“Cause a new light to shine on Zion and let us ALL soon be worthy of its light.”
(from the morning liturgy)
We believe…
Diaspora Jewry and The State of Israel have a shared destiny, and like family, we are inextricably bound to one another.
We believe…
A strong Jewish identity includes Ahavat Yisrael – love for the People of Israel, for the Land of Israel, and for the State of Israel. We will proudly lead our communities in celebrating Israel’s 75th anniversary this spring.
We believe…
We have the right and the responsibility to speak about Israel when there is pride and joy as well as when there is concern and distress. We respectfully acknowledge that citizens of Israel have primary responsibility for the direction of the State of Israel and that Diaspora Jewry does not have a vote, but we do have a voice and an obligation to participate in the development of the homeland of the Jewish People.
We believe…
In the values enshrined in Israel’s Declaration of Independence, including “freedom, justice, and peace as envisaged by the prophets of Israel, and complete equality of social and political rights for all its inhabitants irrespective of religion, race or sex, freedom of religion, conscience, language, education and culture.”
We believe…
In Jewish Pluralism. We have grave concerns that the proposals now under consideration by the current government of Israel are a threat to K’lal Yisrael — the Unity of the Jewish People — and endanger the rights of non-Orthodox Jews in Israel and throughout the Diaspora. The Supreme Court of Israel has protected the rights of Jews who choose to identify with egalitarian and Progressive Judaism. The Jewish character of the Jewish State must reflect all of us.
We believe…
The strength of any liberal democracy is measured by how it protects the rights of its minorities. We are especially concerned that the proposals will discriminate against women, LGBTQ+ people, and Palestinian citizens and residents of Israel.
We believe…
In the rule of law. We mourn for the Israelis who were attacked by terrorists in recent weeks; we pray for the recovery of the injured; and we decry the recent attacks against the people of Huwara.
We believe…
We stand in common cause with the majority of Israelis – including our relatives, students, teachers, and friends. As Pesach, the Season of Our Freedom, approaches, we pray… For an outcome which will allow for these beliefs to guide the future of Israel
and the Jewish People – חפשי עם להיות – in freedom.