Jewish Voice for Peace, “Not in Our Name”

Members of the Portland branch of Jewish Voice for Peace will appear in Hood River on Thursday, May 16, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., to offer a presentation titled “Not in Our Name: Why Jews join Palestinians in saying free Palestine.” The event will take place in the Riverview Room at Riverside Community Church, 317 State St., Hood River.

Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) is the largest progressive Jewish organization in the world supporting Palestinian resistance to Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands, lands which were specifically set aside for Palestinians by the United Nations in 1948 and include Gaza. The Portland chapter of JVP has been among the most active Oregon groups advocating for a ceasefire since Israel invaded Gaza after October 7.

“We envision a world where all people — from the U.S. to Palestine — live in freedom, justice, equality, and dignity,” JVP Portland declares on its website. The group recently helped persuade Multnomah County to enact a resolution for a ceasefire, and has supported Palestinian partners in numerous public demonstrations in the Portland area supporting Gazans.

The May 16 “Not in Our Name” event is sponsored by Riverside Community Church, United Church of Christ, a congregation active in local and national efforts to bring about a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. This has most recently included participation in weekly interfaith community actions for a ceasefire every Friday, from 4:30 to 5:00 p.m., at 2nd and State streets across from the Hood River City Hall. All are welcome to join.

Additionally, on Monday, May 20 at 5:15 p.m., Spirit of Grace Lutheran-Methodist Church, 1140 Tucker Rd. in Hood River will host a showing of the widely-viewed documentary “Israelism,” which chronicles recent shifts in Americans’ views regarding the state of Israel. The documentary will be followed by discussion.