Reform Movement Welcomes Presbyterian Church’s Rejection of Divestment

This week, the Presbyterian Church (USA)’s General Assembly has been considering a number of proposed resolutions, including one that would result in the Church’s divestment from companies that do business with Israel. The debate on this resolution went late into the night last night, ultimately failing by a 333-331 vote with two abstentions.

Rabbi Saperstein welcomed PC(USA)’s rejection of divestment, stating that such proposals are “misguided, unjustified, and harmful, doing nothing to advance the cause of peace or improve the lives of Palestinians or Israelis.”

He also expressed the Movement’s appreciation for the key players in last night’s victory:

“We are deeply appreciative of the persistence of the many national and local leaders who continue to reject this counter-productive approach in the face of such persistent pressure. We commend the Reform Movement’s local rabbis and lay leaders who reached out to Presbyterian colleagues and interfaith partners to ensure that this initiative was unsuccessful.”

Rabbi Steve Gutow, President of the Jewish Council of Public Affairs, noted that: “This was not just a major defeat for the divestment movement. It was a victory for peace.”

Read Rabbi Saperstein’s full statement here.