Where We Stand

The Union for Reform Judaism continues to examine the issues surrounding the War in Iraq, the threat of a nuclear Iran, Israel's relations with her neighbors and, as the occasion warrants, adopts positions which provide guidance to the Union's 900 Reform congregations and their members. The most recent issues taken by the Union's leadership include:  

Iran Divestment: In September 2007 the Union's Execuitve Committee unanimously adopted a resolution calling congregations and affiliates to divest from companies that have at least $20 million invested in Iran's energy sector and encourages them to participate in state and local divestment campaigns.

War in Iraq: In March 2007, the Executive Committee adopted a resolution opposing the escalation of troops and calling for a phased, expeditious withdrawal of troops. The resolution came 15 months after the vote of the General Assembly in Houston, where delegates overwhelmingly adopted a resolution calling on the Bush Administration to develop a clear exit strategy.

The new resolution was adopted due to the deteriorating situation in the war.The full text of the resolution is below; also see the background information on the war and resources for you to use in your congregation that are available at www.rac.org/iraq.

We urge you to reach out to families of Jewish personnel serving in the American Armed Forces, connect to the Jewish service men and women near your community and provide them with religious support. See also materials available on the RAC's website.

The resources in this section of the Union's web site provide your congregation with resources to understand world conflict, an overview of the issues, text sources to use with teenagers and adults, lessons for children as well as links to additional resources.