NEW YORK, April 24, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR), which represents nearly 2,000 Reform rabbis, the world's largest group of Jewish clergy, passed a resolution supporting the goals of the Obama Administration in Afghanistan, including sending combat units to the region and working closely with the Afghan government.
The resolution specifically supports the Administration's efforts to:
* Send the necessary combat and support units to Afghanistan to quell the resurgence of the Taliban so that Afghanistan does not become a haven for Al Qaeda * Find, disrupt and destroy Al Qaeda wherever they may be found * Create the infrastructure necessary for the deployment of American military personnel * Work closely with and strengthen the government of Afghanistan * Work closely with our NATO and other allies in the theater * Expand and train the Afghan military so that it can play a greater role in creating security in the nation * Foster and expand humanitarian aid and projects and work in close collaboration with development and aid agencies * Work diligently for the protection of civil rights and liberties in Afghanistan * Encourage the government of Pakistan to work actively to not allow Al Qaeda and the Taliban to use Pakistan as a safe haven
According to the resolution, The Central Conference of American Rabbis reaffirms its 2001 statement that "military means alone will not defeat terrorism. A coordination of military, diplomatic, political, economic, religious and cultural means must also be utilized."
The Resolution also calls for the return of Afghan women to public life, the protection for ethnic minorities and freedom of religious expression, and implores all CCAR members to learn and teach about this issue. The CCAR looks forward to the successful completion of the military objectives in Afghanistan and the safe and swift homecoming of American military personnel.
For a full text of the statement or to arrange a conversation with Rabbi Ellen W. Dreyfus, President of the CCAR, or Rabbi Steven A. Fox, Executive Vice President, please contact Itay Engelman at Sommerfield Communications, Inc. at 212-255-8386 or itay@sommerfield.com.
The Central Conference of American Rabbis (www.ccarnet.org), founded in 1889, is the oldest and largest rabbinic organization in North America. As the professional organization for Reform Rabbis of North America, the CCAR projects a powerful voice in the religious life of the American and international Jewish communities.
Since its establishment, the CCAR has a rich history of giving professional and personal support to Reform rabbis, providing them opportunities for study, professional development and spiritual growth beginning while they are still in seminary, through mid-careers, and into retirement. The CCAR is uniquely positioned to meet the ongoing needs of its nearly 2,000 member rabbis (virtually the entire Reform rabbinate) and the entire Reform Jewish community.