Statements by Reform Movement Leaders About the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Today is a moment we have prayed to see for more than 15 months. We welcome today's news of a ceasefire and hostage agreement with bittersweet joy.

On this festival of Sukkot - when we are commanded to rejoice - we will not celebrate the death of this diabolical terrorist. We will, however, express our relief that millions of innocent people will sleep better tonight knowing he is no longer among the living.

This morning, the undersigned American Jewish Organizations delivered a letter to Israeli Ambassador Herzog calling for the Israeli government to do everything it can to prioritize the lives of the hostages and sign a deal to secure their release in advance of the upcoming High Holidays.

We join with millions around the world, including the tens of thousands of Israelis currently pouring into the streets, who are expressing their grief and anger over the murders of six hostages at the hands of Hamas.

Over 1,400 Jews from the United States and Canada signed a petition from the Union for Reform Judaism urging Prime Minister Netanyahu to heed the voices of the hostages' families and negotiate for a new ceasefire and hostage deal during the latest round of negotiations in Qatar.

As we prepare to welcome Shabbat, we pray that today’s announcement by President Biden will hasten a peaceful and secure future for Israel and the Palestinians.

We are deeply disturbed by the condemnatory statement issued yesterday by the Conference of Presidents (COP) following a meeting with Majority Leader Schumer.

Majority Leader Schumer’s love of and care for Israel’s future is unquestioned, as is his commitment to a peaceful future for Israelis and Palestinians alike. We pray that his vision of two states, side by side in peace and security, can someday be made real.

With an eye toward the future we envision, we offer these steps we hope Israelis and Palestinians will take at this moment of intense challenge and deep pain. We do so because of the bond and love we feel for our Israeli siblings.

The ICJ has done a disservice to those around the world who are truly victims of genocidal regimes acting with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group – as defined under international law.

As we mark the 100th day of the war initiated by Hamas's brutal terrorist attack on communities in southern Israel, the North American Reform Movement raises our collective Reform Jewish voice to demand the liberation of the more than one hundred thirty hostages held in captivity by Hamas since October 7.

As we approach Shabbat and mark three weeks since Hamas’ horrific attack on Israel, our hearts are heavy and our souls pained as Israel continues the excruciating task of burying the over 1400 people murdered by Hamas. 

Among those whose embraces we have felt so powerfully, few equal those of President Joe Biden, who, in this darkest hour, in word and deed has proven himself a true friend to Israel and the Jewish people.

We stand in complete solidarity with the people of Israel, so many of whom are directly in harm’s way, and pray for all those who are defending the State.