|
|
Rabbis make their voices heard for a just and lasting peace.
|
Rabbis, like all religious leaders, can contribute both to peace and conflict. Their guidance is of particular importance in times of complex conflict when difficult moral decisions are to be taken.
Since its establishment the JPL has organized several rabbinic calls which have recieved significant popular and media attention. We have repeatedly served as a vehicle through which rabbis could advance positions outside the bounds set by other Jewish organizations.
The rabbinic calls organized so far include:
1989 -- Support of a resolution calling on the Shamir government to re-open West Bank schools
In its first year JPL lobbied Congress in support of a resolution calling on the Shamir government to re-open West Bank schools. A letter endorsing this position is signed by 50 Rabbis.
1989 -- Accepting the principle of "exchanging land for peace."
JPL sends Prime Minister Shamir a letter signed by over 200 American Rabbis calling on the Prime Minister to accept the principle of "exchanging land for peace."
1992 -- Vigorously oppose the Likud settlement drive
JPL organizes a letter to the Democratic candidates for the nomination for President urging them to vigorously oppose the Likud settlement drive. The letter is signed by 267 Rabbis.
1994 -- Provide funding for the Palestinian-Israeli Cooperation Program
In response to Clinton Administration failure to provide funding for the Palestinian-Israeli Cooperation Program, JPL delivers a petition signed by over 800 Rabbis to President Clinton.
1996 -- US to demand Arafat and Prime Minister Netanyahu to meet their obligations for peace
JPL organizes a letter from American Rabbis to President Clinton, urging that he communicate both to Yasser Arafat and Prime Minister Netanyahu that they have "obligations to peace" -- specifically in the areas of fighting terrorism and in exercising restraint in settlement building. The Rabbis urge the President to make clear that "if they fail in these obligations to peace, continued economic (not defense) assistance from the United States would not be forthcoming." 250 Rabbis signed the letter which was widely covered in the Israeli and American press.
1997 -- Urging Prime Minister Netanyahu to refrain from construction at Har Homa (in East Jerusalem)
JPL organizes an open letter from 150 Rabbis to Prime Minister Netanyahu urging him to refrain from construction at Har Homa (in East Jerusalem). Letter is published in the Jewish-American press.
JPL speaks to over one thousand rabbis about sharing Jerusalem and over 300 sign the Rabbinic Call. The Call gets widespread attention including a story in the New York Times.
JPL organizes an open letter signed by 100 Rabbis which affirms that Judaism does not require exclusive Israeli sovereignty over the Temple Mount. The statement is reported in the Israeli and American press.
Following the election of Ariel Sharon as Prime Minister, JPL organizes a second letter, also signed by 100 Rabbis. Addressed to President Bush and Prime Minister Sharon, the letter calls on Israel to not expand the Jewish neighborhoods in East Jerusalem, even if negotiations are postponed.
JPL organizes a Rabbis' letter to President Bush and Members of Congress in which 100 rabbis voice their support for the Ben-Ami letter calling for a detailed US peace proposal. JPL staff presents this approach to numerous Congressional offices.
JPL congratulates the Reform rabbinate for its is backing President Obama's position on Israeli settlements.
|