Faiths United:
Muslims, Christians &
Jews Standing Together

Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) is the largest Jewish-led anti-Zionist organization in the United States, with over 1 million members and supporters. JVP proves that Judaism and opposition to Israeli occupation are not only compatible — they are deeply intertwined.

Key Principles

• Anti-Zionism ≠ Antisemitism: JVP rejects the conflation of Jewish identity with support for Israel
• Full equality: Advocates for a single democratic state with equal rights for all — Jews, Muslims, and Christians
• Right of Return: Supports Palestinian refugees’ right to return
• Divestment: Campaigns for institutions to divest from occupation-linked companies

Other Jewish Anti-Occupation Organizations

• IfNotNow: American Jewish youth movement against occupation
• Jews for Justice for Palestinians (UK): British Jewish solidarity group
• Independent Jewish Voices (Canada): Canadian Jewish network
• Neturei Karta: Orthodox Jewish group opposed to Zionism on religious grounds
• B’Tselem (Israeli): Israeli human rights organization founded by Jewish Israelis

Notable Quotes

Christian communities worldwide have been at the forefront of solidarity with Palestine. From divesting churches to Bethlehem pastors risking their lives — Christian solidarity is a powerful force for Palestinian justice.

Churches That Divested from Occupation

• 2005 World Council of Churches — Called for economic divestment from companies supporting occupation
• 2014 Presbyterian Church (USA) — Divested from Caterpillar, Motorola, and HP
• 2016 United Methodist Church — Divested from G4S and other occupation-linked companies
• 2021 Quakers (Religious Society of Friends) — Full divestment from all companies complicit in occupation
• 2023 Church of England — Divested from companies involved in settlements

Palestinian Christian Voices

Christmas Under Occupation

In 2023, Palestinian churches in Bethlehem cancelled Christmas celebrations in solidarity with Gaza — the first such cancellation in modern history. Pastor Munther Isaac’s message: “If Christ were born today, he would be born in Gaza under the rubble.”

For Muslims worldwide, Palestine is not just a political cause — it is a spiritual obligation. Al-Aqsa Mosque’s significance in Islam makes Palestinian freedom a matter of religious duty for the global Ummah.

Government Actions

• 2023 South Africa — Filed the ICJ genocide case against Israel, with massive support from Muslim-majority countries
• 2024 Spain, Ireland, Norway — Recognized Palestine as a state, influenced by global Muslim and progressive solidarity
• 2024 Indonesia & Malaysia — Led ASEAN and OIC efforts for Palestinian rights
• 2024 Turkey — Imposed trade restrictions on Israel and supported ICJ case
• 2024 OIC (57 Muslim nations) — Repeatedly called for sanctions and UN action

Mass Movements

• 2023-24 Jakarta, Indonesia — Mass rallies with millions of participants
• 2023-24 Istanbul, Turkey — Weekly protests outside Israeli consulate
• 2023-24 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — Nationwide boycott campaigns (McDonald’s, Starbucks)
• 2023-24 Karachi, Pakistan — Solidarity marches and blood donation drives
• 2024 Global BDS in Muslim-majority countries — Significant impact on Western brands perceived as pro-Israel

Islamic Charities & Aid

• Islamic Relief — Providing food, water, and medical aid in Gaza
• Muslim Aid — Emergency relief programs
• Human Appeal — Healthcare and education support
• Zakat Foundation — Direct aid to displaced families
• Gaza Soup Kitchen — Grassroots food distribution (supported by global Muslim donations)

Muslim, Christian, and Jewish leaders have issued joint declarations condemning the occupation and calling for justice. These unified statements are powerful proof that solidarity transcends faith boundaries.

The Jerusalem Declaration (2006)

In 2006, Muslim, Christian, and Jewish leaders in Jerusalem issued a joint declaration calling for an end to occupation and the establishment of a just peace. Signed by imams, priests, and rabbis from all three faiths, it affirmed the shared commitment to Jerusalem as a city of peace for all believers.

The Kairos Palestine Document (2009)

This document — modeled after the Kairos Document of South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle — was signed by Palestinian Christian leaders and endorsed by churches worldwide. It explicitly rejects Christian Zionism and calls for solidarity with Palestinian liberation.

Joint Muslim-Christian Statements (2023-24)

During the Gaza war, unprecedented joint statements were issued:

• October 2023: 30+ Muslim and Christian leaders in the US issued a joint ceasefire call
• December 2023: Muslim, Christian, and Jewish clergy in London held joint vigils for Gaza
• January 2024: Interfaith leaders from 20 countries signed a declaration calling for an immediate ceasefire
• March 2024: The “Faith Leaders for Palestine” coalition was formed — representing all three faiths

Palestine is dotted with Maqamat (shrines) — sacred sites venerated by both Muslims and Christians. These shared shrines are living proof of centuries of interfaith coexistence on this land, where the same saint is revered under different names by different communities.

Maqam Al-Khader (St. George) — Bethlehem

• Muslims call him: Al-Khidr (الخضر) — the “Green One,” a righteous servant of Allah mentioned in Surah Al-Kahf
• Christians call him: Saint George — the dragon-slaying martyr
• Shared veneration: Both communities visit the shrine, light candles, and seek blessings
• Feast day: Both Muslims and Christians celebrate on May 5-6
• Location: Near Bethlehem in the village of Al-Khader

Other Shared Shrines

• Maqam Nabi Musa — Shrine of Prophet Moses (Musa AS) near Jericho — visited by Muslims and traditionally guarded by Christian families during the annual pilgrimage
• Maqam Nabi Yunus — Shrine of Prophet Jonah (Yunus AS) in Halhul near Hebron — visited by both Muslims and Christians
• Maqam Nabi Ayoub — Shrine of Prophet Job (Ayyub AS) near Ramallah
• Mar Elias Monastery — Dedicated to Prophet Elijah (Ilyas AS), venerated by Muslims, Christians, and Jews

Why This Matters

These shared shrines are living evidence that Muslims and Christians in Palestine have been spiritual neighbors for 1,400+ years — not enemies, but custodians of the same sacred landscape. The shared veneration of saints is a powerful counter-narrative to the claim that the conflict is “religious.” It is not — it is political and colonial.

These individuals — from Jewish, Christian, and Muslim backgrounds — represent the best of their faith traditions. They risk reputation, safety, and often their lives to stand with Palestine.

Jewish Activists

Christian Activists

Muslim Activists

Why Their Work Matters

These activists — and thousands like them — break the false narrative that support for Israel is universal within any faith community. They demonstrate that justice is not sectarian — it is a universal value that transcends religious boundaries. Their courage inspires others to speak out, creating a growing interfaith movement for Palestinian liberation.