“A complex, beautiful, challenging picture of a decade in building a quintessentially Jewish movement that through thought, principles, and consistent strategic practice engages in effective, meaningful solidarity with Palestinians in our liberation struggle. ”
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Cover art by Wendy Elisheva Somerson
“This book gives us the living history of Jewish Voice for Peace, retelling the history of the movement as it began small, expanded, sought new forms of organization, joined the Boycott, Sanctions, and Divestment movement, adopted anti-Zionism, and now serves as a beacon of Jewish ethics and progressive politics in the US and beyond. Impressively collaborative, self-reflective, and visionary, this history, written by directors of the organization, is one of agony and exhilaration, the tensions with families and communities of origins, the courageous fights against Zionist efforts to shut down the “voice” of JVP by questioning its Jewishness - clearly fearing its emerging power. We learn how costly and necessary anti-Zionist Jewish organizing is in this time when Israel claims to represent the Jewish people as it commits genocidal acts against the people of Gaza. ”
What does the politics of solidarity look like in practice, and how can left-wing organizations grow--in numbers and power--while remaining accountable to the broader movements of which they are a part?
In this book, two key leaders and former staff of Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) --Rebecca Vilkomerson and Rabbi Alissa Wise--focus on the important role of anti-Zionist Jewish organizing within the broader Palestine solidarity movement, reflecting on their decade of leadership of 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. Their insights help contextualize the intense suppression of activism for Palestinian freedom, while illuminating the roots of today's flourishing Jewish solidarity with Palestinians worldwide.
In addressing their shortcomings and failures no less than their inspiring successes, Vilkomerson and Wise deliver an account of JVP's organizing during the 2010s that offers crucial strategic lessons for anyone engaging in the collective work of building organizations and fighting for justice as our movements evolve over time.
“Solidarity is the Political Version of Love is timely, not only because Jewish Voice for Peace is the leading force resisting Israel’s current genocidal war on Palestinians, but because it is a success story. And today, as we confront the threat of fascism and political despair, movements need success stories. Veteran organizers Rebecca Vilkomerson and Rabbi Alissa Wise guide us through two decades of JVP’s history, revisiting mistakes, drawing lessons, and revealing the secrets to the movement’s sustained growth, coherence, longevity, and radical vision. Beautiful, inspiring, insightful . . . this book is for every organizer and anyone willing to fight for a world grounded in the principles of peace, justice, decolonization, and love.
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“Two of the most effective solidarity workers in American politics offer a tough-love, how-to-get-it-done gift to those ready to confront oppressive power while building deep relationships with our political partners. Focused, realistic, and above all impactful. A book of practical and emotional insights that are so, so helpful.”
About the authors
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Rebecca Vilkomerson was the Executive Director of Jewish Voice for Peace from 2009-2019. She is now the Co-Director of Funding Freedom, organizing within philanthropy.
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Rabbi Alissa Wise is a community organizer, educator, organizational consultant, and ritual leader with over two decades of movement-building experience. Rabbi Wise co-founded the JVP Rabbinical Council in 2010, and was a staff leader at JVP From 2011-2021. She is currently the Lead Organizer of Rabbis for Ceasefire which she founded in October 2023.
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Omar Barghouti is a founder of the Palestinian Boycott National Committee.
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Stefanie Fox is the Executive Director of Jewish Voice for Peace.
“This book is a tonic for the soul. “JVP has done some of the most difficult and morally courageous organizing I have seen, standing in unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian liberation struggle at one of the most difficult times in its history, while simultaneously deepening the tradition of Jewish left internationalism. Two amazing women have been key to JVP’s evolution as a galvanizing political force for justice, Alissa Wise and Rebecca Vilkomerson. Fierce, formidable and deeply compassionate, their insights offer inspiration and clarity in a moment where grief and uncertainty abound. This book is so necessary and these authors are the only ones who could have written it. I am in awe of them both as movement visionaries and unrelenting organizers.” – ”
“Solidarity Is the Political Version of Love is a must read for those of us whose communities are used to justify and uphold systems of domination and violence. These leaders share valuable insights into what it takes to organize communities away from supremacist ideologies and into solidarity and movements for liberation. The book is an honest reflection and shares valuable lessons on what it takes to build organizations that yield power, create belonging, and organize at the scale that this moment requires.”
Book Events
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“When we birthed Hindus for Human Rights (HfHR) four years ago, we saw JVP as our organizational role model and big sibling. Alissa and Rebecca have gifted to all social justice organizers and peace warriors this manifesto detailing JVP’s history, its methodologies, challenges, and lessons learned. “Solidarity is the Political Version of Love” is a goldmine of concrete tools to strengthen HfHR’s growth as a nonprofit and movement of inclusive Hindus with an unwavering stand against caste and Hindu supremacy (Hindutva). Whether you are an individual finding your way to clarity on political issues which tend to divide us; or an organization building a movement for principled collective action, this book will be an invaluable companion on your journey.”
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“Solidarity is the Political Version of Love is a unique and beautiful book. Masterfully mixing memoir, organizational history, political criticism, Vilkomerson and Wise have crafted a text that affirms their lifelong commitment to revolutionary love, radical action, earnest self-critique, and unrelenting hope. Although rooted in their own personal and professional experiences as leaders within Jewish Voices for Peace (JVP), this project provides powerful and necessary insights for anyone invested in the struggle for justice. ”
Press
“The movement for Palestinian freedom that is upending American politics did not arise from nowhere. It stems from many years of difficult work, including by American Jews like Rebecca Vilkomerson and Rabbi Alissa Wise. You don’t need to agree with them on everything to be inspired by their commitment to Palestinian and Jewish liberation. And whatever your views, this book will help you understand the political earthquake that is shaking the ground beneath our feet.”