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Contact: Lauren Theodore at 212-650-4154
We were pleased to spend nearly an hour with Prime Minister Netanyahu today, as we concluded our week-long leadership Mission to Israel. We discussed the full array of issues that have been raised during this meaningful trip. It was, fittingly, a wide-ranging and candid conversation. We shared, for example, our concern about maintaining a bipartisan American consensus in support of a strong U.S./Israel relationship. The Prime Minister and his staff reviewed the threats to Israel’s security. They emphasized that the Iranian nuclear threat remains by far the most significant danger. We discussed a number of issues concerning religious pluralism in Israel, including the status of the governmental agreement concerning the Kotel. We are pleased that the Prime Minister has appointed Minister Tzachi Hanegbi, who attended our meeting today, to move the process forward. Concerning the conflict with the Palestinians, we stressed our support for two states for two peoples as we had done earlier in the week in Ramallah with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. We discussed, as well, our concerns about the expansion of settlements. We reported on the vibrant Purim celebration we attended at Kehilat Ra'anan in Ra'anana which, earlier this year, was the site of vandalism and death threats against Reform Movement leaders. We urged the Prime Minister to help assure that the investigation into those threats is moving forward. We recognize that the Prime Minister’s time is valuable, and we do not take lightly that he and much of his senior staff had such an extensive meeting with us this afternoon. We look forward to continuing these important conversations. Rabbi Rick Jacobs Daryl Messinger ###
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 900 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. |
