On August 18th, 2007 at 2:00 PM at the Schlafly Branch Public Library, 225 North Euclid (Euclid at Lindell one block east of Kingshighway) the local chapter of Brit Tzedek v’ Shalom (Jewish Alliance for Justice and Peace) is hosting a study discussion group with two members of Combatants for Peace, an Israeli-Palestinian organization composed of former Israeli solders and Palestinian militants who now renounce violence and advocate for diplomatic negotiation to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

“It may at first sound odd to study with those who have been involved themselves with the cycle of violence, ” says Brit Tzedek Chapter Coordinator, Gloria Gordon. “But the purpose of this program is to provide people of diverse backgrounds in our community with a chance to experience the thoughtful journey these former combatants have traveled down in their quest for peace. ” Ms. Gordon went on to say that “we were overwhelmed with the response this past winter when the overflow crowd of 400 turned out to hear two of the founders of Combatants for Peace at Central Reform Congregation during a 22-city tour sponsored Brit Tzedek v’ Shalom. That is why we were thrilled when we learned that Combatants Yonatan Gur, a former platoon commander in the Israeli Defense Forces and Ra’ed Haddar, a prominent Palestinian would be attending a conference in St. Louis and could make this special community study discussion event, giving those who missed the winter talk an opportunity to hear their stories. “

National Brit Tzedek, Executive Director, Diane Cantor, says “the earlier U.S. 22-city tour was sponsored by Brit Tzedek because nothing is more powerful in discussing this tragic conflict, then to see a Palestinian and an Israeli sharing the same stage, when they used to be antagonists. That they can put down their guns and work together for peace, give Brit Tzedek chapters nationwide great inspiration in mobilizing American Jews in support of a negotiated two-state resolution of the conflict. “

Brit Tzedek v’ Shalom (The Jewish Alliance for Justice & Peace) is a grassroots organization with more than 39 chapters and 36,000 supporters nationwide that educates and mobilizes American Jews in support of a negotiated two-state resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Local Chapter is grateful to be able to provide this rare opportunity to witness once again an optimistic message for the future of peace by those who have witnessed personally the heartbreak of war. For more information regarding programs, please contact (314 210-1221).The study program on August 18th is offered without charge and will include two hours of free parking in the garage above the library at 225 North Euclid (Euclid at Lindell one block east of Kingshighway).