A group of Presbyterians recently distributed a free, glossy, 80-page position paper entitled, Two States for Two Peoples. The paper advocates for a two-state solution as the best way to resolve the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. In making its case, the paper offers an analysis of the history and contemporary politics of Israel/Palestine.

We are concerned that Two States presents a systematically distorted perspective on the situation and an equally flawed version of a two-state solution. The paper’s position is highly reflective of the stance of the current extremist Israeli government, employing a variety of “blame the victim” strategies to distract from the military occupation, settlements, and other rights abuses, which hinder even the possibility of a two-state solution.

June 25, 2016 - During its 222nd biennial General Assembly, which took place in Portland, Oregon this week, the Presbyterian Church (USA) continued its strong support for Palestinian rights with the passage of a series of overtures. An overture calling on real estate company RE/MAX to stop selling properties in Israeli settlements built on occupied Palestinian land in violation of international law and official US policy passed without opposition. In addition, the General Assembly overwhelmingly approved the use of boycotts and other nonviolent measures in support of oppressed peoples throughout the world. These actions follow the historic vote of the General Assembly in 2014 to divest from companies that profit from and sustain Israel's nearly 50-year-old military occupation of Palestinian lands, as well as the endorsement of a boycott of goods made in settlements.

The following are the IPMN documents and links for advocacy during the 222nd General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in Portland, OR from June 18 - 25, 2016.

Join us in Portland for a week of advocacy within our church!

May 10, 2016 — The Israel/Palestine Mission Network of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) supports our Methodist brothers and sisters who are seeking this week to divest from companies that profit from the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory.

April 8, 2016 — IPMN, The Israel Palestine Mission Network of the Presbyterian Church (USA), stands with Congressional Representatives calling for an investigation into human rights violations by Israeli and Egyptian military forces.