New York, NY; June 16, 2016 -- Rabbi Rick Jacobs, Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) President, issued the following statement:
Today’s prayer service, 500 strong, at the National Plaza adjacent to the Kotel represents simply the legitimate right of the Jewish people to gather in prayer as we have done in that holy place for millennia. The National Plaza, especially, must be a place where all Jews are treated equally and no stream of Judaism has a monopoly. We were especially disturbed when youth movement activists, singing “Hatikvah,” the Israeli national anthem, were heckled by Haredi youth.
We will continue these regular prayer gatherings in our determination to affirm the right of all Jews to pray at the Western Wall and to assert the vision of Jewish unity in which every Jew feels at home at the Kotel and in the whole of the Jewish state. Our commitment is deep, our cause is just, and now, more than ever, we anticipate the full and swift implementation of the Israeli government’s historic agreement ensuring all Jews the right to gather in full equality at the egalitarian prayer space at the holy site.
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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 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.
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