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Thank you for your interest in joining Olive Tree Democrats! Please sign up if you are in basic agreement with the mission statement below. You will begin to recieve alerts approximately once a week. After signing, you will arrive at our website.

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Mission Statement for Olive Tree Democrats (adopted April 2007)

As Americans and Democrats eager to see our country change direction after years of Republican mismanagement, we share a deep concern regarding the tragic Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Electing a Democratic president in 2008 will provide an opportunity to improve U.S. standing in the Middle East and strengthen the hands of peacemakers in the region.

We recognize that some Democrats hold biased and harmful views regarding the conflict. This is partly the result of ignorance; it is also because of the ‘Israel right or wrong’ lobby that has distorted our foreign policy. A more balanced, fair, and engaged US policy will ultimately serve most Israelis and Palestinians far better.

To serve the ends of peace with justice in Israel, Palestine, and in the Middle East, Olive Tree Democrats will:

  1. Strengthen the hands of Democratic candidates who are willing to stand up for a just and comprehensive Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement.
  2. Pass resolutions at state party conventions and at the platform committee of the national convention.
  3. Initiate public campaigns to strengthen or weaken candidates on the basis of their statements on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The vast majority of Democrats - and Americans - support a negotiated, just, and peaceful solution between the Israel and the Palestinian people, as represented by their lawfully elected governments. OTD believes that any just solution will require the establishment of two states as a precondition for achieving a lasting peace, and that the 1949 Green Line armistice line must serve as the basis for any future border or territory swaps. Palestinian claims regarding refugees, restitution, equal rights and freedom of movement must be seen as the equal of Israeli security needs. OTD’s approach is consistent with that of most Israeli and Palestinian peace organizations, the current Arab League peace initiative, international law and UN resolutions.

OTD founders and members include Democrats with diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds. We are affiliated with the Progressive Democrats of America (PDA), which provides our administrative support. PDA is a Democratic political organization that endorses candidates, raises political donations, and lobbies Congress. These are activities that many organizations who share OTD’s sentiments are unable to do. Please join us in bringing the requisite pressure to bear on Congress and the Democratic Party needed to advance peace and justice in Israel and Palestine.