NEW YORK, Aug. 18, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The leaders of the Central Conference of American Rabbis (http://ccarnet.org/), which represents nearly 2,000 Reform rabbis, the world's largest group of Jewish clergy, issued a statement commending President Obama and congressional leaders of both political parties collaborating on health insurance reform initiatives.
According to the statement, those opposed to the reform have "resorted to scare tactics, in an attempt to turn American hearts and minds away from this most important cause. We deplore the spreading of calumnies by those who would falsely claim that proposed reforms would set up 'death panels' or would mandate government-funded abortions."
Following is the full text of the statement:
Central Conference of American Rabbis
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August 14, 2009
Reform Rabbinic Leaders Support Health Insurance Reform, Decry Libel
The Central Conference of American Rabbis, the world's largest organization of Jewish clergy, has long been on record supporting universal coverage for health care. We applaud the President and congressional leaders of both parties who are working earnestly to achieve that goal in the very near future.
Some who oppose health insurance reform initiatives have resorted to scare tactics, in an attempt to turn American hearts and minds away from this most important cause. We deplore the spreading of calumnies by those who would falsely claim that proposed reforms would set up "death panels" or would mandate government-funded abortions.
The CCAR has long supported both reproductive liberty and early, proactive end-of-life decision making. We are pleased that proposed legislation would provide incentives to physicians engaged in critical conversations with their patients. We would oppose further restrictions to abortion care access in any health care reform package.
With fidelity to the religious value of truth, which God expects of us all, we hope that the health care debate will be carried out with increased integrity. With concern for the well-being of every American, indeed for all God's creatures, we pray that access to the finest health care in the world will soon be open to all.
Rabbi Ellen Weinberg Dreyfus Rabbi Steven A. Fox President Executive Vice-President
To arrange a conversation with Rabbi Ellen Weinberg Dreyfus, CCAR President, or Rabbi Steven Fox, Executive Vice President, please contact Itay Engelman of Sommerfield Communications, Inc. at 212-255-8386 or itay@sommerfield.com.
The Central Conference of American Rabbis, 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.
The Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR) logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=6492