"It is very rare to have access to the internal dynamics of any political movement, more so when it is rife with internal fissures and external pressures that threaten to unravel it daily. Solidarity is the Political Version of Love provides that for us with biting nuance and tender self-reflection in regards to the transformation of Jewish Voice for Peace from a local anti-occupation Jewish organization into an international anti-Zionist Jewish organization leading a revival of Jewish leftist traditions. Situating themselves both within and adjacent to the organization, Rebecca Vilkomerson and Rabbi Alissa Wise have offered an enduring historical document for generations of anti-Zionist Jewish organizers to come." —Noura Erakat
"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." —Robin D. G. Kelley, author of Freedom Dreams: The Black Radical Imagination
"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." —Sarah Schulman
“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.” —Omar Barghouti, from the foreword
“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.” —Barbara Ransby, historian, activist and author of Making All Black Lives Matter
"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 Voice for Peace (JVP), this project provides powerful and necessary insights for anyone invested in the struggle for justice." —Marc Lamont Hill - coauthor of Except for Palestine: The Limits of Progressive Politics
“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.” —Peter Beinart, author, The Crisis of Zionism