Resolution on Israel

WHEREAS the State of Israel is the spiritual homeland of the Jewish People and an object of ultimate concern for Jews, creating an unbreakable bond between Israel and Jews all over the world; and

WHEREAS the hope of the Oslo peace accords was that the question of the legitimacy of the State of Israel in the minds of the Arab states in general, and the Palestinian nation in particular, had been favorably resolved, and it is now clear that such resolution is being challenged; and

WHEREAS the people of Israel feel themselves to be under siege from the almost daily attacks of radical elements who are prepared to murder themselves along with unarmed, unsuspecting, innocent, civilian men, women and children, an irrational act for which there seems to be no peaceful defense; and

WHEREAS the State of Israel, as a democracy that cherishes freedom, maintains the right and responsibility as a sovereign nation to take appropriate measures to protect its citizens.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Rabbinical Assembly stand with the State of Israel and its people in their ongoing efforts to assure the security and well-being of the State of Israel in the land of Israel; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Rabbinical Assembly encourage travel to Israel and participation in study programs in Israel at this critical time.

Passed by the Rabbinical Assembly Plenum, February, 2002