“We hope that this new government will work to nurture understanding and dialogue between all sectors of Israeli society, protect the independence of all of Israel’s vital democratic institutions, and refrain from unilateral actions that could thwart the renewal of the peace process.”
New York, NY; April 20, 2020 - The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) and Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR) issued this statement following today’s announcement of an agreement to form Israel’s new government:
On this eve of Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day – and during an unprecedented global pandemic – we are heartened that Israel has a new government. We wish Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and MK Benny Gantz success in dealing with the coronavirus crisis and offer our partnership toward a better future for all.
Now is a time for healing in every way. We hope that this new government will work to nurture understanding and dialogue between all sectors of Israeli society, including Israel’s Arab citizens, and between the streams and communities of the Jewish people in Israel and throughout the world.
Furthermore we hope that the new government will protect the independence of all of Israel’s vital democratic institutions, especially the Supreme Court. Israel’s security rests on its standing as a democracy in the region and the world.
We also call on this new government to refrain from unilateral actions that could potentially hinder or thwart the renewal of the peace process in the short and long term, especially unilateral annexation.
This is an extraordinary time in the life of Israel and the world. As the largest Jewish movement in North America, a week before we celebrate Yom HaAtzmaut, 72 years of Israel’s independence, we pray that all citizens of Israel will achieve health, prosperity, security, and equality under the leadership of the new government.
Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President
Jennifer Brodkey Kaufman, Chair
Union for Reform Judaism
Rabbi Ron Segal, President
Rabbi Hara Person, Chief Executive
Central Conference of American Rabbis
###
About the Union for Reform Judaism
The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) builds community at every level—from the way we collaborate with congregations, organizations, and individuals to how we make connections across North America to advance contemporary and inclusive Jewish life. Providing vision and voice to transform the way people connect to Judaism, we help congregations stay relevant and innovative, motivate more young Jews to embrace Jewish living, agitate for a more progressive society, and foster meaningful connections to Israel.
Founded in 1873, URJ has grown into the largest and most powerful force in North American Jewish life, with nearly 850 member congregations and work that inspires, connects, and educates millions of people. Our legacy, reach, leadership, and vision mean that we can unite thousands of years of tradition with a modern, evolving Judaism to strengthen Jewish communities today and for future generations.
Visit us at www.URJ.org to learn about our social justice initiatives, camps and programs for young Jews, services for congregations and communities, and how you can work with us to create a more just, whole, and compassionate world. Enjoy related content at ReformJudaism.org and connect with URJ on Twitter and Facebook.
Media Contact
Lauren Theodore
