URJ Responds to Accusations Reportedly Made By Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas
Union for Reform Judaism President Rabbi Rick Jacobs issued the following statement reacting to reports of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas’ invocation of the classic anti-Semitic canard of water poisoning:
It is deplorable that Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas engaged in spreading libelous accusations against Israeli rabbis in his remarks to the European parliament today. This persistent lie dates back thousands of years and is no more true today than it was in medieval ages.
URJ Responds To UUA Rejection of Divestment From Israel
Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), issued the following statement today reacting to a vote taken on June 25th at the General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association defeating a resolution to support Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) against Israel:
URJ's Rabbi Rick Jacobs on Knesset's New Mikvaot Bill
Rabbi Rick Jacobs, Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) President, commented today on a new bill being promoted by the Haredi parties in the Israeli Knesset. The bill seeks to overturn a recent Israeli Supreme Court decision to allow Reform and Conservative conversions in state-controlled mikvaot (ritual baths).
Reform Leader Condemns Horrific Attack on Orlando Nightclub
In response to the tragic violence in Orlando, Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner, Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism issued the following statement:
The horrific violence in Orlando shakes us to our very core. The staggering loss of life, yet again facilitated by a military-style weapon that has no place on the street, causes us deep pain. We pray for those who were murdered, for healing of body and soul for the injured, and for comfort to the families of all who were present in Pulse nightclub.
We are grateful to law enforcement, the first responders, and all those volunteers who are helping during this crisis.
URJ's Rabbi Rick Jacobs On Today's Prayer Service At The Western Wall's National Plaza
Rabbi Rick Jacobs, Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) President, issued the following statement:
“Today’s prayer service, 500 strong, at the National Plaza adjacent to the Kotel represents simply the legitimate right of the Jewish people to gather in prayer as we have done in that holy place for millennia. The National Plaza, especially, must be a place where all Jews are treated equally and no stream of Judaism has a monopoly."
Reform Movement Condemns Iranian Regime for Violence Against Protestors
Pelavin: "The Reform Movement stands firmly by the freedom fighters in their struggle against the oppressive Iranian regime, as we uphold the Jewish ideal to 'seek peace and pursue it."
Lauding Senate Passage, Reform Jewish Movement Urges Conferees to Ensure Healthy Future for All
WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 24, 2009 - In response to the Senate passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act this morning, Mark Pelavin, Associate Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, issued the following statement:
Emerging Copenhagen Accord Inspires Hope for Climate Action
Emerging Copenhagen Accord Inspires Hope for Global Climate Action Saperstein: "As we continue to tackle climate change, we must stay true to our responsibility by ensuring, through effective international agreements, that all global citizens are protected from climate
Senate Health Care Vote Signifies Progress, but Bill Lacks Key Elements
Pelavin: "This bill constitutes a significant step toward establishing health care coverage as a right and not a privilege in our country."
Contact: Kate Bigam
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Reform Movement Appaulds Bipartisan House Vote for Targeted Iran Sanctions
Yoffie: "The United States must be ready to employ stronger economic tactics to curtail Irans threatening nuclear efforts, and todays vote brings us closer to that goal."