What We Do

Since 2001, the Committee for a Just Peace in Israel and Palestine has engaged in a variety of activities to advance the cause of a just and lasting peace for both Israelis and Palestinians.

WE:

Educate through presentations by activists, academics, religious leaders and journalists that foster deeper understanding of issues and to counter prevailing narratives in the media and national discourse. We bring speakers from Israel and Palestine to Oak Park, the Chicago area, and the larger Midwest, and host key organizers, scholars and other leaders from the across the county. We also utilize a range of cultural activities to deepen public awareness and understanding.

Organize on the ground in various venues to conduct broad community education at local activities such as the Oak Park Farmers’ Market, Day in Our Village, Holiday Cookie Walk, etc. We utilize educational visuals and informational leaflets about a particular situation and ask passersby to take concrete action.

Respond to breaking events or legislative actions by mobilizing outreach in the community, organizing to support activities in the broader Chicago area, and issuing timely online “Action Alerts” for personal engagement.

Support allies throughout the Chicago area who organize in support of peace and justice in Israel and Palestine and related issues of child detention, Islamophobia and antisemitism, militarization, and weaponized policing of people of color.

Engage with elected officials at the local, state, and federal level to educate them and to get their support for positive legislative initiatives and in opposition to legislation that undermines the prospects of a just peace.