UUs for Justice in the Middle East (UUJME)

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UUs for Justice in the Middle East (UUJME) works within the Unitarian Universalist community to promote a just peace in Israel-Palestine that affirms the equality, dignity, freedom, and security of all peoples involved.

UUJME was founded in 1971 as a UUA Related Organization. There are 15 chapters around the country, a website, and a newsletter.  One can sign up for the newsletter on the UUJME website.

UUJME believes that a just peace in the Middle East and in the world requires a just peace in Palestine/Israel, and that a just peace in the region can only be achieved through a clear recognition of both the human rights of Palestinians and the security needs of Israelis and Palestinians. The Portland UUJME chapter acts in support of the human rights of Palestinians through education and other forms of activism.

In recent years, the Portland UUJME chapter has:

  • Hosted benefits at First Unitarian Church for organizations that provide humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza such as the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF). Read about the December 2024 fundraiser here.
  • Hosted public forums on the health care needs of the people of Gaza.
  • Called on members of First Unitarian Church to sign a petition to members of Congress calling on the United States to end its unconditional military support for Israel.
  • Supported the adoption of a UUJME-sponsored Action of Immediate Witness (AIW) entitled “Solidarity With Palestinians” at the 2024 UUA’s General Assembly that passed with the votes of 74% of the delegates to the Assembly. The AIW called on UU congregations to hold educational programs regarding Palestinian rights, to support boycotts and divestment from corporations that enable Israeli oppression, to call for an end to U.S. military support for Israel, and to consider becoming an “Apartheid-Free Congregation.”

There is much to understand and much to do to bring about a just peace for Israel/Palestine. We encourage all interested UUs to join us in these efforts. We meet monthly on the 4th Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m.

Questions? Email Curt B.

UUJME members at the 2016 UUA General Assembly.