NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - March 24, 2011) - The Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR), the world's largest group of Jewish clergy, issued a statement condemning the deadly bombing of a Jerusalem bus stop on March 23, 2011, and expressing outrage at the murder of Ruth and Udi Fogel of Itamar and three of their children. The CCAR calls upon Israeli and Palestinian authorities to work together and bring all involved in the horrific acts to justice.
Additionally, the CCAR condemns the smuggling of weapons against Israel into Gaza as well as the continual rocket and mortar attacks upon Israel.
According to the statement, the CCAR, which represents nearly 2,000 Reform Rabbis world-wide, "challenge[s] those who condone or simply ignore all such murderous attacks yet criticize Israel for doing what any free nation would do to protect its civilian population on land and at sea to recognize their own double standard and join us in calling for an immediate and total cessation of any and all attacks on Israel from within and beyond its borders." The statement also says, "...we pray for the peace of Jerusalem and urge all those involved to work tirelessly towards a resolution that will bring security, justice and peace to Israelis and Palestinians alike."
To arrange a conversation with Rabbi Ellen Weinberg Dreyfus, President of the CCAR, or Rabbi Steven A. Fox, Chief Executive of the CCAR, please contact Itay Engelman of Sommerfield Communications at 212-255-8386 or itay@sommerfield.com.
The full statement from the CCAR is available below:
Central Conference of American Rabbis Statement on Jerusalem Bombings and Other Acts of Violence
March 23, 2011
The Central Conference of American Rabbis, representing nearly 2000 Reform and Progressive Rabbis worldwide, condemns in the strongest way possible today's bus bombing on the streets of Jerusalem in an attempt to wreak fear and terror in the heart of Israel's capital. Likewise, we remain outraged at the murder of Ruth and Udi Fogel of Itamar and three of their children, ages 11, 4, and 3 months, a slaughter cold and cruel beyond words. We call upon Israeli and Palestinian authorities to work together to identify and bring to justice all those in any way involved in either of these horrific acts.
We mourn the senseless and tragic loss of life and implore the Holy One to bring refuah shleymah, complete healing, to those whose bodies and lives have been shattered by these heinous crimes against humanity.
And we continue to speak out unequivocally against the continual rocket and mortar attacks upon Israel from inside the Gaza Strip and condemn those of other nations who attempt to smuggle weapons into Gaza to be used against Israel. As was demonstrated in a recent CCAR mission to S'derot, we stand in solidarity and support of those in Israel whose homes are subject to endless bombardments and pray for their safety, health and wellbeing as well.
We challenge those who condone or simply ignore all such murderous attacks yet criticize Israel for doing what any free nation would do to protect its civilian population on land and at sea to recognize their own double standard and join us in calling for an immediate and total cessation of any and all attacks on Israel from within and beyond its borders. Such acts of terror have as their purpose, not only to murder civilians young and old, Jew, Christian and Muslim alike, but also to undermine any efforts at a peaceful settlement and give false hope to those who believe that with such acts, Israel can be delegitimized, demoralized and defeated.
Now, more than ever, we stand with Israel and urge Reform Jews across the globe not to allow such violent acts to deter them from visiting, studying and even living there in the Jewish homeland. We urge continued investment in Israel and the purchase of products from Israel whenever possible.
We join with the Jewish people worldwide as we pray for the peace of Jerusalem and urge all those involved to work tirelessly towards a resolution that will bring security, justice and peace to Israelis and Palestinians alike.
Rabbi Ellen Weinberg Dreyfus
President of the CCAR
Rabbi Steven A. Fox
Chief Executive of the CCAR
About The CCAR
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. For more information please visit the CCAR's website at http://ccarnet.org/.
Contact Information:
Contact:
Itay Engelman
Sommerfield Communications, Inc.
212-255-8386
itay@sommerfield.com