NEW YORK - The Conservative movement through its member organizations, the Rabbinical Assembly, United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, the Cantors Assembly, the Jewish Theological Seminary, Women's League for Conservative Judaism, and the Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs, have issued the following joint statement on President-elect Donald Trump's appointment of Stephen K. Bannon as his chief strategist and senior counselor:
We were heartened by the words of President-elect Donald Trump following last week's election when he told Americans that it is time "to bind the wounds of division" and "to come together as one united people." We were further encouraged by his pledge to be president "for all Americans."
We must speak up, therefore, in the face of President-elect Trump's appointment of Stephen K. Bannon who, as head of the Breitbart News site, trafficked in white nationalism, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and misogyny. Breitbart is an outlet for the alt-right, a movement that is contrary to both our American and Jewish values. We further affirm that any appointment made by a US President or President-elect must by definition exclude individuals who promote ideas that are antithetical to the values of our country.
As Jews, we are compelled not to remain silent in the face of hate or the vilification of any group: לא תשנא את אחיך בלבבך. You shall not hate your kinsfolk in your heart. (Leviticus 19:17)
Americans rightfully demand an unambiguous affirmation of the principles that have guided our country: tolerance, justice, freedom and respect for all people. The United States is a nation of all its people. We call upon President-elect Trump, therefore, to rescind this nomination.
Rabbi Julie Schonfeld, Executive Vice President, Rabbinical Assembly
Rabbi Steven C. Wernick, CEO, The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
Hazzan Stephen J. Stein, Executive Vice President, Cantors Assembly
Hazzan Stephen J. Stein, Executive Vice President, Cantors Assembly
Professor Arnold M. Eisen, Chancellor, The Jewish Theological Seminary
Carol Simon, President, Women's League for Conservative Judaism
Rabbi Charles E. Simon, Executive Director, Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs