Contact: Lauren Theodore at 212-650-4154
New York, NY; January 17, 2016 -- In response to the announcement that the P5+1 have fully implemented the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) issued the following statement:
The Psalmist’s injunction to “seek peace and pursue it” (Psalms 34:14) reminds us that following the path of peace requires constant vigilance. Since the adoption of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) last July, we have closely watched the P5+1 and Iran take steps towards its implementation. As expected, it has been a complex and sometimes fraught process – and it will likely continue to be so. As the JCPOA enters into full implementation and nuclear sanctions on Iran are lifted, our focus is still on addressing the concerns we outlined last August when the deal was reached: Iran’s support of terror, a strong inspections regime, Iran’s human rights and religious freedom violations, and the United States’ standing in the world remain uppermost in our minds, as is ensuring Israel’s security.
As each benchmark in the agreement is reached, we will continue to evaluate its implementation and efficacy in limiting Iran’s threat to the U.S., Israel, and the international community. The safe release of U.S. Navy sailors detained in Iran last week, this weekend’s prisoner exchange, and the U.S. imposition of additional sanctions in response to Iran’s recent ballistic missile tests, provide encouragement for the ongoing enforcement of the agreement. We call upon the Obama Administration to continue to respond appropriately and ensure that Iran is held to the strictest of standards to ensure international security going forward.
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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 adept and agile, 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 most powerful force in North American Jewish life, with almost 900 member congregations and work that inspires 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.
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