Resolution on Unilateral Declaration of Statehood

Whereas the Palestinian leadership plans to offer a resolution at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2011 calling for the unilateral recognition of an independent Palestinian state in opposition to the position of the Quartet (the United States, European Union, United Nations and Russia) and US policy;

Whereas President Barack Obama has rejected this unilateral declaration of statehood acknowledging that peace can only be achieved through direct negotiations by both parties; and

Whereas the democratic nations of the world, including Israel, recognize the aspirations of the Palestinian people for their own state and support a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict;

Whereas the Rabbinical Assembly supports Israel’s desire for the ultimate establishment of a peaceful demilitarized Palestinian state whose borders with Israel are jointly determined through bilateral negotiations and has called for such direct negotiations several times over the past decade (resolutions passed in 2001, 2008 and 2010).

Therefore be it resolved that the Rabbinical Assembly reaffirm its 2001 resolution applauding Israel’s intention to return to the negotiating table when Palestinian violence ends, its 2008 resolution calling for a solution not imposed by third parties, and its 2010 resolution acknowledging Israel’s numerous sacrifices and concessions in the interest achieving peace and that Israel must live directly with the consequences of those sacrifices and concessions;

Therefore be it resolved that the Rabbinical Assembly oppose any unilateral declaration of Palestinian statehood;

Be it further resolved that members of the Rabbinical Assembly contact their heads of state, federal and local officials expressing opposition to this unilateral declaration of statehood; and

Be it further resolved that members of the Rabbinical Assembly urge their constituents, civic and interfaith groups of which they are a member, and the broader community to oppose this unilateral declaration of statehood.

Passed by the RA Administrative Committee, August, 2011