in Europe at the hands of Christians), which wretchedly culminated in the Nazi persecution and Holocaust. Further, having been ourselves minorities in the Middle East, we are acutely aware of the discrimination suffered by Jews in the pre-World War II Middle East. We recognize the importance and legitimacy of the efforts to ensure an end to Jewish suffering after the Holocaust. Yet, we regret that the solution was implemented with little regard to the rights of resident Palestinian Muslims and Christians as the state of Israel was established in mandated Palestine. Given the development of events over the past few decades, however, we recognize the state of Israel as the expressed right of the Israeli people for self-determination. At the same time, and with equal conviction, we recognize the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, a right that has been given much lip service and little genuine support, a right that is yet to be officially recognized by the state of Israel, which has been created on Palestinian land and at Palestinian demise.

We condemn all forms of violence, be they terrorist activities or state-sponsored. We especially condemn attacks against civilians, Palestinians and Israelis, be they suicide bombings or indiscriminate military strikes. We condemn all forms of injustice, including destruction of homes, confiscation of property, illegal appropriation of territories, and the illegal occupation of Palestine...

...Many Jewish organizations (such as Gush Shalom, Jewish Voice for Peace, Tikkun, Not in My Name, and European Jews for a Just Peace) as well as other Christian denominations and ecumenical bodies (including the World Council of Churches, as well as many American, European, and African denominations) agree that a carefully thought-out divestment process could have positive effect in persuading Israel to change policies toward the Palestinians that are contrary to international law, formal resolutions of the United Nations Security Council, and biblical principles of justice...