Thirteen American rabbis have initiated an important new project called Ta’anit Tzedek – The Jewish Fast for Gaza. The rabbis are calling for a communal monthly fast in support of the following goals:
- To call for a lifting of the blockade that prevents the entry of civilian goods and services into Gaza;
- To provide humanitarian and developmental aid to the people of Gaza;
- To call upon Israel, the US, and the international community to engage in negotiations without pre-conditions with all relevant Palestinian parties – including Hamas – in order to end the blockade;
- To encourage the American government to vigorously engage both Israelis and Palestinians toward a just and peaceful settlement of the conflict.
Rabbi Brant Rosen, who we love on this site, is one of the people behind the effort. He explains, “Israel’s treatment of the Palestinian people in Gaza amounts to
nothing less than collective punishment. While we condemn Hamas’
targeting of Israeli civilians, it is immoral to punish an entire
population for the actions of a few. This
blockade has only served to further oppress an already thoroughly
oppressed people. As Jews and as human beings of conscience, we cannot
stand idly by.”
The water-only fast will take place every third Thursday of
the month, from sunrise to sunset. In addition to fasting, organizers are asking people to donate the money they would have spent on food to the "Milk for Preschoolers Campaign" sponsored by
American Near Eastern Refugee Aid, a relief effort to prevent
malnutrition among Gazan preschool children.
Sign up to support the Fast here. To help the effort, Mondo reader Michael Levin has created this menu (pdf) to accompany the fast. Much food for thought.
