As the Gazette covered on March 23, activists calling for a cease-fire in Gaza are pressuring leading pro-peace Congressman Jim McGovern to return contributions from Jewish peace organization JStreetPac. This is odd as JStreet has called for a cease-fire, a conditioning of U.S. aid to Israel, and for an immediate surge of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

One wonders if these protestors have given much thought to whether pressuring one of the most aligned and liberal members of Congress to be even more liberal will do much of anything to achieve a just peace for Palestinians and Israelis. Why not instead collaborate with hard to find allies? Why not look to the expand the peace camp instead of shrink it? Why not ask Rep. McGovern what he needs to change the calculus of his colleagues?

I share the moral outrage at what is happening in Gaza. I hope that more thought might be given to effective strategy rather than action that feels cathartic for activists living thousands of miles away and may actually delay the just peace all people in the region need.

Isaac Luria

Florence