November 3, 2004
U.S. Representative Cynthia McKinney
4150 Snapfinger Woods Drive, Suite 204
Decatur, Georgia 30035
Fax: (404) 289-2077
Dear Representative McKinney:
During your last term in office, some members of our organization, Jews Against the Occupation (JATO), met with you at your invitation in Washington, D.C. at the press conference you held on the steps of the Capitol in 2001 calling for a more balanced U.S. policy in the Middle East. We were very glad to have had the opportunity to stand in solidarity with you and celebrate your support for a sustainable end to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
We are now writing to congratulate you on your recent victory and to offer our support for your office and the courageous and principled public stand you continue to take on this critical issue.
As you may recall, JATO is a nonsectarian group of progressive, secular and religious Jews of all ages and backgrounds who live throughout New York City and advocate for peace through justice for both Palestinians and Israelis. A few of our members also have occasion to live and work in metropolitan Atlanta. JATO has existed since the fall of 2000, having formed shortly after the beginning of the Al-Aqsa Intifada. Along with many American Jews, JATO does not support the Israeli military occupation of Palestine. We maintain that the security and safety of Jews everywhere are unattainable as long as the Palestinian people remain subjugated. We believe that a lasting peace can only be achieved through mutual respect and recognition of all peoples’ inherent right to self-determination.
JATO continues to contact your offices because of the cherished values we believe you share with us, especially regarding the basic human rights of all persons regardless of race, sex, creed, sexual orientation, religion or nationality.
JATO would like to make itself available to you should you have questions or concerns related to the above issues. We look forward to continuing a relationship with you and thank you in advance for your efforts.
Sincerely,
JATO Political Track