AJC: Presbyterian Church (USA) Study Guide on Zionism Distorts History, Undermines Peace Process

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Feb 06, 2014, 04:07 ET

NEW YORK, Feb. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AJC is challenging the Presbyterian Church (USA) commitment to Israeli-Palestinian peace, following the publication of Zionism Unsettled: A Congregational Study Guide.

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This study guide, billed by the church as an educational resource, was produced by the Israel Palestine Mission Network (IPMN), one of the church's educational arms. "It is a devastating distortion of Jewish and Israeli history, aimed at nothing less than eradicating the State of Israel," said Rabbi Noam Marans, AJC's Director of Intergroup and Interreligious Relations.

"Remarkably, Zionism Unsettled contravenes the 2008 Presbyterian Church vow 'to become nonpartisan advocates for peace,'" said Marans. "Unfortunately, the PC (USA) continues to allow the completely partisan and unrepresentative IPMN to operate as its educational arm regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict."

The study guide, for sale on the PC (USA) website, was released in advance of the PC (USA) General Assembly, which will take place in June, and is expected to vote on a resolution supporting the BDS (boycott, divestment, sanctions) movement against Israel.

Zionism Unsettled, according to its introduction, provides Christian, Jewish and Muslim perspectives on Zionist history, and advises how churches can contribute to the cause of just peace and promote relationships among followers of the three Abrahamic religions.

"The seemingly balanced approach is a façade," said Marans. "The study guide is reminiscent of medieval Christian polemics against Judaism, with the authors claiming to know better than the Jewish community how Jews define themselves. This is another example of the ongoing effort to demonize Israel by a cadre of people who want to see the dismantlement of the Jewish state."

SOURCE American Jewish Committee