The need to mobilize a global community of voices was becoming ever apparent and timely. Today, we were set to host unprecedented simultaneous ”Peoples’ Summits” in both Tel Aviv and Jericho. Thousands of Israelis and Palestinians had planned to gather to hear from dignitaries, religious leaders, and performers and to deliver messages to their leaders that the time has come to sit down and work toward a two-state solution. Musician Bryan Adams was to headline both concerts, which would be linked via satellite. We’d teamed with Yahoo! to webcast both events, setting the stage for individuals around the world to take part and make an impact.

Unfortunately, absolutism and violence prevailed yet again.

After a series of violent threats against OneVoice staff and supporters, we made the difficult decision to cancel the two events. All of us were devastated, feeling as though we were giving in to tyranny and letting our members and supporters down. But I realize it isn’t us, but those who have silenced this groundswell of support on the streets who have let their own people down.

I’m happy to report that OneVoice has not been silenced, but rather strengthened, by these events. We will proceed in launching our One Million Voices campaign today despite the obstacles. We have already collected hundreds of thousands of Israeli, Palestinian and international signatures of support, with the ultimate goal of reaching one million. These will help push the Israeli and Palestinian leadership to initiate immediate, uninterrupted negotiations towards reaching a two-state agreement. And, with the U.S.-led meetings scheduled for November, the need for this campaign couldn’t be more critical.

We hope you will join the nearly 600,000 Palestinians and Israelis who stand together in mutual support. Go to video.yahoo.com/onevoice, sign the OneVoice mandate, then encourage friends and family to do the same. Watch Jason Alexander, Elliot Gould, Danny DeVito and Ann Cusack express their support; take a position on Yahoo! Answers questions; and see Flickr images from our activities on the ground. Join us in calling on the leaders of Israel and Palestine to deliver an end to this conflict.

Daniel Lubetzky
Founder of OneVoice