WHEREAS Jewish tradition teaches that we are not to stand idly by at the suffering of other human beings; and
WHEREAS the world community has witnessed a number of war crimes and human rights violations in the past century which continue to bring an abhorrent level of loss and suffering to innocent people; and
Rabbi Yose HaGalili says, "How meritorious is peace? Even in time of war Jewish law requires that one initiate discussions of peace." (Leviticus Rabbah, Tzav 9 ).
Whereas the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries are currently engaged in armed conflict with Iraq;
Whereas Judaism affirms the permissibility of war as a response to life-threatening aggression, current or anticipated;
Whereas Judaism also affirms the supreme value of peace and peacemaking;