Dear Sharra, I was raised Jewish in an insulated Jewish community, and Zionism was part of my identity. From as far back as I can remember, my extended family was deeply committed to the idea of a Jewish homeland. I was raised to believe that if there were no Israel, Jews would not be safe in the world. Learning and facing the truth about the ideology and history of Zionism has been painful. It is not easy to reconcile that I was once a cheerleader for an ethnostate since I now know it is not possible to do so without committing an ethno-cleanse. My atonement is using my voice to support Palestinians and to free Palestine from the river to the sea. The best way I can do that is right from the hallways of Congress. I'm Jen Perelman, challenging AIPAC's darling and former DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz for the seat in Florida's 25th Congressional District. |
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When I was 16, I spent the summer in Israel with a high school program. As kids, we thought it was cool that we had armed guards with us when we left the campus. As a mother now, when I look back, I'm outraged that we were taken to places where assault rifles were needed to protect us. We were taken to the West Bank, which I now know was and still is occupied land. We were used as human shields as we planted trees in East Jerusalem. How else could Israel justify taking teenagers into occupied territory and using them as tools of ethnic cleansing? My journey to recognizing the destructive colonial nature of Zionism has not been easy. It has taken me about 12 years to reach my level of outrage at the state of Israel. Even as recently as 2019, I still hoped for a two-state solution. But it has been made abundantly clear by Zionists that they will not abide a Palestinian state. I've decided to take them at their word. My political views are deeply rooted in human rights and civil liberties, with a strong focus on the importance of justice and community service. From my earliest days of practicing law, I have fought for those who can't fight for themselves. In 2020, I ran against Debbie Wasserman Schultz for the first time, receiving nearly 30 percent of the vote. Throughout our service-based campaign, we highlighted the stark differences between our vision for the future and our opponent's commitment to the corporate status quo. Building on that experience and with a robust campaign infrastructure in place, we are ready to finish the job and bring to Congress a much-needed progressive voice accountable only to the people. |
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As a champion of working people, my commitment to the common good remains strong. Our 2024 platform is built on: - Establishing electoral, environmental, and economic justice
- Ensuring domestic tranquility
- Providing for the common defense
- Securing a 21st Century Economic Bill of Rights
- Protecting civil rights and liberties
These are not just policy positions; they are a call to action for the dignity and well-being of every person in our district and beyond. I invite you to read more about our platform on our website. Debbie Wasserman Schultz's anti-worker, pro-war voting record is directly reflected in her campaign finances and affiliations, particularly with powerful corporate interests such as AIPAC, Big Pharma, and military contractors. Together, we can build a movement that champions real progress and inclusivity. Your voice, vote, and volunteerism can drive the change we envision for Florida's 25th Congressional District and the nation. Let's finish what we started, join us! In Reason, Passion & Justice, Jen |
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