What is JVP? What do we stand for?

JVP Philly is the Philadelphia chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP), an organization with over 700,000 members and supporters and 70+ local organizing groups across the U.S. working to achieve a lasting peace for Palestinians and Israelis based on equality, human rights, and freedom and building strong, resilient Jewish community beyond Zionism.

JVP seeks an end to the Israeli occupation of the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem; security and self-determination for Israelis and Palestinians; a just solution for Palestinian refugees based on principles established in international law; an end to violence against civilians; and peace and justice for all peoples of the Middle East.

To these ends, JVP endorses the non-violent tactics of boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) just as they were used by global citizens of conscience to protest and ultimately dismantle apartheid in South Africa.

Interested in electoral work on these issues? Check out JVP Action.

Who are JVP members?

The intergenerational members of JVP Philly are teachers, students, rabbis, non-profit professionals, artists, retirees, and people from all walks of life.

Do I have to be Jewish to join JVP?
No! JVP is an organization that is inspired by Jewish values and traditions to work towards peace and justice. We are committed to building an inclusive Jewish community, that, like many of our families, welcomes Jews and allies who share our values and appreciate our traditions, who advocate for an end to Israeli human rights abuses, and who oppose anti-Jewish hatred, anti-Arab racism, and Islamophobia.

Many JVP members are Jews who have deep concerns about the troubling state of Jewish ethical engagement with Israel/Palestine in America. Among our goals in Philadelphia is to create community and cultural spaces where progressive Jews can live out their commitment to justice and equality for all people, including Palestinians, without fear of communal censure or excommunication.

JVP Philly is committed to community education. If your organization is interested in having us present our perspective on Israel/Palestine, anti-Semitism, American Jewish politics, or related issues, please contact us through this request form.