Resolution on Anti-Semitism and Divestment

WHEREAS as the intifada continues, many church spokespersons have too frequently tied the murdering of Jews to Arab poverty and frustration; and

WHEREAS anti-Semitism is once again on the rise, particularly in Europe; and

WHEREAS the Rabbinical Assembly is concerned about recent efforts by certain church groups to single out the Jewish state and weaken its economy by divestment.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Rabbinical Assembly call on its members commend the steps that have recently been taken in the fight against anti-Semitism and continue to educate our church friends on how rhetorical assaults on Israel help create a climate in which some individuals believe that their violent attacks against the Jewish community will be tolerated; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Rabbinical Assembly work with non-Jewish and interfaith leadership to increase their understanding of the frequent linkages between anti-Israel rhetoric and anti-Semitism; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Rabbinical Assembly call on its members to build bridges to non-Jewish groups in Europe and Israel to dispel misperceptions and improve relations; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Rabbinical Assembly redouble its efforts to show church leaders how divestment from Israel as a lever against the Jewish state, instead of condemnation of terrorism, only plays into the hands of extremists and exacerbates violence; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Rabbinical Assembly advocate that its interfaith partners work instead to develop interfaith projects that foster cooperative programs between Palestinians and Israelis.

Passed by the Rabbinical Assembly Plenum, March, 2005