September 12, 2014, New York, NY -- In response to President Obama's announcement of an expanded military effort against ISIS, Reform Movement leaders issued the following statement:
We commend President Obama's commitment to stopping the spread of ISIS, which has imposed terror in the Middle East and beyond and whose actions are appalling and offensive to all who value freedom. Already, the Administration has rightly taken action to protect beleaguered religious and ethnic communities suffering under ISIS's domination. Recognizing that the threat from ISIS is not limited to the region it currently occupies, we applaud President Obama's leadership in recruiting a global coalition to, in his own words, "degrade and destroy" ISIS. The spread of extremism anywhere is a threat to human rights everywhere, and we pray for all of the victims and their families who have been affected by the ISIS regime. We pray too for the safety of American and coalition troops on the front lines of this effort. As the U.S. continues to lead the international community in addressing the threat from ISIS, we encourage the President and Congress to work closely together to ensure a united front in this vital effort.
| Rabbi Richard A. Block President Central Conference of American Rabbis |
Rabbi Steve Fox Chief Executive Officer Central Conference of American Rabbis |
| Stephen M. Sacks Chairman, Board of Trustees Union for Reform Judaism |
Rabbi Rick Jacobs President Union for Reform Judaism |