Solidarity Is the Political Version of Love: Lessons from Jewish Anti-Zionist Organizing

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What does the politics of solidarity look like in practice, and how can left-wing organizations growin numbers and powerwhile remaining accountable to the broader movements of which they are a part

Against enormous odds and in the face of fierce pushback, the Palestine solidarity movement in the United States has succeeded in transforming the landscape of American politics. The movement has catapulted Palestine from being an untouchable topic in even liberal political circles to a central rallying cry in grassroots progressive organizing, one that is championed by some of the highest profile and beloved members of Congress.

In this book, two key leadersRebecca Vilkomerson and Rabbi Alissa Wisefocus on the important role of anti-Zionist Jewish organizing within this broader movement, reflecting on their decade of leadership of Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) and drawing lessons especially relevant to those organizing from a position of solidarity. Against the backdrop of rapid and often devastating political developments, they explore how JVP grew larger as the organization shifted to the left and helped to alter the public narrative about Palestinian liberation, while also navigating the tensions of organization-building and creating a space for Judaism liberated from Zionism.

In addressing their shortcomings and failures no less than their inspiring successes, Vilkomerson and Wise deliver an account of JVPs organizing during the 2010s that offers crucial strategic lessons for anyone engaging in the collective work of building organizations and fighting for justice.

Author Bio

Rebecca Vilkomerson has worked in social justice movement building for several decades, as an organizer, fundraiser, organizational development consultant and strategist. From 2009-2019 she was the Executive Director of Jewish Voice for Peace. In 2022, the Solidaire Network published her report "Funding Freedom: Building Support for the Palestinian Freedom Movement in Philanthropy."

She is currently the Co-Director of the Funding Freedom project.

Rabbi Alissa Wise is a West Philadelphia-based organizational consultant, community organizer, educator, and ritual leader with over two decades of movement-building experience.

Omar Barghouti is an independent Palestinian commentator and human rights activist. He is a founding member of the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI) and the Palestinian Civil Society Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign against Israel. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees in electrical engineering from Columbia University, NY, and a master's degree in philosophy (ethics) from Tel Aviv University.