Reform Jewish Movement Lauds Passage of Hate Crimes Amendment
Saperstein: "The Senates vote for the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act is a celebration of tolerance and respect and will give law enforcement the tools necessary to battle hate-motivated violence."
Reform Jewish Leader Praises Administration's Plan to Bar LGBT Discrimination in Federal Contracts
Rabbi Saperstein: "It is our moral imperative to build a fair society where all people are judged by the merit of their work and not by their sexual orientation or gender identity."
Contact: Max Rosenblum or Sophie Golomb
Rabbi Saperstein's Remarks at Stand Strong with Israel Rally
Contact: Max Rosenblum or Deborah Goldberg
202.387.2800 | news@rac.org
Senate Filibuster of Hobby Lobby Fix Bill Shows Continuing Disregard for Women's Health
Rabbi Saperstein: "The women of America deserve more than to have their rights thwarted by a filibuster, and we hope that the Senate will revisit this legislation in the coming weeks and months.
Mitzvah Corps: Summer in Washington Kindles Flame of Justice in Jewish Teens
Rabbi Namath: "The next generation of activists will, through their actions and leadership, bring about a world that is more whole and just."
Contact: Max Rosenblum or Alexa Broida
202.387.2800 | news@rac.org
Recent Spate of Anti-Semitic Incidents Prompts Alarm
Rabbi Saperstein: "The attacks on three synagogues and anti-Israel demonstrations that spill into violence against Jews are painful reminders that anti-Semitism continues to plague too many Jewish communities."
Contact: Max Rosenblum or Sophi
Reform Movement Praises Voices of Calm and Moderation in Israel
Contact: Max Rosenblum or Deborah Goldberg
news@rac.org | (202) 387-2800
On the 50th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act
Rabbi Saperstein: "On this crucial anniversary we reaffirm our commitment to carrying on the legacy bequeathed to us by a generation of civil rights activists to bring about a world that is more whole and just."
Contact: Max Rosenblum or Char
Unanimous Vote on Iron Dome Funding Vital to Israel's Security; Hamas Violation of Ceasefire Condemned
In response to the unanimous U.S. Senate vote authorizing emergency aid for Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system, Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President of the Union for Reform Judaism, issued the following statement:
The news this morning that Hamas violated the agreed upon 72 hour humanitarian cease fire, killed two IDF soldiers, and kidnapped Givati Brigade Officer Hadar Goldin is as outrageous as it is predictable. Our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Goldin and his family, as well as the families of the all the IDF soldiers who have been killed since the start of Operation Protective Edge. We also pray for all the innocents who have suffered throughout the past several weeks of warfare. It is tragic that Hamas' unwillingness or inability to abide by the terms of the ceasefire to which it agreed has now led directly to renewed bloodshed.
URJ President Rabbi Jacobs Responds to Reports of Murdered Arab Teen
Jerusalem, July 2, 2014 - In response to reports of the death of an Arab teenager in what may be an act of revenge for the murders of Naftali Fraenkel, Gilad Shaar, and Eyal Yifrach, Rabbi Rick Jacobs issued the following statement: