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Reform Leader Responds to Israeli Peace Overture
Rabbi Yoffie Calls on International Community to Provide Support to Achieve Peace

Washington, DC – November 27, 2006 – In response to today’s speech by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert announcing Israel’s dramatic steps to move forward the peace process, Rabbi Eric H.Yoffie, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, issued the following statement:

“We welcome today’s speech by Prime Minister Olmert expressing, in powerful and inspiring words, Israel’s continued willingness to take steps toward a real and lasting peace with the Palestinian people. We are hopeful that the Prime Minister’s offer will be greeted with similar sentiments among the Palestinian leadership and people. Future generations deserve no less than an opportunity to live fruitful lives in tranquility, safety and security.

“Israel’s overture will be successful only if it results in coexistence rooted in mutual respect, which cannot be achieved without the safe return of captured soldier Gilad Shalit. We pray as well for the safe return of Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev, also captured this summer from Israel’s northern border.

“As Israel offers an outstretched hand to the Palestinian people, we call on the United States and all members of the international community to provide any necessary support and play a constructive role in the achievement of peace. The path forward will undoubtedly be challenging, but we bear in mind the well being of our children and our children’s children, and we pray – and work – for peace.”