Resolution on Interreligious Dialogue

WHEREAS the terror attacks of September 11, 2001 illustrated the very worst of human nature, in the suffering and destruction that is caused by hatred of a people, a nation or a group; and

WHEREAS the firemen, police, rescue workers, and countless other ordinary people who were willing to sacrifice their lives to save others demonstrated the very best in human nature; and

WHEREAS the victims of September 11th represented a vast array of nationalities, religions, ethnicities, economic and social classes working side by side in a testament to the highest aspirations of American civic life; and

WHEREAS the fear and anger engendered in the aftermath of these horrific events has led to statements and acts of bias and prejudice, directed at the Jewish people, Israel, the Arab world and Arab Americans, causing pain, physical harm and even death.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the members of the Rabbinical Assembly should preach tolerance and open-mindedness among our constituents, in our communities, and wherever we may find opportunities to do so; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of the Rabbinical Assembly continue to seek partners in interreligious dialogue to break down the stereotypes that lead to hatred and suffering.

Passed by the Rabbinical Assembly Plenum, February, 2002