In a groundbreaking move, over 460 prominent Jewish figures and Israelis have issued an open letter urging the United Nations and global leaders to hold Israel accountable for its actions in Gaza. Released on Wednesday, the letter, signed by former Israeli officials, Jewish artists, and intellectuals, demands a focus on the ‘underlying conditions of occupation, apartheid, and the denial of Palestinian rights,’ which remain unaddressed in the current ceasefire agreement. This marks the first coordinated appeal of its kind since the ceasefire took effect on October 10. Notable signatories include Canadian author Naomi Klein, former Israeli peace negotiator Daniel Levy, actors Ilana Glazer and Hannah Einbinder, and Oscar-winning directors Jonathan Glazer and Yuval Abraham. The letter calls on the UN secretary general and world leaders to enforce international law, halt arms sales, impose sanctions, and ensure humanitarian aid reaches Gaza. Signatories also emphasized that solidarity with Palestinians is not a betrayal of Judaism but a fulfillment of its values, quoting Jewish teachings that ‘to destroy one life is to destroy an entire world.’ The letter reflects a significant shift in public opinion, with a recent Washington Post poll revealing that 61% of American Jews believe Israel has committed war crimes in Gaza. Former Knesset speaker Avram Burg described the situation as a ‘moment of rupture,’ stating that Israel’s actions conflict with his deepest human and Jewish values. While the ceasefire has brought temporary relief, the letter warns of its fragility and the escalating settler violence in the occupied West Bank. According to UN figures, 3,200 Palestinians have been wounded in settler attacks this year, with 71 incidents recorded in a single week in October. Since October 2023, Israeli attacks in Gaza have killed 68,216 Palestinians and wounded 170,361. Additionally, a Palestinian government office reported 80 ceasefire violations by Israel, resulting in 97 deaths and 230 injuries since the ceasefire began.
Jewish and Israeli figures urge world leaders to act over ‘unconscionable’ Israeli acts in Gaza
