Reform Jewish Leader Addresses Situation in Israel

In response to recent events in Israel, Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President of the Union for Reform Judaism, issued the following statement:

We are deeply concerned and pained by the spiraling violence happening over the last several days in Jerusalem and beyond. At this challenging moment we want to emphasize that attacks perpetuating the cycle of violence delay peace and increase bloodshed. We particularly condemn Hamas’s indiscriminate rocket attacks that once again are sowing fear and destruction, even as we condemn the Palestinian Authority’s incitement. At this moment, as Israel defends herself from assault, we also urge Israel to protect the freedom of worship of Muslims in the holy month of Ramadan and to use all possible restraint as the Israeli security forces work to address the unrest and violence by Palestinian protestors. We deplore extremists who march with Israeli flags through Jerusalem chanting “Death to Arabs.” Theirs is not an expression of restoration and national pride; it is an arrogant expression of extremism and hostility toward others.  Evicting Palestinian families from homes that they have resided in for 70 years is unjust at any time and strategically dangerous at this moment. The voices and actions of extremists who seek to polarize - Jewish and Palestinian alike - must not prevail. 

אין הקדוש ברוך הוא מנחם את ירושלים אלא בשלום

It is only through peace that God comforts Jerusalem. (Numbers Rabba)

 

For more, please read this statement from Rabbi Josh Weinberg, URJ Vice President for Israel and Reform Zionism.