Reform Movement Leaders Reaffirm Commitment to Racial Justice, Condemn Movement for Black Lives Platform Language on Israel
In response to the release of the Movement for Black Lives Policy Platform, Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner, Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, issued the following statement on behalf of the Union for Reform Judaism, the Central Conference of American Rabbis, ARZA: The Association of Reform Zionists of America, the American Conference of Cantors, Men of Reform Judaism, and the North American Federation of Temple Youth. "We reject wholeheartedly the notion that effective anti-racism work can only be done by denouncing and excoriating Israel."
URJ President To Israel: Protect The Village Of Susya
Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), sent the following letter today in response to reports of Israel's plans for the destruction of the Palestinian village of Susya:
Dear Ambassador Dermer:
I am writing on behalf of the Union for Reform Judaism with concern about and opposition to reports of plans for the destruction of the Palestinian village of Susya.
URJ President Speaks to Knesset Committee on Anti-Semitism in the U.S.
Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President of the Union for Reform Judaism, spoke this morning before the Israeli Knesset’s Committee for Immigration, Absorption and Diaspora Affairs at its hearing on anti-Semitism in the United States. Rabbi Jacobs was the only American to speak at the hearing, which was also broadcast on the Knesset’s television channel.
URJ Leadership Mission Meets With Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah
Contact: Lauren Theodore at 212-650-4154
“We clearly did not agree on everything, nor did we expect to. We were warmly received, and our conversation was positive.”
Rabbi David Saperstein Joins URJ and RAC as Senior Advisor for Policy and Strategy
Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) President Rabbi Rick Jacobs announced today that Rabbi David Saperstein will return to the URJ senior staff as Senior Advisor for Policy and Strategy. He will assume this new position as of April 1, 2017.
Union for Reform Judaism and Ruderman Family Foundation Deepen Partnership On Disabilities Inclusion Work
The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) and the Ruderman Family Foundation (RFF) today announced the strengthening of their important partnership supporting the URJ’s vital work around disabilities inclusion.
The RFF has contributed close to $1 million to the URJ in a unique partnership for disabilities inclusion awareness work, including a new $300,000 grant over two years for the URJ RFF Disabilities Inclusion Initiative.
URJ President Rabbi Rick Jacobs Responds to Senate Confirmation of David Friedman as U.S. Ambassador to Israel
Reform Movement Urges Congregations to Protect Undocumented Immigrants Facing Deportation with New Resolution
Reform Jewish Congregations are being urged to protect undocumented immigrants facing deportation. The Union for Reform Judaism’s North American Board of Trustees took this historic step in response to the growing concern about an increase in deportation activity by federal authorities and Congress’s failure to comprehensively address immigration reform. This resolution responds to the urgent need of undocumented immigrants living in fear of deportation. The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) and Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR) have historically stood with immigrants and refugees, and this resolution provides guidance and support for congregations doing this vital work today.